Melvin Leon Hines

Upswing International, Inc. develops and operates an online platform which provides academic support to students. It includes AdviseUp, AskUp, TutorUp and Ana solutions. It allows students to schedule and receive advice from college's advisors through Upswing; MentorUp, which connects students with mentors to enhance support for many of the non-academic parts of college and TutorUp that leverages own tutors and connect students with the Upswing network of coaches. The company was founded by Melvin Hines Jr., Alex Pritchett, Chris Webb and Monique McNellie in 2013 and is headquartered in Austin, TX.

Council for Entrepreneurial Development provides an interactive forum for entrepreneurs, investors, service professionals, academicians, researchers and public policy makers. Its services and programs include connections to capital, venture mentoring, and signature conferences empower member companies to go further. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Durham, NC.