The Rise of Silicon Valley’s Next Gen

Marey, in flannel and hat, with Team Access 360 posing after winning first place at Santa Clara University’s 2025 Hackathon. Photo provided by Andrey Marey

Silicon Valley thrives on ambition and innovation. For Ryan Pool ’26, an undergraduate finance and economics student, and Andrey Marey ’26, a fellow student studying computer science and math, college life isn’t just about academics; it’s also where they’re balancing the demands of school while launching their own startups.

Pool and Marey turn their ideas into reality in one of the world’s most competitive tech environments. Pool is the CEO and co-founder of Careergate, a platform that helps startups connect with university students. Marey, an AI and cybersecurity enthusiast, is working to launch Vivora; The AI-powered tool is expected to provide students with personalized study materials from uploaded coursework.

After a summer dedicated to refining Careergate, Pool and his co-founder faced a new challenge when classes resumed, having to balance their coursework with the new demands of their growing startup. 

“Balancing school and running a business makes us focus on what’s important,” Pool said. “To succeed, you have to be fully dedicated.” 

Marey has ambitious plans for Vivora. With a goal of launching the web application in 50 days and reaching 100,000 customers by the end of 2025, he’s determined to increase student engagement with the platform before graduation. “The hardest part is always taking the first step,” he said. “Once you start, things move quickly, especially if you have support.” 

That support has come from Chalkboard, a student-run entrepreneurial group at Santa Clara University that provides mentorship and networking opportunities. Both Pool and Marey credit Chalkboard for helping them stay on track. Pool emphasized its importance: “It keeps us motivated. We help each other stay focused, even when it’s tough to manage both school and our businesses.” 

"In Silicon Valley, entrepreneurship is a shared journey, driven by a network of innovators, mentors and peers who inspire each other to take risks," Marey said. "You're never really alone in this, and there’s always someone who’s been where you are and is willing to help.” Entrepreneurship is on the rise among young people. A report from Junior Achievement USA found that 61% of teens now consider starting a business a viable career path, indicating a growing shift away from traditional employment. The survey also indicates that many young people are increasingly drawn to entrepreneurship, suggesting a rising desire for career independence and control over their professional futures.

For Pool and Marey, Silicon Valley’s thriving startup scene offers the ideal setting to bring their ideas to life. Looking ahead, Pool hopes to make Chalkboard financially independent, whether through direct partnerships with investors or by growing their startups to reinvest in their own success. They hope to ensure that future student entrepreneurs have access to the same resources. Meanwhile, Marey envisions growing Vivora into a leading AI study tool while remaining in Silicon Valley’s tech industry after graduation. 

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? Start now. “College is the best place to try out new ideas and take risks,” Pool said. 

“If you have an idea, start today,” Marey added. “The experience will teach you valuable lessons.”