REgroup
Rethinking Entrepreneurship
At REgroup, we study and support founders who are bold in their mission to create great companies that also embody human centered entrepreneurship principles.
Our goal is to create a new normal for founders, empowering the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs to turn ideas into impactful ventures.
ABOUT
Human-Centered Entrepreneurship
Human-Centered Entrepreneurship (HCE) is about understanding that every company has an impact on society. Our mission is to provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn, collaborate, and grow their companies. Through a human-centered approach, we aim to revolutionize the way entrepreneurship is practiced.
We are a group of researchers and students in the fields of Human-Centered Design & Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Human-Computer Interaction & Design who are exploring how design and entrepreneurship can be combined to create new kinds of companies.
Human-Centered Design (noun)
Human-Centered Design (HCD) is a philosophy and a process for designing products and experiences that focus on solving problems and creating value for customers. HCD incorporates principles of universal design, sustainability, UX, user research, while also considering the contexts within which users live.
Entrepreneurship (noun)
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying and pursuing opportunities to create goods and services through creativity and resourcefulness. It includes various forms, such as commercial, social, and sustainable ventures, and can occur within new businesses or established organizations as intrapreneurship.
Our
Entrepreneurial
Minds
Our team at REgroup are a unique blend of innovators, academics, and experts in UX research and design. Our minds are driven by curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to human-centered solutions.
Beth Kolko
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, SHIFT LABS
HCDE Professor, she co-founded and was CEO of Shift Labs, developing low-cost medical devices for emerging markets. She has held roles at the Makerbot Foundation, Microsoft Research, and Harvard’s Berkman Center. A Fulbright professor and global lecturer, she has also worked extensively with NGOs in Cambodia, India, Kyrgyzstan, Indonesia, and Kenya.
Alexis Hope
CO-FOUNDER, FOCUSED
Matt Shobe
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, MIGHTY AI
HCDE Alum, co-founded and served as CPO of Mighty AI, an AI data management startup, acquired by Uber. Matt also established a Seattle engineering office for Rebellion Defense, was an entrepreneur-in-residence at Seattle’s Pioneer Square Labs, and is co-founder of Seattle Foundations.
Josh LaMar
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, AMPLINATE
HCDE alumn who is a Co-founder and CEO of Amplinate, a partner that helps tech companies fast-track product strategy to save millions by building the right product for the right people domestically and internationally.
Resources
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Who We Are
2025 COHORT
Proxi
MarTech
A dynamic mapping and location services platform that empowers marketers, cities, and individuals to create interactive, user-friendly maps.
Melinda Haughey
CO-FOUNDER
Melinda is an entrepreneur and PhD candidate in Human-Centered Design & Engineering. She is the founder of Proxi and has a background in technology and design thinking, Melinda is passionate about building intuitive solutions that bridge digital experiences with real-world impact.
Brevity AI
MedTech
Improving patient outcomes by leveraging AI to empower surgeons with actionable insights. Brevity's platform creates surgical "game tape" to supercharge surgical skill and reduce patient risk factors.
Jack Patten
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Jack is an HCDE alum who brings extensive experience from Microsoft, Universal Studios Theme Parks, and Alaska Airlines, where he led initiatives focused on safety and risk management. His strategic vision drives our mission to support surgeons with actionable performance insights.
Ariel Koh
CO-FOUNDER & CPO
Ariel is an HCDE alum who is passionate about creating intuitive, impactful experiences. He leads product development, ensuring our innovative medical AI solutions streamline surgical review and improve documentation.
Ammara Qureshi
Master’s student in Human-Computer Interaction + Design with a background in molecular and cellular biology. Specialized in design research and accessibility, creating intuitive and inclusive digital experiences. She has worked on projects ranging from health tech to smart automotive interfaces, bridging technology and user needs.
Emma Robins
B.S. student in Human Centered Design & Engineering, drawn to the field for its unique combination of technical problem-solving, empathy, and a deep understanding of human needs. She is particularly passionate about creating solutions that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility.