Innovation in action: Four local founders share their paths to success

Charlotte is rapidly emerging as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship — and UNC Charlotte is helping lead the charge.

Get up to date: The university recently surpassed 32,000 students, broke into the top 75 public universities in the nation and earned prestigious R1 research status.

Why it's important: That momentum extends beyond campus, fueling growth across the Queen City and the region.

As part of Niner Nation Week: Homecoming 2025, UNC Charlotte and Axios Charlotte hosted a panel featuring four local entrepreneurs:

• Dalton Espaillat, founder and CEO of Raydal Hospitality (Sabor Latin Street Grill, La Caseta and Three Amigos)
• Kate Frear, co-founder and CEO of Joyntly
• Kwame Molden, co-founder and President of SPGBK Watches
• Abhishek Mehta, founder and CEO of Tresata

The story: The four founders hit the stage at CO-LAB at UNC Charlotte Center to unpack what makes Charlotte a great place to build a business and how the city continues to shape its success.

• Reflecting on his experience starting Sabor Latin Street Grill, Espaillat said Charlotte offers room to grow without the competition you'd find in larger markets like New York.
• Mehta agreed, noting Charlotte's "culture, climate and capital" make it ideal for founders ready to define their own lane like he did.

Okay, but: In order for Charlotte to become a city known for its deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, there's room for improvement.

• Frear pointed out that the entrepreneurs on stage had just met for the first time, emphasizing the need for a more connected network. She also mentioned the importance of a central hub for mentorship and funding.
• Molden, whose watches are now on national shelves, hopes Charlotte will continue to rally around local retailers. He referenced the recent hype around Zara coming to SouthPark, and said he'd love to see the same energy for homegrown brands.
• Espaillat added that the Charlotte community's support for local businesses is undeniable, but even established local businesses have to constantly advocate for themselves — noting that customers still assume Sabor is a regional chain.
• Mehta agreed: "We don't beat our chest enough, and we as a city need to celebrate Charlotte."

A common thread among the panelists is their connection to UNC Charlotte and how their Niner roots have shaped their paths.

• "I felt really equipped to run my own business," said Molden, who earned an MBA from the Belk College of Business while working in banking and building his brand. "I owe everything to UNC Charlotte."
• "UNC Charlotte taught me to be a trailblazer," added Frear, who earned a Ph.D. in organizational science and master's in sociology at Charlotte. "I learned you could take risks. I was surrounded by people trying new and different things throughout my graduate program."
• Espaillat, who graduated with an engineering degree, credits the alumni network for helping his business grow and gain visibility.

To close out, each panelist offered advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:

• Espaillat: "Stick to one thing that you do well and be the best at it."
• Frear: "Curiosity is more valuable than expertise."
• Molden: "Focus on the communities you represent…and tell your brand's story well."
• Mehta: "Chase your idea, not the money."

The takeaway: Charlotte's innovation economy is just heating up, and UNC Charlotte is ensuring that local talent isn't just joining the movement, but leading it.

See how UNC Charlotte helps innovators turn bold ideas into thriving ventures.