Post-pandemic, Davies discovered another important business opportunity. Now, he could network almost entirely online, a “new normal” in today’s business environment, offering access to significantly more diversity. For instance, in the pilot internship program, only one hire was DC-based.

The company’s international collaboration was especially impactful. Leveraging their presence on Reddit, Davies and Toppi hired a team of Nepalese coders to develop Cassette Technology’s first piece of software. The team created a Reddit bot for playlist sharing; each time a Reddit user posted a playlist, the bot duplicated the music on different streaming platforms, providing immediate cross-platform access to music.

The Nepalese-powered bot was a strategic trial run for Davies, made possible by his extended digital network—and AUCI’s backing. “For us and other AUCI ventures, this hybrid model is one positive outgrowth of the pandemic,” says Davies. “I feel I know these people, but we’ve never met in person.”

Kogod’s Private Equity and Venture Capital Club was also instrumental in fueling his professional network. The student-managed organization offers education and partnership opportunities within the private equity field—which, for Davies, means meeting others who share his passion for innovation.

“What’s special about this group, especially in venture capital, is they’re interested in business growth,” says Davies. “You get to bounce ideas off people, ask questions. There’s a lot of networking.”

Davies has just started his first full-time job in finance with Huntington National Bank. As a mid-core credit analyst, Davies evaluates and determines different companies’ overall value—a skill he plans to use in entrepreneurship. He hopes to leverage his knowledge of banks’ funding protocols to help startup ventures grow.

“This is why I'm into venture capital and startups. I want to raise funds for people to provide opportunities,” says Davies. “That's what I'm into and passionate about.”

Davies continues to grow Cassette Technologies, working with cofounder Toppi to code and launch the company’s website. His long-term goal is to create an iOS and Android app to serve as the company’s digital hub. He envisions an accessible, mobile-optimized platform where all digital music subscribers can share and engage with each other’s music.

Ultimately, Cassette Technologies is about facilitating meaningful connections. In a world united by the click of a button—yet divided by different regions, cultures, and preferences—Davies wants to innovate how we find common ground.

"The best way to understand others is through shared experience. We want to bring people together," says Davies.