Hobart and William Smith Colleges

13 March 2026 • Entrepreneurship Charles ’27 Wins Pitch Finals

Duke Charles II ’27 receives $10,000 to develop a streetwear discovery app during the 2025 Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Competition.  

David Charles II ’27, also known as “Duke,” is the winner of the Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Contest for his venture The Wave, a digital platform designed to reshape how consumers discover emerging streetwear brands.

The Wave is a mobile app that connects shoppers with emerging fashion designers focused on ethical and sustainable production. The platform curates a rotating selection of brands, helping consumers discover authentic streetwear while giving early-stage designers meaningful exposure.

“You have a clear vision for the market you’re going after and you bring passion both as a consumer and as a storyteller.” Sabrina McKee Budd ’89, P’25, P’28

“You have a clear vision for the market you’re going after and you bring passion both as a consumer and as a storyteller,” Pitch judge Sabrina McKee Budd ’89, P’25, P’28 said to Duke. “A lot of people claim to have the “Uber” of their industry. You really do. Your idea to build community around this idea, and to help authenticate upcoming designers, that’s your competitive edge.”

The other Pitch judges included entrepreneur Alan Worden ’87, and founder of Navigate LLC Chris Zoladz ’81. McKee Budd advises growth-stage technology startups and acquisition strategy at Helen of Troy. 

Duke says he has always been a big fan of streetwear. As a high school student at St. Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., he founded a streetwear club for students interested in fashion and design. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Back2Baggy, for clothing resale, and Duke Cutz, his own barber business.

“Streetwear allows people to express themselves through original and creative clothing,” Duke says. “More importantly, streetwear is everywhere. I believe the future of streetwear is affordable, authentic and sustainable.”

Follow The Wave on Instagram here. 

Duke is majoring in business management and entrepreneurship and minoring in computer science. For two summers, he has interned at Farm Credit Financial Partners in client computing and service. On campus, he is a member of the Hobart football team and a Community Assistant.

Todd Feldman ’89 and his son Ari joined the standing-room-only crowd in the Vandervort Room to watch the final pitch presentations. In his remarks, Feldman reflected on why he and his family give annually to the competition. 

“We support The Pitch because we truly believe every person has at least one great idea in their lifetime. And the difference between that idea, and something real, just comes down to opportunity,” he said. 

The other finalists included Nicholas Jones ’26, Virgina Ritchay ’28 and Tru Styles ’27. They each received $500 for their efforts in the contest. The finals are the culmination of a 6-month journey. Starting with the Michael and Ellen Opell Idea Lab, students learn what it takes to put game changing ideas in to action. They formulate their pitch, are matched with a mentor and go through a rigorous selection process.

All finalists also received a one-year mentorship and did a Zoom pitch practice and meetings with Growth Craft, made possible by startup advisors Paul Zagaeski '75 and Charlie Pascal '01. 

The finalists were selected by the HWS Pitch Committee and special alumni guest judge Penry Prince ’91, founder and managing partner at Charcoal Advisors.

The Pitch is coordinated by Director of the Bozzuto Center and Associate Professor of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Craig Talmage.

In the photo above, Todd Feldman, Ari Feldman, Duke Charles and President Mark D. Gearan gather for a photo.