If you want to go far, go together: Vishal Parkash ‘27 and Charles Hamilton ‘25 launch startup Econovize

With a shared passion for problem-solving and social innovation, Vishal Parkash ‘27 and Charles Hamilton ‘25 have recently co-founded a startup called Econovize: a web-based platform built to facilitate interpersonal connections for business ideas, creative projects, and other collaborative goals.

“Econovize connects people both locally and internationally,” Vishal and Charles explain, “allowing them to collaborate towards specific goals and projects.” It serves as a matchmaking platform where users can upload “opportunities”—ideas, projects, or tasks they’d like to bring to life—and then connect with collaborators who have the skills or resources to help make those ideas real. But Econovize doesn’t just rely on traditional payment methods; it introduces a unique approach to value exchange.

“In economics, we learn that consumers are preferential individuals,” Vishal says. “Value is not a static concept that is universal, but is shaped by social, cultural, individual, and economic factors.” Through Econovize, users are encouraged to define their own desired forms of compensation, such as networking or skill-sharing.

The startup came to life when Charles and Vishal were introduced to each other through their Bard College Berlin network. Charles, who previously launched two successful companies by the age of 19, had been developing the idea for over a year when he was introduced to Vishal by Lauren Gaillard, BCB’s Director of Equal Opportunity, Participation and Nondiscrimination, who has also worked in the tech industry.

Together, they bring complementary strengths to the table—Charles with his background in engineering, creativity, and entrepreneurship, and Vishal with his experience in navigating the fast-paced world of tech and finance.

Econovize also draws from deeply personal motivations. “Coming from families that were not of means, we were always forced to think in unconventional ways to engineer unconventional solutions to the problems that we wanted solved,” Charles explains.

While Econovize was born outside the traditional classroom, its foundation was also shaped by the liberal arts environment at BCB. Vishal and Charles both see their work as part of a larger movement that bridges academic inquiry with entrepreneurial spirit. They envision a future at BCB where students are empowered to turn ideas into action through, for example, pitch competitions and access to academic and professional networks. “We think everyone has an idea,” states Vishal, “and all that they might need are resources.”

Charles and Vishal conclude, “Whether it be networking, visibility, collaborative experience, or a first shot at opportunity, we find inspiration in the African proverb that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.’”

Learn more about Econovize and try the platform out for yourself here.

Post Date: 07-28-2025