real-world opportunity to put their classroom learning into practice with every pitch they made. A handful of off-campus businesses agreed, as well as UIndy Dining. Results were promising enough to catch outside attention—and provide another crash course in applied business skills. Jones finalized the sale of Rateo in August to a New York-based businessman for an undisclosed amount.
“It’s not just the product that makes the business, but it’s the culture that you have around the business,” said Jones. “I knew if I wanted this to be legitimate, I’d better have some people who are smarter than me by my side.” Rateo offers custom Near-Field Communication, or NFC, chip cards that allow customers to leave reviews simply through
a tap of their phone or a quick form on an iPad. Four- and five-star reviews go immediately to the customer’s platform of choice like Tripadvisor or Yelp. Low ratings are sent to the business owner so that they can reach out to the customer and handle the issue privately. “That’s what makes us different in the review capture space—the streamlined nature and efficiency of it all,” said McClure. “All customers have to do is click a link and they’re there. Most people are willing to leave a review. It’s just that they forget 90% of the time.” The collaboration went far beyond just Jones and McClure. School of Business faculty like Carissa Newton, assistant professor of practice in marketing and director of the Stephen F. Fry Scholars Program, helped hone the pitch. Eric Harvey, assistant professor of practice, guided the contract establishing Rateo LLC. Other Entrepreneurship Club members helped as well.
More than money, the experience has given Jones and McClure a front-row seat to the realities of entrepreneurship. McClure wants to continue to build his business acumen in preparation for a role in finance, perhaps working in strategic finance and investment strategy. For Jones, this encounter has only left him wanting more. After building and selling his first startup, Jones is now actively seeking investors to collaborate with on his next venture. While the future is bright for both Jones and McClure, they agree they couldn’t have done it without the foundation provided by the classes and environment at the University of Indianapolis—a place where ideas are tested, skills are sharpened and students are encouraged to take bold steps without fear of failure. “UIndy has really expedited my growth both personally and professionally,” said McClure. “Learning how to connect with
“UIndy has really expedited my growth both personally and professionally. Learning how to connect with others and have that real-world experience to where I’m not just a number. People see the value in me and build those connections rather than just a transactional relationship.”
—Drew McClure ’26 ’27 (Finance, MBA)
others and have that real-world experience to where I’m not just a number. People see the value in me and build those connections rather than just a transactional relationship.” “We are surrounded by some really impressive people at UIndy,” added Jones. “Other students are competitive, they’re hungry, they’re driven and that motivates me to match their energy and do even more.”
“It comes back to the culture at UIndy,” said McClure. “Being able to connect with people has been truly valuable. Leadership like [Dean] Dr. Karl Knapp and Dr. Allison Snyder instilled the confidence in us to be able to run with it.” Jones and McClure hit the streets to recruit local businesses to serve as pilots to test and improve the app. It was a
Keegan Jones (left) and Drew McClure took a trip to New York after the sale of their app, Rateo.
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MAGAZINE // WINTER 2025
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