Loop Partners
Meet our team!
Varun Jain
Co-Founder
Varun Jain is a current Freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from Canberra, Australia. He is a Morehead-Cain and United World College Davis Scholar, and intends on majoring in Computer Science and Statistics and Operations Research. Varun's nomadic upbringing affords him an incredible amount of insight into ever shifting global socioeconomic landscape. His knowledge of both the developing and developed world led him to found Circle, a circular economy design consultancy that focused on advising institutions, organizations and governments on making the waste of today the resources of tomorrow, where he was in charge of client relations and employees. Varun has a vision to intersect environmental sustainability with emerging technologies through his knowledge of the circular economy and international policy.
Jay Sheth
Co-Founder
Jay is a first-year Morehead-Cain Scholar from Charleston, WV. Majoring in Economics and Computer Science with a minor in neuroscience, he hopes to connect innovation with a unique business model for Loop by heading the finances of the company.Through extensive experience in Student Government, he has honed his skills of leadership and effective public speaking.  Jay’s passion for fostering connections among communities drives him to bring Loop to the world around him. In his free time, Jay enjoys playing soccer, watching movies, and hiking.
Grant Everist
Co-Founder
Grant Everist is a first-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from Asheville, North Carolina. He is a language lover, an endearing brother, and an ambitious student. A Morehead-Cain Scholar, Grant plans to study behavioral economics, marketing, and entrepreneurship. He plays and active role in the sustainable business community of UNC through his leadership positions at Build The Hill and Carolina Sustainable Business Club. To him, Loop is more than just and way to transform transportation-- it’s an opportunity to improve safety, employment, and social interaction all while alleviating poverty. In his free time, he enjoys changing his major, looking for items he swears he just had but now can’t find, and arriving late to scheduled events.
Katie Brandao
Co-Founder
Katie is a first-year Morehead-Cain scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from Chattanooga, TN. Although she is currently studying computer science and art history, the opportunity to work with Loop Transport Networks has peaked her interest in the business world. As a student chaplain at her church, Katie has practiced the skill of people management while also focusing on the importance of compassion in the workplace. Her attention to detail and critical eye has helped Loop to more closely evaluate its business plan and decision making. In her free time, Katie enjoys doing the daily New York Times crossword puzzle and visiting art museums.
Nicholas Ashcraft
Co-Founder
Nicholas Ashcraft is a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill originally from Ecuador. As a computer science major, he brings technical knowledge relevant to app and website development. He also intends to minor in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. While attending the Stamford American International School in Singapore, he was the Public Relations Manager for United Singapore, an NGO dedicated to stimulating integration and unity among youths from all walks of life. His former role and experiences as PR Manager, bilingual proficiency in Spanish, and excellent interpersonal communication skills have been beneficial to his role in Loop. In his free time, Nick enjoys playing with his dog, Noodle, and binge-watching Netflix shows, and playing Clash Royale.
Preeyanka Rao
Co-Founder
Preeyanka is a freshman at UNC from Ridgewood, New Jersey. She is majoring in Pre-Health Policy & Management with minors in Entrepreneurship and Health & Societies. As the First Year Representative for the Student Advising Committee to the Chancellor, Preeyanka is constantly aware of the needs of UNC students and is always brainstorming new initiatives and policies to improve every student’s experience. Her passion for policy and serving the community has been valuable to her role within Loop. With intersecting interests in public policy and emerging technologies, she provides an analytical and exhaustive mindset that applies her foremost knowledge in these fields to create innovative sustainable solutions for an increasingly connected world. In her free time, Preeyanka enjoys photography, travel, and listening to music.
Jacob Smith
Co-Founder
Jacob Smith is a Computer Science major with the intention to minor in Business Administration and Entrepreneurship. Originally native to eastern North Carolina, he has spent the last two years at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, NC. He brings skills and prior experience with computer science to the team, with his research in computer science and role on the Software Development team for the UNC organization Students for the Exploration of Deep Space. Outside of this, he brings ideas and innovation with the skills to bring them to reality using his certifications in the UNC Maker Spaces and software know-how associated. He likes to bring value to the community, through clubs like Enrich by tutoring non-native English speakers, and sees Loop as an opportunity to better communities at scale.
