William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership

Josh Taylor headshot

SMU and MassChallenge Launch Fintech Coalition and Accelerator

by | Oct 7, 2026
The MassChallenge-run SMU Cox FinTech Accelerator will select up to 15 fintech startups for the annual program. The accelerator opened applications Oct. 6 and will accept them through Nov. 19.
MORE►
SMU Cox Spears Institute Appoints Former Shondaland Leader to Global Ambassador Role
by | Jan 15, 2026
Megha Tolia's new role is designed to expand the institute’s international reach and amplify its mission to empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. She'll continue in her role as a co-founding director of the Spears Institute alongside her husband, Nirav Tolia, founder and CEO of Nextdoor.
MORE►
Veteran Leader Named Managing Director of SMU’s Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership
by | Mar 13, 2024
Joshua Taylor will be responsible for leading the institute’s goals, programs, and operations, in alignment with the overall mission and vision of SMU Cox, co-founding directors Megha Tolia and Nirav Tolia, and benefactor Dr. William S. Spears.
MORE►
Nextdoor Co‑Founder Nirav Tolia on Creating Community, Building Teams, and Learning From Failure
by | Sep 21, 2023
During Dallas Startup Week, the entrepreneur and executive—a Highland Park resident who Yahoo employee No. 84 before founding multiple tech companies—said "successes will spawn more successes" in the North Texas startup ecosystem.
MORE►