Rayshon Knight joins MEDC as Innovation Specialist to support growing startup pipeline

McKINNEY, Texas – The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) today announced the promotion of Troy Billett to Managing Director of the McKinney Innovation Exchange and the hiring of Rayshon Knight as Innovation Specialist. 

The expanded team will lead MEDC’s efforts to attract high-growth companies, support founders from initial engagement through scale, connect startups with capital and strategic partners, and strengthen McKinney’s position as a North Texas hub for innovation.

The McKinney Innovation Exchange is MEDC’s expanded innovation platform, bringing together the organization’s internationally known Innovation Fund, founder programming, capital connections, ecosystem partnerships, and a new approximately 6,000-square-foot collaborative space anticipated to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Billett previously served as MEDC’s Innovation Fund Manager. Since joining the organization with a background in venture capital and successfully running and exiting a startup, he has helped advance the Innovation Fund’s strategy, founder engagement, portfolio support, and partnerships

Launched in 2020, the Innovation Fund has provided non-dilutive capital to more than 50 early-stage technology companies, evaluated hundreds of startups, and supported business relocations, job creation, and capital investment in McKinney. 

In his new role, Billett will oversee strategy and operations of the McKinney Innovation Exchange, including the Innovation Fund, founder programming, capital introductions, portfolio support, and relationships with corporate, investor, and ecosystem partnerships.

“Troy has played an important role in strengthening the reach and credibility of MEDC’s innovation work,” said Michael Kowski, President and CEO of MEDC. “His elevation to Managing Director reflects the maturity of the program and our commitment to building a more complete pathway for founders. Troy understands our companies and partners, the community we’re building and promoting, and the standard we set for our organization.”

Knight joins the MEDC as Innovation Specialist and will support startup outreach, deal flow, company evaluation, portfolio engagement, Innovation Fund activity, and the day-to-day operations of the Exchange.  

Knight brings experience in analysis, public policy, and innovation. Most recently, he worked for a startup focused on AI research for domestic and global policy. His background will support MEDC’s work with founders, investors, and innovation partners. 

Together, Billett and Knight will enable the MEDC to move more quickly on founder outreach, company evaluations, and connections across McKinney’s growing innovation network. 

“The Innovation Fund proved McKinney could attract strong founders and deliver real economic impact,” said Billett. “The McKinney Innovation Exchange is about what comes next. With an expanded team, stronger capital and ecosystem connections, and a dedicated space for collaboration, we can help more companies build, grow, and stay here.”

The staffing announcement supports the continued rollout of the McKinney Innovation Exchange. While the Innovation Fund will remain a central source of non-dilutive startup capital, the McKinney Innovation Exchange expands MEDC’s approach by connecting funding with programming, partnerships, founder services, investor engagement, and physical space.

The approximately 6,000-square-foot McKinney Innovation Exchange offices are anticipated to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Located within District 121 alongside MEDC’s headquarters, the space will serve as a hub for founders, investors, corporate partners, and innovation organizations.

The McKinney Innovation Exchange offices will feature collaborative workspace, areas for startups and visiting partners, events and special programming, and a setting designed to help venture capitalists and founders connect. Once open, the space will give McKinney’s innovation activity a curated environment to gather, work, and grow.

More information about the McKinney Innovation Exchange and MEDC’s innovation initiatives is available at uniquemckinney.com/ix.

About the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The McKinney Economic Development Corporation promotes and sustains economic growth, job creation, and capital investment in the City of McKinney through strategic initiatives that support businesses of all sizes, from startups to global headquarters. For more information, visit www.uniquemckinney.com.

About the City of McKinney 

McKinney, Texas, is a fast-growing community in the Dallas-Fort Worth region known for its strong business climate, highly educated workforce, historic downtown, nationally recognized quality of life, and commitment to thoughtful growth. With a population of more than 240,000, McKinney has earned national recognition for its real estate market, public safety, parks, and overall livability, making it a premier destination for businesses, talent, and investment. For more information, visit McKinneyTexas.org.

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