Tykr: Startup makes investing more accessible

Milwaukee-based Tykr is one of 52 companies named a semi-finalist in the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Contest, presented by the Wisconsin Technology Council. Founded by Sean Tepper in 2020, the startup has built an algorithm-driven platform designed to help retail investors make more informed stock market decisions with confidence.

Tykr started as an algorithm to quickly assess stocks, but it has since evolved into an educational platform that empowers users to invest independently. “A lot of our customers were saying, ‘I really just want to do this on my own with confidence.’ So, we leaned into education,” Tepper explained.

A different kind of investing platform

Tykr’s platform provides an array of features to support investors of all levels. Users can access stock and ETF analysis, educational modules, and AI-powered research tools that condense hours of analysis into seconds. The system assigns ratings based on Warren Buffett-style value investing principles, focusing on financial fundamentals such as revenue, cash flow, and debt-to-equity ratios.

Tepper emphasizes that the company’s primary goal is to empower investors with knowledge and tools that increase confidence. “The number one thing people care about most is confidence,” he said. “It’s not about getting rich quickly—it’s about knowing that you’re making smart decisions with your money.”

Tykr’s subscription-based model offers three tiers, with higher levels providing advanced features such as broker integration, a technology upgrade currently in development. The feature, expected to launch in Q2 2025, will allow users to sync their investment accounts directly with the platform, making it easier to track portfolio performance across multiple brokerages. “A lot of customers are really looking forward to this,” Tepper said.

A decade-long journey to launch

Tepper’s path to launching Tykr spanned more than a decade. Like many retail investors, he followed popular stock picks without a clear strategy. In 2015, he decided to take a more structured approach and began studying Buffett-style investing, building an Excel model to analyze stock performance. The tool helped him achieve returns between 15% and 50% annually, far surpassing the results of financial advisors he had previously used.

Encouraged by feedback from early users, Tepper turned the spreadsheet into a software product. “It was a 10-year journey to find an idea that had real potential,” he said. “We took a year to build the first version, launched in 2020, and now we have over 12,000 customers in more than 50 countries.”

Contest entry

Despite Tykr’s success, Tepper hadn’t considered entering the Governor’s Business Plan Contest until a friend encouraged him to apply. The competition, which culminates in June, showcases promising early-stage startups across Wisconsin. Tykr is one of 15 semi-finalists headquartered in the Milwaukee 7 region.

Regardless of the contest outcome, Tepper remains focused on Tykr’s mission—helping investors take control of their financial futures. “If you can do this on your own confidently, that’s the best feeling in the world,” he said.

The full list of Milwaukee 7 startups named semi-finalists in the competition is available on MKEStartup.News.