Founders take the mic at new WEC pitch event

The 2025 Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference introduced a new, high-energy feature this year: the Open Mic pitch session.

Held the morning of June 5, the session was emceed by Spencer Smith, owner of Madison-based AmpliPhi Digital. He welcomed 26 early-stage founders to the stage to deliver two-minute pitches to a room full of Wisconsin startup community members.

There were no slides, no audience questions—just a mic, a tight time limit, and a chance to make an impression. The informal, party-like atmosphere was amped up with flashing lights and a DJ spinning high-energy walk-up songs for each presenter.

Below is a list of the founders and the emerging companies they represent.

Presenter Fadel Alrabiah of Madison-based Quantra Solutions, an AI-driven technology designed to aid retailers to optimize product stocking, minimize returns, and enhance operational efficiency.

Presenter Ophir Ben-Yitschak of Milwaukee-based Relavanti by Scopia, an event planning and travel technology startup that uses AI and machine learning.

Presenter Aaron Colcord of Milwaukee-based Voyager.AI, creators of “compliance-powered AI for financial institutions.”

Presenter Scott Coller of Milwaukee-based Gesund Health Data, a company “leveraging AI enablement to improve how underwriters assess risk.”

Presenter Craig Doriot of Appleton-based MyStage Music, providers of live music listing in the Wisconsin market. The company is developing tools to help local musicians generate more income and discover more opportunities.

Presenter Dan Fogarty of Madison-based Talkbox AI, an AI tool to aid content creation.

Presenter Matt Forso of Antigo-based Lazy Eye Hot Sauce, a habanero-based hot sauce.

Presenter Sandeep Gopalakrishnan of Milwaukee-based Auxillium Health, a health-tech company using AI to improve wound care.

Presenter Chris Gross of Wisconsin-based Carbon Footing, a company integrating carbon offset solutions into property transactions, to help reduce the environmental impact of development and ownership.

Presenter Tanisq Govindraj of Madison-based Jawahar, an emerging generative AI-based company.

Presenter Colin Guest of Madison-based Syrenn, an AI-based tool to train sales representatives.

Presenter Christina Henderson of Madison-based Reliable Residence, a company offering short-term rental options for medical student and traveling care providers.

Presenter Nicole Hurd of Appleton-based EmpowHER Collective, an app to support moms and dads from pregnancy to parenthood.

Presenter Arul Maria Jayapal of an Appleton-based Stealth Mode Company, an “AI platform that connects enterprise and shop floor data to deliver real-time analytics and recommendations directly to the shop floor to boost production efficiency.”

Presenter Michael Kuzminski of Milwaukee-based CyberTalent.AI, a AI-based talent recruiting tool.

Presenters Ronald Brooks and Donna McIntee-Brooks of Wisconsin-based PetBliss/4FUR, an animal grooming tool.

Presenter James Mullooly of Playbright, LLC, a multi-player game to teach conflict resolution and geo-politics.

Presenter Brenna Osborne of Wisconsin-based Be-YOU-tiful By Bren, a photography and brand creation company.

Presenter Dr. Nicole Rogus-Pulia of Madison-based SafeSavor, a company providing nutritious prepared meals designed for people with difficulty swallowing.

Presenter Nick Sonnentag of Appleton-based Sunnyday Technologies, a company working with 3D concrete printing.

Presenter Zane Stein of Madison-based Synatech Solutions, a technology-development company.

Presenter AkkeNeel Talsma of Milwaukee-based MaternityMetrix, a health-tech tool designed to support the health of expectant mothers.

Presenter Sean Tepper of Milwaukee-based Tykr, an algorithm-driven platform designed to help retail investors make more informed stock market decisions with confidence.

Presenter Troy Tesmer of Oconomowoc-based Soul Mobility, designers of a convertible wheelchair.

Presenter Kyle Wolf of Madison-based Vault Therapeutics, an early-stage biophysics company.

Presenter Walter Zimmerman of Hartland-based Stalwart Group, offering an app designed to increase attention span in users.