Industry 4.0 2026 - Mentor Swarms
Living roster, sourced from the Google Calendar invites. Mentors are added as they confirm. Last updated June 14, 2026.
What this cohort needs help with:
Manufacturing scale-up & quality
Hardware into platforms & recurring revenue
Supply chain & international logistics
Go-to-market & early customers
Fundraising & investor access
Operations automation & AI
Positioning, storytelling & intros
Swarm #1
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET1
Franck Louis-Victor
Founder, Business Innovation Studio (former CEO, Ford Next)
Automotive and mobility innovation executive with 20+ years in connected vehicles, data, and new mobility ventures. Led Ford Next, Ford's venture and incubation arm, after heading new media and services innovation at Renault Group; today runs his own venture studio focused on new business models and turning products into platforms.
Key topics: hardware into platforms and recurring revenue; business-model design and corporate venturing; go-to-market; fundraising narrative.
2
Art Hughes
Enterprise technology & leadership executive
Enterprise technology and leadership executive with a strong track record across enterprise organizations, including enterprise AI adoption work: AI readiness, strategy and roadmaps, governance, and risk and compliance. Brings a senior, cross-functional view of how large organizations evaluate and adopt new technology.
Key topics: enterprise AI adoption strategy and roadmaps; AI governance, risk, and compliance; enterprise technology leadership; selling to and working with enterprise IT buyers (CIO/CISO).
3
Audrey Hollis gener8tor
Grants Director, gener8tor
Grants Director at gener8tor, with experience across the firm's accelerator and sustainability-focused programming. The cohort's inside connector to gener8tor's national network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners, and a strong sounding board for positioning and program strategy.
Key topics: warm introductions across the gener8tor network; positioning and storytelling; impact narrative for grants and mission-aligned investors; program strategy.
4
Rod Baradaran
Co-founder and CEO, rScan
Co-founder and CEO of rScan, a South Bend reverse-logistics and recommerce startup giving returned retail products a second life. A gBETA Indiana Industry 4.0 alum; rScan was named Startup of the Year at the 2025 Mira Awards. A strong peer mentor on building software, reaching early revenue, and navigating the Indiana ecosystem.
Key topics: validating demand and reaching early revenue; building software lean; balancing demand, supply and funding while scaling; circular economy; navigating gBETA and the Indiana ecosystem.
5
Evan Triggs
Founder, Coach Growth; Fractional VP of Sales, Sales Xceleration
Indianapolis-based sales strategist and fractional sales executive with ~20 years scaling revenue for founder-led companies. Founder of Coach Growth and a fractional VP of Sales with Sales Xceleration; previously VP of Sales at FleetWatcher (construction-tech SaaS), where he drove 10x growth and a founder exit. Hosts the Coach's Take Podcast.
Key topics: sales system and process design; founder-led to team-led sales transitions; ICP, positioning, and pipeline/CRM discipline; fractional sales leadership; scaling early traction into a repeatable engine.
Swarm #2
Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET1
EvoLink Systems
Bryan Frazier (Co-founder) + S. Sarason
Bryan co-founded EvoLink Systems, which builds modular, scalable data-center infrastructure from cross-laminated timber and steel, and is a member of the Purdue Innovates Accelerator. Decades of structural-steel and modular-construction experience and deep knowledge of building-material supply chains and turnkey fabrication. S. Sarason is on the EvoLink team; role being confirmed.
Key topics: modular fabrication and managing fabrication partners on quality, schedule and logistics; building-material and hardware supply chains; scaling physical systems.
2
Kendra Beutler
President, RoboSource
President of RoboSource, an Indiana process-automation company building robotic process automation and AI workflow tools, including ProcessCoach.ai, a 2026 Mira Awards finalist. A practical resource on automating operations and adopting AI inside a small company.
Key topics: practical low-cost automation; automating back-office and order operations as you scale; adopting AI in a small company; growing technical talent.
3
Robert "B." Rodenbeck
Innovation / R&D & startup executive (ex-Delta Faucet, Touch2O)
R&D and innovation executive who led the development and commercial launch of a category-defining smart hardware product (Delta's Touch2O faucet), and out-licensed a Class II de novo medical device through FDA clearance. Connected to Purdue's Daniels School of Business; an active gBETA Indiana mentor.
Key topics: hardware product development and IP strategy; embedding electronics into mature products; shipping in regulated environments; what enterprise buyers scrutinize before signing.
4
Trev Keane
Co-founder and Managing Director, Feenix Group
Managing Director of Feenix Group, the Irish esports and gaming agency formerly EPIC Global, which rebranded in 2024 after a 1.5M euro investment and is expanding with a US base. A career built on structuring commercial deals and partnerships in categories that did not exist before.
Key topics: brand partnerships and sponsorship; go-to-market in new categories; marketing to younger audiences; raising investment and US expansion.
5
Georgian Simion
Director of Advanced Manufacturing, NineTwelve
Director of Advanced Manufacturing at NineTwelve, supporting Indiana's Manufacturing Readiness work and consulting with manufacturers statewide. 25 years of manufacturing and engineering leadership, much of it building critical electronics for defense programs; Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt.
Key topics: lean manufacturing and quality; new-product introduction and repeatable production; production scale-up; Indiana Manufacturing Readiness resources and grants.
6
Chris Vannoy
Founder, Axiomatic (engineering delivery consulting)
Founder of Axiomatic, an Indianapolis engineering-delivery consultancy he started in 2024. Twenty-plus years building and leading software engineering teams across news media, ad agencies, marketing technology, and B2B SaaS, through acquisitions, scaling, and shutdowns. He embeds with teams to find the bottlenecks that slow shipping and get them delivering predictably, often roughly doubling velocity in 90 days, and coaches new engineering managers.
Key topics: turning a hardware product into shippable software and a platform; building an engineering team and process that ships predictably; software delivery at AI speed; engineering leadership and first-time manager coaching; post-acquisition and scaling diagnostics.
Swarm #0 - To be assigned
Mentor parked here until a session is confirmedTBD
Roger Downey
DHL
Associated with DHL, the global logistics and supply-chain company, which operates major distribution and returns facilities across Indiana. Exact role and session assignment being confirmed; if it sits in supply chain, expect strong advice on warehousing, fulfillment, international shipping, and reverse logistics.
Key topics: warehousing and fulfillment; international shipping and building distribution into new markets; reverse logistics; general operations.
Swarms #4, #5, #6
July 8, July 16, July 22, 2026 - lineup in progress-
Lineup in progress
Mentors added as they confirm on the calendar invites
Check back after each update.
Past Program Mentors
A running database of mentors from past gBETA Indiana programs, spanning nine programs from 2023 to 2026 (5G, Industry 4.0, and AgBioScience cohorts). Each mentor is listed once and ranked by how many of these programs they supported (most first), shown in the # Programs column. Backgrounds are compiled from public sources; startup names and contact details are kept confidential.
| Mentor | Role / Company | Bio | Industry | Function | Links | # Programs | Program(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael King | CoFounder, Chief Product Officer, LHP Engineering Solutions | Michael King is Founder & CEO for DAXEOS, an exciting new venture capital funded startup building the next-generation Digital Engineering Platform for Automotive Product Development. Prior to this role, Michael co-founded LHP’s Data Analytics & IoT Solutions group, where he delivered triple digit year on year growth in that business in short order, implementing large-scale Digital Transformation initiatives, Advanced Analytics, and a full range of Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities for major OEMs in the Transportation, Industrial, and Manufacturing industries. Prior to joining LHP, Michael was the or of Financial Systems Transformation and Enterprise Business Analytics for Cummins, the global leader in diesel engines. Before Cummins, Michael spent nearly 18 years at Boeing, where he held leadership roles in finance, manufacturing, and supply chain; including serving as the Finance Systems Leader for Boeing’s 787 Airplane Program. Michael earned Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Marketing from Eastern Washington University, and completed his Masters in Technology Management at the University of Washington. | Automotive & Mobility | Automation · B2B Sales · Business Development · Cybersecurity · Data and Analytics · Design Thinking · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Branding | 7 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Ralph Zerbonia | President and CEO, Universe Central Corporation | Ralph R. Zerbonia (He, His, Himself) President and CEO, Universe Central Corporation Please do Linkup! Born and lives in Youngstown, Ohio with his wife Bonnie. Married since 1974. Early career (1974) was in Insurance and Investments. In 1978 becoming a full-time, federally licensed Series 7 Registered Representative (Stockbroker) until the early 1990s. In 1984 founded and published his region’s major business publication, The Youngstown Warren Business Journal, which will celebrate 40 years in 2024. By 1988 was involved in the about-to-end electronic BBS business, developing community online operations. In 1995 founded and ran a large regional Internet Service provider and internet programming house. Created and operated Oplates.com the online vehicle registration site for the State of Ohio, becoming the world’s largest Deputy registrar with now over 2 million license plate registrations annually. Completed a research writing project in 2006 calling for a greater cybersecurity awareness and proposing solutions. Started and ran an Aquaponic training program for Youngstown High Schools in 2013. By 2018 was consulting full time on technology startups. He retired in 2021, truly hated it, and within a couple of months had quit. Currently involved in 3 startups, two e-commerce companies and one metaverse. He is a Microsoft Mixed Reality Partner and one of their DMP’s able to sell the Hololens 2 ly to customers. Maintains s in the Youngstown Business Incubator complex: Universe Central Corporation 241 West Federal Street, 3rd Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44503 “I find it energizing for my own creativity to be involved in mentoring and hope I bring value to the mentees!” – Ralph R. Zerbonia | Software & Internet | Business Development · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Software Development · Marketing · Pitching · Revenue Models · Sales · B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Branding · Design Thinking · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Education (K-12) · Fundraising · Workforce Development | 7 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Johann Villalvir | Founder & CEO, Just Gravitate | Johann is the co-founder and CEO of Gravitate, a startup using AI to make real estate investment more accessible to non-career investors. Johann has taught courses on AI at Butler and Rice University. When he's not diving into interesting datasets, he enjoys dancing salsa, bouldering, and biking on the Monon trail around the city. | Real Estate & PropTech | Automation · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Leadership and Management · Software Development | Just GravitateLinkedIn | 6 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Robert Rodenbeck | Innovation/R&D & startup exec (ex-Delta Faucet, Touch2O) | Bob Rodenbeck is an R&D and Innovation executive and has delivered breakthrough products in the Aerospace, Security, Plumbing and Medical Device industries. He brings a broad skillset including business, technology, and marketing augmented by a wide and diverse network. Bob led the Innovation and R&D team at the Delta Faucet Company for over 15 years, with signature innovations including the Industry first Touch2O faucet and H2O Kinetic fluidics technology. He also led the development and subsequent out license of a Class II de-novo Medical Device using a miniaturized ozone generator. Bob has a proven track record of developing breakthrough products through the gathering of deep consumer insights, introduction of new technology against those insights, and building the necessary capabilities (i.e. teams, partnerships and processes) to successfully commercialize the product. His experience and capabilities include Product Development, R&D, Intellectual Property, Innovation management, Long-range Visioning, Change Management, Team building, and Process & Capability building. | Hardware & Manufacturing | Design Thinking · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Intellectual Property and Licensing · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Product Development · Pitching · Product Research · Regulatory and Compliance | 6 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Allison Nordenbrock Brown | Founder + CEO, Norden Marketing | Allison is a marketer with a background in helping founders and revenue leaders communicate and scale marketing to reach their growth goals. After spending her early career championing marketing at a rapidly growing cybersecurity company, she experienced agency life and eventually decided to grow her own agency (Norden Marketing) full-time. Norden is a growth marketing agency that provides strategy and execution for B2B technology and professional services companies to help them unlock their potential. Through sales-conscious marketing efforts based on a scientific approach, their goal is to leverage the channels available in the most cost-effective way and avoid cash burn. Allison is midwest born and raised and lives in Indianapolis with her husband and dog. When she isn't working with founders, she likes to spend her time gardening and cooking and is currently training for her first sprint triathlon. | Marketing & Advertising | Cybersecurity · Branding · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Marketing · Pitching · B2B Sales | 5 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Andrey Soloviev | Principal, QuNav | Andrey Soloviev is a Principal at QuNav. QuNav primarily focuses on the development of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) solutions for commercial and government customers. The company actively participates in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The total amount of SBIR/STTR funding to date is over $12M. QuNav has also worked closely with various business partners (Northrop Grumman, Bosch, u-blox, Honeywell) to facilitate technology transitioning and commercialization. | Aerospace & Defense | B2B Sales · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Pitching · Software Development | 5 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Ryan Henderson | Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation, Conexus Indiana | Ryan executes Conexus’ technology adoption programs, which support Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics companies with digital transformation to drive productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability. He is passionate about emerging technologies and research, and strives to lead innovative collaborations between industry, academia and the public sector to accelerate the fourth industrial revolution (aka Industry 4.0). | Manufacturing & Logistics | Data and Analytics · Pitching · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Sustainability · Fundraising · Automation | 5 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Art Hughes | Enterprise technology & leadership executive | Art Hughes is a sales leader with over 20 years of experience driving growth for software and SaaS companies, including extensive experience helping software startups gain traction and scale. He specializes in sales engineering, business process re-engineering, and digital transformation, building strategic partnerships, managing complex enterprise deals, and aligning AI-driven solutions with business objectives to accelerate revenue growth. | Software & SaaS | B2B Sales · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Cybersecurity · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Revenue Models · Sales | 4 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Caroline Crowder | Executive Director, GrowCo | will do later | EdTech | Business Development · Founder Wellness · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Higher Education · Marketing · Workforce Development | 4 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Chad Mastagh | Founder, Rides2u | Automotive & Mobility | 4 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |||
| Diego Achio | CEO & Co-founder, Traduality | Diego is Traduality's CEO & Co-founder, a B2B marketplace platform for translation services. Diego holds over 12 years of experience in all major areas of the translation industry, including written translation, simultaneous interpreting, subtitling, voice-over, and language testing for digital products. Diego is also experienced in business internationalization strategy, financial projections, small business accounting, and strategizing in digital branding, social media, SEO, and paid advertisement. Diego can also help with sales strategy on a limited capacity. | Translation & Localization | B2B Sales · Branding · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Marketing · Pitching · Revenue Models · Sales · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Social Media · Workforce Development | 4 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Gregory LaFavers | Investor; pitch coach (CSV/validation) | I'm here to help founders unleash potential in their ventures. I empower with the flexibility to scale or capture investment. With over a decade of expertise in biotech and next-generation and gene therapy, I specialize in launching innovative products and enhancing processes through Voice of Customer insights. Outside of work, I cherish time with my wife, who leads a research lab at IUSM, and our three wonderful children in Indianapolis, where I find joy in problem-solving and facilitating personal growth and success. I also have a passion for all things business, including business development, marketing, and strategy. | Biotech & Life Sciences | Automation · B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Branding · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Design Thinking · Education (K-12) · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Higher Education · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Social Media · Sustainability | 4 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Ian Holloway | Patent agent, Outlier Patent Attorneys (ex-USPTO examiner) | I am a compassionate problem-solver who thrives on helping others, whether they are close friends or individuals I have yet to meet. By combining my knowledge of systems with team insights and my technical, legal, and personal skills, I strive to deliver efficient, effective solutions. After several years as a Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, I transitioned to working as a registered Patent Agent, helping clients draft patent applications and navigate intellectual property challenges. I also serve as COO of PatGen, overseeing fundraising efforts and strategic growth. With a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University, I remain committed to continuous improvement and utilizing my analytical, cooperative, and methodical nature to tackle complex issues. | Legal & IP | Intellectual Property and Licensing · Legal · B2C Sales · Fundraising | Ian bioOutlier | 4 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Jason Ward | CEO, Build Boundless LLC (Boundless), Accidental Cyclops Games LLC | Much to my surprise, I have become an entrepreneur. Over the past 15 years, I have focused my time and energy on building small businesses by following my personal interests. These businesses span multiple industries, vary in size, and have met with mixed results. What they all have in common is that they have taught me far more about myself and the world around me than any of my educational experiences. Before entering the private sector I spent ten years working in government and higher education. Years as a frontline social services worker taught me the value of effective communication, empathy, and collaboration. Under pressure, you either learn to rely on the knowledge, experience, and generosity of others, or you collapse. As a university professor and researcher, I learned the value of taking time to fully assess a problem or opportunity, how to delegate work based on strengths, and how to present information in a clear and concise manner. Facts and ideas are meaningless without a willing audience. Now, in my work as a tech company leader and game designer, I get to apply what I learned in the public sector while relying on my tendencies toward flexibility, creativity, and decisiveness. In my day job, I partner with entrepreneurs and innovators to imagine, define, and build potentially life-changing technologies. At Boundless, we create MVP and version 1.0 software and applications that seek to modernize and/or revolutionize processes, markets, and interpersonal interactions. At Accidental Cyclops Games, we create experiences that change perceptions, bring joy, and promote inclusivity. | Software & Gaming | Business Development · Design Thinking · Go-To Market Strategy · Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Branding | 4 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Jose Carlos Sarmiento | Founder, Ultra Mindset | 5X Founder 3X Corporate executive 3X National athlete in baseball, soccer and ultra running teams | Professional Services & Coaching | Leadership and Management · Branding · Design Thinking · Founder Wellness · Growth Strategy · Business Development | 4 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Mitch Landess | Landess Innovations (ex-Conexus Indiana) | Mitch Landess serves as Conexus Indiana’s Vice President of Innovation and Digital Transformation. Mitch joined Conexus after more than 17 years as a part of the leadership team at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Rose-Hulman Ventures – the institute’s revenue-generating enterprise that serves engineering clients and provides student internships and real-world work experiences. Mitch started his career as a control systems engineer and operations team member for the startup of the $438-million Wabash River Gasification Repowering Project. | Manufacturing & Innovation | Automation · Business Development · Design Thinking · Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Product Research | LandessConexus | 4 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Nate Domenighini | gBETA Associate VP, gener8tor | Currently serving as or of gBETA Distillery Labs, I have a degree in Journalism. I've served as a reporter, photographer and editor for a number of publications in Central Illinois. More recently, I managed the operations of a senior home care agency for more than eight years. My background includes journalism, marketing, leadership, business operations and management, and two decades of volunteerism. | Venture & Accelerators | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Marketing · Pitching · Revenue Models · Workforce Development | 4 | 5G Spring 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Rochelle Silveira | Chief Executive & Product Officer, Rochelle Silveira Inc | I'm Rochelle Silveira, a serial entrepreneur with a lifelong passion for tech innovation and business solutions. Originally from Brazil, I brought my entrepreneurial spirit to Huntsville, AL, and I'm now excited to be part of the g8 and gBETA team. With over 15 years of experience in creating and growing tech products, SaaS platforms, and fintech startups from scratch, I'm dedicated to helping founders build and grow innovative products. I believe that strategic thinking and operational excellence are the keys to success in today's dynamic business landscape. In addition to my hands-on experience, I'm a strong advocate for mentorship and believe in giving back to the entrepreneurial community. | Venture & Accelerators | Go-To Market Strategy · Human Resources · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Software Development · Workforce Development · Fundraising · Founder Wellness · Design Thinking · Business Development · Branding · B2B Sales | 4 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Rod Baradaran | Co-founder and CEO, rScan | I have been involved in the startup space for years since undergrad. I started a cryptocurrency software ATM company that grew to millions of dollars in revenue before being acquired. My background is in entrepreneurship and software development. I am currently the cofounder of rScan, an app that saves over 90% of the time it takes to resell products online. I have received a lot of mentorship over the years from programs like this and I am happy to be here and give back where I can. | Software & SaaS | B2C Sales · B2B Sales · Automation · Software Development · Data and Analytics · Business Development | rScanLinkedIn | 4 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Ted Wendling | Associate Director, Verizon Wireless | 20+ years of sales and technical leadership experience with a consistent record of measurable success. Recognized leader delivering on growth and revenue objectives. I hold a Bachelors degree in Business Administration and an associates degree in electronic engineering. I have an extensive 30 year career in wireless technology. | Telecom & Connectivity | B2B Sales · Business Development · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Sales | 4 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Todd Peabody | Business Development Manager, Swan Software Solutions | Todd works with a variety of clients putting together software teams to develop MVP’s for single person startups on up to large scale development teams at companies with over 50M in revenue. Previously a full time attorney in Indianapolis, he is aware of legal issues that affect small businesses. Todd enjoys working with SaaS companies in multiple industries, helping to organize and build innovative products, and helping startups scale. | Software & SaaS | B2B Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Legal · Pitching · Sales · Revenue Models · Software Development | 4 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Travis Brown | Sr. Exec. Asst. Dean of Innovation & Commercialization, IU Luddy | Dr. Brown has spent his career in the intersection of business and technology, focusing on performance management, entrepreneurship, and innovation in corporate, small business, and university settings. His research combines human-computer interaction, complex systems theory, and entrepreneurship to focus on the organizational design of startups and the preservation of the self in social networks. He has a PhD in Informatics and an MBA in Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation, with classes taught in business analytics, entrepreneurship, innovation, human-computer interaction, design strategy, and product management. He also serves as the Executive or of the Shoemaker Innovation Center and the or of Luddy ALIGN. | Higher Education & Research | Design Thinking · Data and Analytics · Higher Education · KPIs and Business Metrics · Pitching | IU profile | 4 | 5G Spring 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Alexander Swider | Corporate Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg | Corporate attorney at Barnes & Thornburg who is passionate about working with startups. | Legal & IP | Legal · Fundraising | 3 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Andrew Couch | CEO, Wolfberry LLC | For the past 15 years, Andrew Couch has been inventing, building, and scaling groundbreaking technologies, and has sold some of his creations to great success. He is also an Infantry Combat Veteran 11B, a former Military Police r 31B, and a former 95th Civil Support Team Member. Member: The American Legion Post 491 Member: DAV Chapter 74 Citizen: Kiiloona Myaamiaki - Miami Tribe of Oklahoma 1. Alumni - 2023 gBeta Industry 4.0 Accelerator 2. Recipient - 2022 Microsoft for Startups 3. Alumni - 2015 Blue Startups Accelerator 4. Alumni - 2012 Arch Grants Incubator 5. Service - 2007 Military Police School 31B 6. Service - 2004 Warrior Leadership Course 7. Service - 1998 Infantry OSUT 11B | IoT & Cybersecurity | B2B Sales · Business Development · Cybersecurity · Go-To Market Strategy · Fundraising · Higher Education · Marketing · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | 3 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Andy Lehman | Head of Accelerator Programming, The Mill (Dimension Mill, Inc.) | As the Program or at 16Tech in Indianapolis, I leverage over 8 years of experience in corporate innovation, product development, and startup ecosystem support to create vibrant opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators. My mission is to catalyze transformative growth for startups, organizations, and communities by fostering connections, cultivating resources, and driving impactful programming. Previously, as the Head of Accelerator Programming at The Mill, I spearheaded initiatives that empowered entrepreneurs to turn ideas into thriving ventures. I guided startups through pre-accelerator and accelerator programs, supported pitch development for investors, and facilitated connections with mentors and critical resources. Under my leadership, The Mill’s pitch competitions and curated programs energized Bloomington and Monroe County’s entrepreneurial landscape, igniting economic growth and innovation. I am passionate about bridging the gap between ideas and action, helping individuals and organizations take bold steps toward their goals. Whether crafting tailored pathways for entrepreneurs or nurturing ecosystems of innovation, I am driven by the power of collaboration and the potential to create lasting impact. | Venture & Accelerators | Business Development · Design Thinking · Product Research · Market Research · Revenue Models · Leadership and Management · Branding · Pitching · Marketing · Growth Strategy | 3 | 5G Spring 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Angela Goldenstein | COO, NutraMaize; Founder, HUMN Capital | Angela Goldenstein is or of Growth at the Purdue Foundry where she helps startups scale their businesses. Prior to the Foundry, she worked at Google and helped launch Chrome OS, Google Helpouts, and podcasts on Google Play. She has a business background with degrees from the University of Michigan (BBA) and Northwestern University (MBA). | Venture & Accelerators | Software Development · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Revenue Models · Pitching · KPIs and Business Metrics · Growth Strategy · Design Thinking · Data and Analytics · Leadership and Management · Sustainability · Product Research · Workforce Development | 3 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Arvind Sundaram | Senior Data Scientist; PhD, Purdue | Arvind is co-founder and senior data scientist at Covert Defenses LLC, a startup specializing in providing software and hardware solutions to enable covert communication, intrusion detection, and real-time data remediation in both industrial and military platforms, e.g., manufacturing, oil & gas, drones, etc. | Cybersecurity & Defense | Automation · Data and Analytics · Fundraising · Finance · Legal · Pitching | 3 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Chaanru KM | Business Development Consultant, Convera | I am a consistently performing Singaporean technology and software sales leader with 10 year’s experience in ASEAN. I am a co founder of a Edtech Start-up building it from scratch. I devoted the first half of my career in Hospitality, and the second half in technology and software sales. My journey has provided me with opportunities to increase year-on-year revenue, develop businesses in new territories, lead teams, transform institutions, and develop talent. An execution-focused and entrepreneurial sales leader with proven success in building a cohesive culture, high-performance teams, driving sustainable growth, improving margins and retention, and charting new paths. Effectively led & implemented sales strategies across Asia. I have a proven track record in closing large net new deals and managing and growing existing customer relationships. I possess deep technical understanding and a strong ability to identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders and clients to achieve company-wide goals and objectives. Key skills include P&L management, digital business transformation & management, product development, marketing & PR, partnerships, and sponsorships. Experienced in: Agile/Scrum, Sustainability, eLearning, SaaS, Consultancy, Analytics, Events, Edtech solutions, Certification and Training Programmes. Passionate about Software, Technology, Empowering people, sustainability and narrowing equality gaps in society. | EdTech | B2B Sales · Business Development · B2C Sales · Design Thinking · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Software Development · Sustainability · Sales · Marketing | 3 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Devyn Mikell | Founder and CEO, Qualifi | HR Tech | B2B Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Marketing · Sales | 3 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | ||
| Gene Avakyan | CEO, Edison Aerospace Inc | 26 years in the Tech field, working with cities (Los Angeles City Hall & City Attorney's Office, Manhattan Beach, Hollywood [FL]) and a Federal agency (FAA), as well as large dot-coms. Aerospace engineering and MBA degrees. | GovTech & Public Sector | Marketing · Software Development · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Design Thinking | 3 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| henry Freeman | Founder, Uplift Media | My name is Henry Freeman, the Founder of Uplift Media, a digital marketing agency focused on helping startups and local businesses grow their online presence through SEO. I have been practicing SEO and SMM for the past 7 years and am excited to bring that knowledge to you! | Marketing & Advertising | Branding · Marketing · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Social Media | 3 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Jeanette Renshaw | Partner, GrowthX | Jeanette specializes in helping early-stage companies prepare and operationalize their sales and go-to-market strategies. Her background includes experience working with hundreds of startups around the world and across a diverse array of industries. She's passionate about helping founders find product-market fit in an intentional, understood, and scalable manner. Before joining the GrowthX team, Jeanette led many startups from inception to repeatable revenue through her consulting practice. She's been coaching companies through the GrowthX market acceleration program since its inception. | Professional Services & Consulting | B2B Sales · Business Development · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Research · Sales | 3 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Jeremy Neren | gener8tor VP Investment Accelerators, gener8tor | Jeremy is a serial entrepreneur with multiple startups in the eCommerce grocery industry. GrocerKey, his most recent venture, provided white label eCommerce software to independent and regional grocery chains throughout the US & Canada. GrocerKey was acquired by Point Pickup (a leading last mile provider serving Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, and many other retailers) in August ’21. Since then, Jeremy has served as SVP, eCommerce Strategy at Point Pickup before joining gener8tor in July ’22 as VP, Investment Accelerators. Jeremy graduated from UW-Madison in ’05 with a B.A. in History and currently resides in Minneapolis, MN with his wife (Siyanny) and four children (Leniyah – 13, Len – 9, Jaxon – 3, Cameron – 2). | eCommerce & Grocery | B2B Sales · Business Development · Founder Wellness · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Software Development | 3 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Keith Davis | Angel investor; VisionTech Angels / IU | Dr. Davis is an entrepreneurial researcher with 30 years of broad-based academic and industry experience in developing and managing biotechnology research programs that utilize functional genomics and systems biology approaches. He currently serves as the CEO for a life-sciences tech faculty start-up company (Dream Tech LLC). He previosly served as the or of multiple academic centers and on the executive teams of three life sciences start-ups, one of which he co-founded. Dr. Davis has authored 60 peer-reviewed papers and has 7 issued patents. | Biotech & Life Sciences | Business Development · Fundraising · Leadership and Management · Pitching | LinkedInVisionTech | 3 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Lawrence Lu | Co-founder, PatGen; 25-yr Silicon Valley tech executive | Lawrence T. Lu is a seasoned technology leader and co-founder/CTO of PatGen.com, where he oversees the development of AI-driven tools to streamline patent drafting. He also founded Exofense, leading teams that build intelligent software for accounting and legal review. Previously, he founded Phorena, creating intelligent systems and connected devices for the healthcare and hospitality industries. Earlier in his career, as VP of Engineering at Vidder, he led global engineering teams to develop secure networking solutions and video collaboration products for enterprises. | LegalTech & AI | Software Development · Pitching · Intellectual Property and Licensing | PatGenOutlier | 3 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Lesley Crane | Cofounder, DiversiFind, LLC | Lesley Crane (she/her) is a lawyer and an experienced supplier diversity professional. DiversiFind's Cofounder was appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb in April 2018 to serve as the Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA). In this role, she was responsible for a 200+ employee organization that manages various statewide functions including procurement, public works, facilities management, fleet services, real estate, state surplus, and supplier diversity. During her time at IDOA, Lesley gained a passion for supplier diversity work. She translated that passion into cofounding a consulting and coaching business, Thought Kitchen, and that led to the launching of her current endeavor, DiversiFind, which is a B2B SaaS platform that helps diverse businesses market their businesses to companies that want to support their DEI initiatives by diversifying their spend. When she isn't working, Lesley is spending time with her four kids, two dogs, and her husband. | Legal & Public Sector | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Legal | 3 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Nate Smith | CEO, North Star Systems | Founder and CEO of North Star Systems. A Bootstrap startup specializing in tech crossing several industries from Agriculture, Oil and Gas, Municipalities, and Manufacturing. Nate has an extensive career in aviation prior to North Star. 10 years with the nearly US Air Force as a flying mechanic on the KC-10 airframe, 5 years in The Netherlands as a Field Service Rep working with the Royal Netherlands Air Force on 3D imagery and fiber optics systems, built and installed Wi-Fi for Delta airlines 757 programs, and most recently spent over 7 years with General Electric Aviation assembling the LEAP and Passport Engine programs. Beyond this, Nate and his wife own a small farm in West Central Indiana where they raise their two daughters. | Industrial IoT & Hardware | B2B Sales · Leadership and Management · Growth Strategy | 3 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Nishant Tomar | Founder and CEO, Digsfact | InsurTech & AI | 3 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |||
| Rick McGlinchey | Co-founder, PureInsights | I'm an eternal optimist with 30 years of tech experience. My superpower is "bootstrapping to profitability without taking on outside investment or debt," which is the story you rarely hear in tech these days. It is exactly what we have accomplished with PureInsights. We started in 2016 as a side-hustle for 3 of us and today we're a team of 8 full time employees. We got to 100 customers globally including the world's largest insurance company with zero FTE and didn't hire our first FTE (our architect and co-founder) until year 3. My focus for the last 7 years has been organically growing a cloud-native SaaS in the B2B analytics space where PureInsights provides enhanced reporting for the Genesys Cloud CX contact center platform. We're basically a reporting app in their marketplace and run a very lean shop as a result. My day to day is working on new opportunities, helping guide product ion and managing the overall relationship with Genesys (we put all our eggs in that basket so we watch it very closely). As a long time consultant, we take a very consultative approach to sales and since we're a niche, we're looking for ideal customer profile fit quickly...or move on. Happy to share what I've learned along the way about bootstrapping and developing good fiscal habits, business development, MVP, focus, and health-wellbeing (critical in the startup phase - I'm a daily meditator for the past 20 yrs)! | Software & SaaS | Sales · Founder Wellness · Data and Analytics · Business Development · B2B Sales · Go-To Market Strategy | 3 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Scott Graves | Founder, SMGraves Associates, Inc. | My work has focused on providing teams the living and professional space, programming and access to resources essential for tech startup growth and for leading happy lives in healthy, vibrant communities in urban and rural regions. I believe in a revenue-focused and community-minded approach to mentorship. I am doing everything I can to play a role in de-centralizing access to capital and the people teams require for their success. | Venture & Accelerators | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Business Development · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Branding · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Marketing · Pitching · Revenue Models · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Workforce Development | 3 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Stephane Blanc | EMEA Business Leader, Spire Maritime (Kpler) | Stephane is a strategic, product, and commercial leader with extensive experience spanning corporate, startup, and scale-up environments, driven by a passion for innovation and disruption. With over 25 years in digital and technology-driven industries, Stephane spent nine years at Amazon, where he led Amazon Pay across Southern Europe and founded Amazon EU’s Corporate Business Development team for the ecom category. During his tenure, he successfully secured multi-year agreements with all major European ecom operators. In 2016, Stephane was appointed Vice President of International Development & Partnerships at Centrica Hive, one of Europe’s leading IoT and Smart Home companies. Based in London, he was responsible for the full international P&L, expansion strategy, new market entry, business development, and general management across Continental Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. His role included launching operations in new countries—recruiting local teams, opening s, setting up commercial and support functions, and building distribution networks. He also forged key strategic partnerships to accelerate market entry, including the collaboration between Centrica Hive and eni gas e luce for the launch of Hive in Italy. Earlier in his career, Stephane held senior product marketing and business development roles at I-Play and In-Fusio, pioneers in the gaming industry. He began his career in ecoms as a product manager at companies such as Vodafone Global and SFR. Stephane holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and Business Management, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Mathematics from Bordeaux University of Science in France. Widely recognized as an inspiring and accomplished business leader, Stephane combines deep technological expertise with a strong track record of delivering results across diverse markets and business models. | Software & SaaS | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Product Development · Revenue Models · Sales | LinkedInToasterLAB | 3 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Abbey Titzer | Manager of Client Services, Sikich, LLP | Abbey Titzer is the Manager of Client Services within the Site Selection & Incentives practice at Sikich LLP. While studying site selection and incentives best practices, she also promotes communication and support with potential and new clients, building and maintaining networks for a healthy ecosystem. Event and sponsorships, social media and article creation are all important parts of her work. She also manages the company Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and state project management systems. | Economic Development & Consulting | Growth Strategy · Business Development | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Adam Koehler | Owner, Reversed Out Creative | I am an entrepreneur who is passionate about my community and very interested in crypto. I have done mentoring in the past with many groups such as Adopt A Class, SCPA, Cintrifuse and SENT Ventures. I run a podcast called Side Hustle City and am a founder of DotLoop which sold to Zillow. I also own Reversed Out Creative (a marketing company) and CovWorx (a co-working facility). I also own several rental properties through Koehler Homes. | Real Estate & PropTech | Branding · B2B Sales · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Design Thinking · Fundraising · Marketing · Software Development · Social Media · Sales · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Aidan Benkowski | Director of Account operations, Corporate Innovation, gener8tor | Aidan works with gener8tor's Corporate Innovation Network (CIN). He's an excellent resource for introductions to innovation teams at Fortune 500 companies we've partnered with. | Venture & Accelerators | B2B Sales · Business Development | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Alfredo Prieto | CEO & Cofounder of Guama, Guama | CEO & Cofounder of Guama Ex Nubank, Airbnb and Fairmoney | Fintech & Financial Services | Product Development · Fundraising · Finance · Data and Analytics | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Amanda Williams | Program Manager, gener8tor | Venture & Accelerators | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |||
| Andre Harris | District Sales Mgr., Nordic Semiconductor | Nearly 30 years in semiconductor industry. Engineering degree from MSU. Joined Texas Instruments in '93. 18+ years at TI in sales. Took a business development role at Indesign (design services company) for 7+ years. Now with Nordic Semiconductor as District Sales Mgr. for IN, MI, OH and KY. At Nordic now for 3+ years. Married for 28+ years to my wife Rhonda, two grown children, Rachel, 22, and Alec, 24. Performed magic for year and picked up powered paragliding during the pandemic. | Semiconductors & Hardware | B2B Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Sales | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Bo Turner | Founder, Turner Consulting | I was adopted from China with wanderlust in my soul. I’m always up for an adventure near or far. I have 10+ years of experience in marketing with a B.S. in Marketing (2017) and a minor in Economics from Indiana State University. After confounding BoCo Collective marketing agency for over 4 years, I’m ready to venture out on my own with marketing, entrepreneurship, and more. When I’m not traveling the world, you can find me trying out the new foodie spots, binge watching an action show, and finding unique looks at thrift stores. | Marketing & Advertising | B2C Sales · Branding · Marketing · Social Media | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Camilo Lozano gener8tor | Director / Program Manager, gener8tor | Camilo Lozano is the Program Manager for gBETA Indiana. Camilo is a North Carolina State University graduate with a degree in Agriculture Engineering. In addition to his engineering expertise, Camilo has a strong background in business development, customer experience and customer relationship management. Prior to gener8tor, he was the Territory Sales Manager for Pentair for more than 8 years. | Venture & Accelerators | 2 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Carolina Gianardi | Ceo & Co-founder Intuos, Intuos | Cofounder and Ceo of Intuos. 30+ years of business management experience in senior roles in large corporations such as Head of Sales and Marketing in GE Capital and GM of B2B Payment in American Express, and as Board Member (American Express, Stellantis Financial Services). Passionate about DEI. | Fintech & Financial Services | B2B Sales · Business Development · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Go-To Market Strategy · Sales | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Chaanru Chan | Business Development Consultant, Convera | Fintech & Financial Services | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |||
| Charles Mansfield | Startup Ecosystem Manager, InnovatePGH | Startup Ecosystem Builder in Pittsburgh with experience working with early-stage entrepreneurs and investors. Pitch/Due Dilligence Support and connections to founders and investors(supply chain & mobility, midwest, etc...). | Venture & Accelerators | Pitching · Market Research · Fundraising | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Dan Champoux | Founder and Engineer/Innovator, Gekot | Hardware & Micromobility | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| DeAndre Harakas | DeAndre Harakas is a go-to-market strategist and builder obsessed with how product innovation drives business growth. - As the GTM Lead at Glassboard (a hard-tech product development firm), he works alongside visionary founders to bring breakthrough products to life across medtech, consumer tech, and industrial hardware. - A former startup founder himself, DeAndre brings founder empathy to every conversation. He specializes in helping early-stage companies navigate customer discovery, partner-driven growth, and high-impact GTM strategy. - 🎙️ He’s also the co-host of The Hardtech Podcast, where he spotlights the builders, engineers, and operators shaping the physical product ecosystem and shares the real stories behind world-changing innovations. | Hardware & Product Development | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |||
| Doug Applegate | Community DirectorCommunity Director - Indiana IoT Lab, Indiana IoT Lab | I've proven to move businesses to the next level through my adaptability, continuous learning and hard work. Key skills and experience: • Executive Leadership • Stratactical (strategic and tactical) vision • Business and People Operations and Analysis • Startup Accelerators and Incubators • Partner and Sponsor Development • Creative Solutioneering • Recruitment Marketing • Customer Success • Venture Capital Throughout my career I have been a sponge in learning and applying new skills (hard and soft). Along the way I've failed many many times, and that is where I've learned the greatest lessons and turned them into success. I play well with others, have a strong work ethic, and I've been known to immerse myself in subjects that peak my personal and professional interests with an upbeat attitude. | IoT & Innovation | B2B Sales · Automation · Business Development · Sales · Revenue Models · Pitching | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Evan Triggs | Founder, Coach Growth; Fractional VP of Sales, Sales Xceleration | I am a Fractional VP of Sales and founder of Coach Growth, LLC, powered by Sales Xceleration. With over 20 years of experience leading sales teams and scaling go-to-market strategies, I help founders build sales infrastructure that drives predictable growth. I previously led sales for a construction-tech company that achieved a 10X exit and now advises early-stage and growth-stage businesses on building repeatable sales systems, developing talent, and turning vision into traction. I blends leadership lessons from sports and business, coaching founders to become the strategic architects of their company’s next stage of growth. | Professional Services & Consulting | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Business Development · Growth Strategy · Go-To Market Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Pitching · Revenue Models · Sales | LinkedInSales Xceleration | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Frederick Cartwright | President & CEO, Conexus Indiana | President & CEO of Conexus Indiana since 2021. Former executive with General Motors for 33 years. Former Executive or of the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) and President of start-up PRUV Mobility. Graduate of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (BSME) and Butler University (MBA). | Automotive & Manufacturing | Business Development · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Workforce Development | 2 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Giacomo Bottoli | Independent Designer in Residence, Startups Stories | Independent Designer in Residence working with ambitious startups to accelerate growth and wow users through design. | Design & Creative | Design Thinking · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Social Media · Fundraising · Branding | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Giacomo Gentili | Co-Founder & COO @Pack, Pack | Co-Founder & COO at Pack. I'm an entrepreneur with a background in startups, innovation, and consultancy. I help companies retain and engage talents, boosting their development via mentoring. I love bridging gaps, learning from new experiences, and networking. | HR Tech | Human Resources · Pitching · KPIs and Business Metrics · Business Development | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Grant Chapman | CEO, Glassboard LLC | Grant is an experienced mechanical and systems engineer with deep experience in micromobility. He currently leads Glassboard by pushing a diverse team of talented engineers to hone their technical skills and broaden their ability to translate technical outcomes into actionable decisions. | Hardware & Product Development | Design Thinking · Go-To Market Strategy · Fundraising · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Product Research | 2 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Greg LaFavers | Venture Coach, LaFavers Ventures | 'm here to help founders unleash potential in their ventures. I empower with the flexibility to scale or capture investment. Drawing from my extensive experience in research, development, and quality assurance, I am committed to fostering collaboration and delivering groundbreaking solutions. Experienced in launching new products and improving processes via Voice of Customers. Services include business development, general consulting, brand management and operations planning/improvement. | Biotech & Life Sciences | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Branding · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Design Thinking · Education (K-12) · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Social Media · Software Development · Sustainability | 2 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Jon Schoen | Trunkdrop | Logistics & Delivery | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| Jonathan Preedom | PhD Candidate, Clemson University | Entrepreneur, turned budding educator. Prior to entering academia, Jonathan founded two prior startups. The first, a healthcare consulting company, and the second, a product based company targeting the outdoor industry. While Jonathan experienced success with the consulting company, the product based company provided Jonathan with a great learning opportunity. It was through this experience that led Jonathan to enter academia so he could help others experience success and overcome or avoid some of the challenges and stumbling blocks he had to work through. Jonathan's research aims to provide novel and theoretically understandings to the multi-faceted puzzle of how and why investors support some entrepreneurs and not others. In one stream of this work, he explores the primary ways investors “typecast” entrepreneurs based on first impressions during the entrepreneurial pitch. In a second line of work, he evaluates differences in the more rational, intuitive, or balanced decision-making tendencies of investors. Assessing these underlying foundations of investors’ decision-making, along with how investors vary along these dimensions, allows for a greater understanding of investors’ support decisions than what is possible when using classic titles (e.g., venture capitalist, angel investor, etc.) to explore these relationships. In a third and related stream of this work, Jonathan examines themes in the narrative content of pitches, integrating and extending recent studies on types of entrepreneurial narratives (e.g., hustle, resourcefulness); my contribution to this conversation involves linking these themes to investors’ classification of entrepreneurs and the nature of resource support provided. | Higher Education | B2B Sales · Business Development · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Julia Schetelig | Chief of Staff, Gridware | Energy & CleanTech | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| Kara Kavensky | CEO, TheStoryteller.Agency | Kara is a strategic communications strategist. She is also an experienced entrepreneur, helping hundreds of companies with their authentic messaging. The easiest thing to do is "google" her. | Marketing & Communications | Cybersecurity · Business Development · Branding · B2C Sales · B2B Sales · Design Thinking · Founder Wellness · Go-To Market Strategy · Pitching · Sales · Marketing · Main Street/Small Business · Workforce Development · Social Media · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Social Emotional Learning (SEL) · Sustainability | 2 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Kevin Jones | Co-Founder and CTO, Herefish | Kevin was co-founder and CTO for a B2B SaaS company called Herefish. He was responsible for growing and developing the software platform and team from ideation to the leading software automation platform in the staffing industry, which was acquired by Bullhorn in January 2020. He also has about 20 years of experience in leadership positions building software across a variety of industries, company sizes, and product offerings. | Software & SaaS | Automation · Leadership and Management · Software Development · Data and Analytics · Growth Strategy | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Kyler Nunery | Founder, Butter Coding | Software & SaaS | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| Lena Levine | Founder, Forcoda | Software & SaaS | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| Lucas Woody | Founder & performance coach, NextBetter; Purdue lecturer | You spend so much time as a founder gathering resources to propel your company toward success. But how much time do you devote to optimizing its #1 asset… yourself? Coach Woody is a trusted advisor for founders who want to scale without burning out. With over 15 years of experience coaching high-achieving leaders, and as a instructor for entrepreneurship at Purdue University, he helps growth-minded founders create space to breathe, clarity to lead, and momentum to build a business that aligns with their values—not just their investors’ expectations. Through 1:1 coaching programs and hybrid Coaching+Peer-Advisory groups, Coach Woody equips founders to: - Make better decisions under pressure - Communicate with clarity and conviction - Lead with purpose instead of panic - Build systems that sustain performance - Avoid the burnout that derails even the best ideas Whether you're pre-seed or post-Series A, your company can only grow as fast and sustainably as you do. Let’s make sure you're building the kind of business—and life—you actually want. | Professional Services & Coaching | Branding · Founder Wellness · Leadership and Management · Marketing · Pitching | NextBetterLinkedIn | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · AgBioScience Winter 2026 |
| Mahaveer Dharmchand | Cognitivedge | AI & Data | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| Motti Attia | Sales Coach, Mottivational | I’m Motti Attia, Founder of Mottivational and creator of the Sales Accelerator Mastermind (SAM). I help people crush their numbers without crushing their souls by helping them sell with confidence, achieve their goals, and grow sustainably—without losing their authenticity. I focus on two areas where I can make the biggest impact: 🚀 Helping Founders & Small Business Owners – Through practical tools, coaching, and community, I help entrepreneurs master sales without the sleaze so they can grow consistently and hit their targets. 🏥 Helping Healthcare & Assistive Tech Innovators – By crafting go-to-market strategies, I help innovators bring breakthrough solutions to the right audiences, accelerate adoption, and scale their impact. The common thread? I help people sell authentically, grow predictably, and achieve success without burnout. | Professional Services & Coaching | B2B Sales · Business Development · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Sales | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Nicholas Sokol | Founder, Algaeo | Nicholas Sokol is a CleanTech entrepreneur and the founder of Algaeo, a sustainable fertilizer production company for farmers, growers, and plant owners. Nick has worked in renewable energy, blockchain, sustainability, and computer technology for 8 years. | AgTech & CleanTech | Automation · B2B Sales · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Education (K-12) · Market Research · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Software Development · Sustainability | 2 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Pablo Fuentes | Founder and Principal, makepath | Pablo is Founder and Principal of makepath, a geospatial spatial data science and AI firm that focuses on Open Source software. Previously, he was Founder and CEO of Proven, a small business hiring platform, where he designed and built products that are used by millions of people to find jobs and to hire talent. Pablo was honored as a Champion of Change by the Obama White House for his work mentoring minorities and women entrepreneurs. Pablo is currently a mentor for the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative. Pablo holds a BA from UCLA and an MBA from Stanford University. In his spare time, Pablo loves to write and play songs, build and restore guitars, and spend time outdoors in Indiana and The Rockies with his family. | AI & Data | B2B Sales · Branding · Business Development · Design Thinking · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Software Development · KPIs and Business Metrics · Growth Strategy · Marketing · Sales | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Picogna Pietro Maria | CEO, Pack | 4 continents, 4 languages, 3 international degrees. Pietro studied Business at many universities around the world. After that, he worked in a multinational, in the financial industry. He has been the CEO's assistant during the company's IPO process. He co-founded Pack, a mentoring platform for companies. Pietro is the Vice-President of GenQ, a non-profit organization that faces the challenges of D&I in firms and institutions. Pietro has been Guest Lecturer at: University of Verona University of Bologna - Alma Mater Studiorum | HR Tech | B2B Sales · Business Development · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Randy Wheeler | Wheeler Coaching | Professional Services & Coaching | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |||
| Ryan McDonald | Director of Business Development, Rose-Hulman Ventures | Ryan McDonald is the or of Business Development at Rose-Hulman Ventures (RHV). He is responsible for managing relationships with current clients and identifying & developing new opportunities for RHV. Ryan began his career in manufacturing and moved to education as a mathematics educator. From there he made a move to Enrollment Management at another institution for several years before moving to Institutional Advancement at RHIT and then RHV. His combined experiences enable him to understand client needs and how mutually beneficial partnerships can be formed between RHV and industry. | Venture & Accelerators | Automation · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Design Thinking · Fundraising · Leadership and Management · Marketing · Product Research · Sales · Software Development · Education (K-12) | 2 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Samar Shah | Legal & IP | 2 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | ||||
| Senthil Ramachandran | Chief Technology Officer, Sprint1 Ventures | Founder and CTO at Sprint1, I help founders turn their ambitious idea into digital product and accelerate it's growth. | Software & SaaS | Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Product Research · Software Development | 2 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Sergei Revzin | Co-founder, School16 | Co-founder of School16, an online adult education venture, and Venture Investor at NYU, leading technology investments and teaching entrepreneurship at the NYU Entrepreneurial Institute. I have been a part of several early stage teams, helping with initial business traction through consultative sales, strategic partnerships, marketing, and effective communication with technical partners. I've been fortunate enough to learn from some amazing entrepreneurs about what it takes to build a business from the ground up, and have been partnering with talented technical teams on building web products since I was 19 years old. Concepts have included a peer to peer online ad network, a coffee subscription service, an advice and skill sharing network and more. Prior to my time at NYU, I ran entrepreneurship programs and a venture fund at Venture for America, including the organization's accelerator with cohorts in Philadelphia, and Detroit. Love to speak on topics including entrepreneurship, communication, sales, and technical/business team dynamics. | EdTech | Go-To Market Strategy · Sales · Growth Strategy | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Thomas James | Prof. Engineering Management, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Dr. Thomas James received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering and an Executive MBA from Marquette University. He earned an MS in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin and a BS Mechanical Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Dr. James is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and is a registered Professional Engineer (PE). He is owner of a consulting and investing company, Plutus Holdings LLC, and co-owner of Sirikwa African Adventures LLC, which is a travel company in Tanzania, Africa and owner of FrameFit, which is SASS company focused on the eyecare market. His major interests are new product development, manufacturing, and global business ventures. As a Full Professor in the Department of Engineering Management at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, he teaches courses in accounting, finance, and entrepreneurial studies. Dr. James is also an avid inventor with over two dozen patents, and he has several publications in peer reviewed journals related to his research in biomechanical systems. Prior to joining academia, he worked in the consumer products industry for 13 years where he was the or of Engineering at Milwaukee Tool and later became the Senior Vice President of Global Engineering for the power tools division of Techtronic Industries, headquartered in Hong Kong, where he lived and worked internationally. | Manufacturing & Materials | Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Business Development | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) · Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Vanessa Huerta | gBETA Vice President, Cultural Leadership Council Member, gener8tor | Vanessa was born in Mexico City and has lived in four different countries. She is currently the or of the gBETA Opportunity Zone Capital Accelerator program in Colorado. Most recently she worked as a Business Advisor for the United for Business program at Mile High United Way. Vanessa worked alongside minority and woman small business owners and helped them to reach their business goals by providing consulting services at no cost. Previously she was the or of Human Capital at Natural Produce LLC, a local startup in Denver where she looked after the human and cultural health of the business. Vanessa also spent several years working independently for Babson College where she was able to lead the strategy on creating partnerships and recruiting students from Latin America for the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. She graduated from the Latino Leadership Fellowship in 2020 and holds a Master’s in Management from Tec de Monterrey. | Venture & Accelerators | Business Development · Sales · Revenue Models | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Vivian Makka | Digital Marketing Manager, International Accelerator | Marketing professional with 3 years of experience working with international startups, focused on inbound marketing and digital marketing operations. | Marketing & Advertising | Social Media · Pitching · Marketing · Branding | 2 | 5G Spring 2023 · Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Vlad Cazacu | CEO/Co-Founder, Flowlie | - Vlad is an ex-VC investor and the co-founder and CEO of Flowlie Technologies, a VC-backed tech startup based in Miami, FL, building an end-to-end fundraising AI agent for the busiest founders from Seed to Series B. Previously, he was a senior VC investor with Fuel Venture Capital in Miami, FL where he focused on Enterprise Enablement and Fintech at the Series A and Series B stages. - Prior, he helped build one of the fastest-growing multi-family syndicate in the US, composed of an international group of over 800 angel investors, family s, and HNWIs, being responsible for giving them access to competitive deals and helping them invest alongside institutional VCs in Pre-Seed to Series B companies. There, he sourced and led the investment in 11 companies as well as acted as an exclusive advisor to 5 private equity transactions using SPVs, including cross-border transactions with international LPs. At the time of departure, he was co-managing an 8-figure AUM portfolio. -- Before that he was with VU Venture Partners working on the Enterprise SaaS space, with a focus on the future of work, automation, and the unbundling of ERP infrastructure for SMBs, across Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A. Vlad started his career at ffVC in New York City focused on B2B SaaS at Pre-Seed. - He is also the author of When They Win, You Win: A More Human Approach to Supporting Entrepreneurship, a book that shares insights he collected along the way. | Venture & Fundraising Tech | 2 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) · 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | ||
| Aaron Pierce | CEO, Pierce Aerospace | Aaron Pierce is CEO of Pierce Aerospace, a Techstars backed company focused on Remote ID technology for drones. He is a Mitch Daniels Leadership Fellow with a Bachelor's in English and graduate studies in GIS and Remote Sensing from Indiana University. He was the Entrepreneur in Residence for the first US Air Force Accelerator with Techstars, is a founding member of the White House chartered Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team, and led Indiana's UAS Integration Pilot Program submission by organizing 60 entities and nearly 100 airspaces. He's a drone pilot, written drone policy/ops manuals, taught Earth space science at the University of Indianapolis, and mentored US Army Futures Command and SOCOM hackathons focused on counter-drone technologies. He's twice been nominated as Indiana's Entrepreneur of the Year and has guest lectured on Remote ID and low-level air defense at the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Management. He previously volunteered as an EMT and UH-1H "Huey" helicopter aircrew for a search and rescue organization. He leads Pierce Aerospace in the development of dual-use identification technology for defense and commercial applications. | Aerospace & Drones | Business Development · Growth Strategy · Market Research · Sales · Marketing · B2B Sales · Branding | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Adam Hoeksema | ProjectionHub; Flagship Enterprise Capital | Financial modeling, SBA projections, fundraising readiness, debt financing | Finance & Fundraising | LinkedInProjectionHub | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Adriana Perez | Account Manager, Deca Analytics | As an Account Manager at DECA Analytics, I leverage my MBA degree, CRM skills, and analytical abilities to help clients optimize their strategic opportunities and financing operations in Puerto Rico. I have been with DECA Analytics for two months, working with a team of experienced and talented professionals who share my passion for data-driven decision making and social impact. Before joining DECA Analytics, I spent over two years at Parallel18, a leading startup accelerator and venture capital firm, where I rose from an Investment Analyst to a Ventures Manager, overseeing the selection, mentoring, and funding of innovative and diverse entrepreneurs. During this time, I honed my skills in evaluating business models, conducting due diligence, and managing stakeholder relationships. | Finance & Analytics | B2B Sales · Sales · Business Development · Fundraising | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Akinsola Jegede | CEO, VitalSwap | Akinsola Jegede is the founder of VitalSwap, a fintech company simplifying cross-border payments for businesses and consumers. With a background in technology and business strategy, he has led high-impact teams and developed innovative payment solutions that drive financial inclusion. Akinsola previously consulted for major corporations like Salesforce, AT&T, and State Farm, and he successfully bootstrapped VitalSwap to process $1M in its pilot phase. His expertise in fintech, entrepreneurship, and scaling businesses has earned him recognition, including the IMBW Innovator Award | Fintech & Financial Services | Founder Wellness · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Software Development · Workforce Development · Cybersecurity · KPIs and Business Metrics · Market Research | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Alan Kadish | Dr., InvestorMatch.ai LLC | I'm a physician, serial entrepreneur with exits, inventor, mentor, investor, and lifelong student. I work in environments of multiple technologies, from biologics to mechanical & electrical engineering, from food science to SaaS applications. I assist in observing and planning from the 30K foot view to the granularity needed to execute. | Healthcare & Life Sciences | Business Development · Design Thinking · Go-To Market Strategy · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · Market Research · Product Research | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Alessandro Curti | Software & SaaS | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||||
| Alfredo Mensi | Ceo, X - ENDER Space | Career experience in software development and defense, passionate about space and aeronautics. | Aerospace & Defense | Automation · Cybersecurity · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Product Development · Revenue Models · Software Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| ALICIA Mckoy | CEO, Peak Mind | Dr. Alicia Mckoy, PhD (Hon. Causa) serves as the Chief Executive r of Peak Mind. Alicia has been a business owner and innovator since 2005. For the past 9 years, she has studied neuropsychology and interviewed numerous scientists, therapists, and corporate coaches to determine the best way to transform our workplaces for the better. Her writing, teaching, and educational advocacy work meets at the intersection of disrupting stress in the workplace and strengthening social emotional coping skills and techniques through easy and effective action steps. She will share more and highlights from her upcoming book “Be Well- a Workplace Wellbeing Guide.” | Health & Wellness | B2B Sales · Data and Analytics · Founder Wellness · Leadership and Management · Social Emotional Learning (SEL) · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) | 1 | 5G Spring 2023 | |
| Allie Reitz | Program Manager, gBETA | Founder, gener8tor | I'm the Founder & CEO of Meep, a Colorado-based organization that is revolutionizing curriculum for entrepreneurship programs. I also work with the City of Greeley and nationally ranked accelerator, gener8tor, to run gBETA Greeley, a free accelerator program facilitating the creation and growth of Agricultural Technology startups in Greeley, CO. I'm a founder, product & UX pro, accelerator creator, and business strategy consultant with 8 years of on-the-ground experience launching impact businesses. My Mission: to increase success rates for climate and social impact organizations by replacing outdated startup culture and education with humble, iterative implementation strategies that generate a sustainable value exchange from day one. Through my work launching various impact initiatives in collaboration with mission-driven visionaries, I've developed a proven process I call the Visionary Framework. This process walks visionaries step-by-step from big vision to the launch of their Minimum Valuable Thing. This framework is the basis for my coaching and accelerator programs, covering all the practical aspects of launching a business (finance, product, marketing, operations, etc) while addressing all the dimensions of a whole Visionary Person (vision, creation, synthesis, rest, and energy). All of my work is rooted in a philosophy I call the Visionary Mindset, which challenges mission-driven visionaries to prioritize impact in a world full of shiny objects; to step back and recognize that there are many "whats" that can support a "why". I encourage founders to adopt Conscious Urgency by asking the important question: "If I really want to solve this problem, am I willing to hold my big vision of the solution lightly while implementing a version that could start making impact tomorrow?" | EdTech | Business Development · Go-To Market Strategy · Product Development · Pitching | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Alysia Larson | Business Development, ASH Interactive | Alysia does business development for ASH Interactive. She brings sales experience from manufacturing logistics, marketing, and sales. She loves connecting with people and growing organizations. After graduating from Brigham Young University in public relations, she worked doing PR for high tech companies in Utah and Portland, Oregon. Alysia lives on the Northside of Indianapolis with her family of seven and two fur babies. You can find her training for triathlons or between the pages of a good self-help or leadership book. Her ultimate favorite thing to do is find ways to lift and serve. | Marketing & Advertising | Business Development · B2C Sales · Branding · Marketing · Pitching · Sales · Social Media | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Anastasia Artemova | Product Advisor, Commit | Product & Growth leader with over a decade building and launching B2B and enterprise software generating over $3M in combined revenues. In my career, I've built a multitude of products, mostly in Fintech, HRTech and ecommerce space. In my advising and consulting practice I focus on GTM strategy, product roadmaps for Product Led growth, and embedding AI/ML into existing products. | Software & SaaS | Design Thinking · Founder Wellness · Growth Strategy · Human Resources · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Product Research · Pitching · Revenue Models · Social Media · Software Development · Branding | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Anilkumar Dave | Space Economy Advisor - member of the board, GEN SPACE | Mr. Dave (Anil) started his career as IT specialist between Italy, USA and India before managing EU co-funded R&D and Tech. Transf. (TT) initiatives representing public organizations (eg Italian Min. of Econ. Dev., Regional Innovation Agency, etc) and private entities focusing on interaction between Res. and Ind. He designed, launched and ed the “Innovation and TT” Unit at ASI (Italian Space Agency) working on New Space Economy topics, namely start-ups, risk finance and IPR, before becoming Open Innovation advisor to the president and coordinator of the ASI OECD team. He founded the first Space Economy advisory firm in Italy working for regional governments, private companies and startups (USA, IT, Cyprus) and is currently member of the board of Global Entrepreneurship Network Space (USA), advisor of Polytechnic of Milan Space Economy observatory and Research Fellow at the Italian Institute of Technology. Anil is also member of selection committees at Area science Park Trieste and NQSTI National Quantum Science and Technology Institute as well as mentor in business acceleration programs like EU Cassini, EUSPA Space Academy and NATO DIANA. Anil’s recent publication unveiled his strong interest in Medtech. Prior to this, Mr. Dave has worked in different sectors spamming from textile/clothing to footwear, from logistics to households, from FMCGs to Agro-food and acknowledged in the past as Strategy Advisor for Research organizations in pediatrics hemato-oncology and micro-nano fabrication. He is regularly invited as speaker to international events and lectureships. | Innovation & Tech Transfer | Business Development · Design Thinking · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Intellectual Property and Licensing · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Pitching · Revenue Models | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Ansley Fender | CEO, Grantcycle | Ansley Fender is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Grantcycle. | GovTech & Grants | Leadership and Management · Pitching · Software Development | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Anton Mamine | Founder and Consultant, Marketing Consultant | Marketing & Advertising | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |||
| Audrey Wessel | Business Law & IP Attorney, Gutwein Law | I spend most of my time helping startups and other small businesses grow, assisting with formation, fundraising/investments, licensing agreements (including software/SaaS), online terms and privacy policies, contracts, and other general corporate matters. In the fundraising space, I work with clients on matters ranging from early convertible investments to series equity rounds. My work with emerging tech companies is informed by my background in intellectual property, and I also assist with trademarks and copyright-related matters. | Legal & IP | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | ||
| Audrey Wessel & Chelsie Henderson | Partner & Associate, Gutwein Law | Startup legal: entity, fundraising, IP, data privacy & governance | Legal & IP | AudreyChelsieGutwein Law | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Batuhan Ulasan | Software & SaaS | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | ||||
| Brian Mihelic | Partner, EO Advisors | Corporate finance and strategy professional with diverse experience in investment banking, management consulting and the financial services industry. Experience working in both boutique firms and leading global companies. Skilled in the full life cycle management of corporate transactions, including: • Strategic Planning • Structuring, Negotiating M&A Transactions • Client Management • Valuation and Financial Analysis • Business Development • Management Consulting | Finance & Investment Banking | Revenue Models · Fundraising · Education (K-12) · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Sales · Software Development | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |
| Carlo Scalo | Founder & Purdue Professor, Hysonic & Purdue | I am an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical, and Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (by courtesy) at Purdue University. | Higher Education & Research | Regulatory and Compliance · B2B Sales · Intellectual Property and Licensing · Fundraising | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Chelsea Linder | Vice President Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Techpoint | Venture & Accelerators | B2B Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Human Resources · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Pitching · Revenue Models · Sales | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | ||
| Chris Vannoy | Indy Hacker | Technlogy executive Indiana startups + 20 years, and Board president of Indy Hackers | Software & SaaS | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | ||
| Christian Butzke | Professor & innovation lead, Purdue | Credible pilots; IP & evidence; food/ingredient & ag-data commercialization | AgTech & Food | PurdueLinkedIn | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Christian Mahoney | Real Estate & Property | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||||
| Christopher Udall, MBA | Managing Director - AgTech, gener8tor | Resourceful and team-oriented leader with 9 years of experience in entrepreneurship, consulting, training, and international nonprofit management. Proven ability to develop and manage teams in high stress environments with a bias for action and data-based approach to problem solving. Deeply passionate about investing in people, finding innovative solutions, and delivering quality results. | Venture & Accelerators | Business Development · B2B Sales · Design Thinking · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Pitching | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Connor Love | Combined Curiosity | EdTech | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |||
| Cornelius George | CEO, Chuqlab | Cornelius George, CEO-Chuqlab. Cornelius has over 15 years of experience in Business Development and Product Development in financial services and cyber security. Cornelius is responsible for several go to market strategies that are being used today at 3 publicly traded companies and one former start-up. He was most recently or of Sales for GoSecure, tasked with developing and growing their US market. Prior to GoSecure, Cornelius was responsible for the global rollout of Sophos’s MTR offering and helped grow that to top 4 MDR internationally and making it Sophos’s flagship offering in less than 1 year. He has previous experience as a regional VP for Raymond James and a VP of banking for Merrill Lynch prior to his move the cybersecurity industry. | Fintech & Cybersecurity | B2B Sales · Sales | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Courtney Zaugg | Founder & President, Plaka + Associates | Courtney is the Founder and President of Plaka + Associates, a woman-owned, innovation and impact consulting firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Courtney has over 14 years of experience and leads the firm’s work in impact analysis, real estate development, and ecosystem development. She specializes in connecting leaders in government, economic development, and entrepreneurship at the intersection of innovation, industry, and talent. Additionally, Courtney is a Certified Economic Developer and an Entrepreneurship Development Professional by the International Economic Development Council. About Plaka + Associates, Inc.: Plaka is a multi-faceted consulting firm supporting industry, entrepreneurs, developers, and economic development leaders in entrepreneurship-led economic development. Based in Indianapolis and known for expert leadership in difficult projects, Plaka assists clients across the U.S. with diverse populations and regions faced with opportunities and challenges related to igniting entrepreneurship and encouraging growth. | Economic Development & Consulting | Business Development · Data and Analytics · Workforce Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Craig Montuori | gener8tor | Expert on founders' visas for companies willing to enter the USA | Immigration & Legal | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||
| Dan Dawes | Sr. Director, AgriNovus | Senior or of Strategy, AgriNovus Indiana Advisor, Purdue Foundry Advisor, Elevate Ventures Dan Dawes serves as Senior or of Strategy and Growth for AgriNovus Indiana, an initiative focused on advancing innovation in the food and agriculture industry. In this role, he leads the efforts of attracting and growing existing businesses while also building an agbiosciences entrepreneurial ecosystem to serve as a catalyst for strategic collaboration among investors, corporations, industry associations, government and universities. Additionally, Dan is an advisor (referred to as Entrepreneur in Residence) at the Purdue Research Foundation - Purdue Foundry. The Foundry exists to help Purdue students, faculty and local alumni move ideas to the marketplace more effectively. Dan is using his experience in business leadership, project management, marketing and sales to help Foundry clients achieve their business objectives. He also services as an advisor to agbioscience companies who have investment from Elevate Ventures. Elevate provides capital to startup companies and has a mission to create sustainable cultures and infrastructure across Indiana that support the ongoing development and success of entrepreneurs. Dan enjoyed a 30+ year career at DuPont and served in a variety of sales and marketing roles in the crop protection business. He held profit responsibility as a Business Unit Leader addressing crops grown in the Midwestern US. The business unit was 80+ members of the Sales Teams and Marketing Managers focused on the value chain throughout the geography and generating over $500M in gross revenues. Dan is especially noted for his cross functional efforts to collaborate with the seed unit, DuPont Pioneer, in generating growth strategies for the company. In 2012, Dan and his team were awarded a Corporate Marketing and Sales Achievement Award for their innovative work. He was also a key member of the group that launched the use of Six Sigma project management in DuPont and initiated its use toward generating top line growth. He led many successful projects before becoming Master Black Belt where he led a team of 12+ project managers and provided training on those methods for employees across the US, Canada and Mexico. Dan graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Agriculture and emphasis on Ag Economics and recently served as Chairman for the Board of ors for the Purdue Alumni Association. He grew up on a dairy farm in north central Indiana. Dan and his wife, Angel, enjoy traveling across the US to visit their three sons. | AgTech & Food | Business Development · Data and Analytics · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Marketing · Sales · Sustainability · B2B Sales | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Dan Schultz | Schultz Collaborative | Category design, AgTech commercialization, storytelling, value framing | AgTech & Food | SitePodcast | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Dave Moravec | President-CEO, Sales Manager For Rent | Dave is an entrepreneurial senior executive with consistent success in starting, building, and growing the profitability, performance, and value of organizations. He is an experienced planner, leader, and specialist at capturing business opportunities and merging resources. He has been an expert in positioning companies for methodology, promised objectives, and process improvements in high-pressure situations. Dave has 40+ years of executive-level sales & business development experience across several industries, including printing, solutions, educational technology, and H/R-Payroll software. He's supported and opened relationships with Fortune 500 companies at the C-level and worked consistently with hundreds, if not thousands of SMB's. His current focus is training and leading sales organizations. Dave is a Chicago native transplanted to Cincinnati in March of 2020 with his wife. Between them, they have five adult children and nine grandchildren. He is also a recently published author of three books, Echoes Across the Tracks, Echoes to Remember, and Echoes of Success. | Sales & GTM Consulting | B2B Sales · Business Development · Education (K-12) · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Revenue Models · Sales | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Dennis Schell | Founding Partner, Innovation Law Office | Serving as a fractional Chief Intellectual Property Counsel to startup and to small-to-midsized mature companies based in states spanning from the East to the West Coast. Strengths including developing patent portfolio and risk management strategies that align with business strategies, exit plans, and budgets, and executing on those IP strategies with internal IP processes and external formal IP filings, monetization, enforcement, and defense. Areas of practice include Patent Prosecution, Opinions and Litigation, Technology, Trademark, Copyright, Aviation Law, Business Law. Over two decades of experience advising individual inventors through Fortune 100 companies in all aspects of intellectual property law and strategies. | Legal & IP | Intellectual Property and Licensing · Legal | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Derick Jiwan | Innovation & BD Manager, WinField United (Land O'Lakes) | Ag distribution channels, science-to-market, VC due diligence | AgTech & Food | LinkedInPropellant | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Diego Lievano | Senior System Architect, SoftServe Inc | System Architect with over 10 years of experience designing and developing applications ranging from small-scale solutions to enterprise-level systems | Software & SaaS | Automation · Business Development · Data and Analytics · Cybersecurity · Design Thinking · Finance · Growth Strategy · Human Resources · Workforce Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Donna Ehart | Managing Director, gener8tor | Motivator/Support, INTJ (Architect) personality type, with a strong passion to develop and execute strategies that grow revenue/profit and reduce costs. | Venture & Accelerators | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | ||
| Doug Wilcox | Strategic Partnerships & Growth Leader, Spark Ventures | Strategic partnerships and growth leader in healthcare SaaS, working across enterprise health systems, senior care, and value-based care. Based in Zionsville, Indiana. | Healthcare SaaS | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | ||
| Dr. Nicole Lunan | Founder, MoodMe / MoodJi | Emotional-intelligence experience design; trust, stress, engagement | Health & Wellness Tech | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Eli Serrano | Co-Founder & CTO, Vovy.ai | Co-founder and CTO of Vovy.ai; full-stack software developer and startup ecosystem builder, based in Bloomington, Indiana (IU). | Software & AI | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | ||
| Ellie Symes | CEO, The Bee Corp | Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Ellie Symes, CEO of The Bee Corp, grew up in a number of cities across the Midwest and Canada. Ellie has a Masters of Public Affairs degree with a concentration in Information Systems from the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Ellie grew her love for beekeeping by starting a beekeeping club at Indiana University while she completed her BS degree in Environmental Management. Ellie was given the Rising Star Award at TechPoint’s annual Mira Awards in 2018 and chosen for the AgGrad 30 Under 30 list in 2020. Ellie currently serves on the Agrinovus board. | AgTech & Food | Business Development · Data and Analytics · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · Human Resources · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Software Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Eric Farrand | Animal-health & biosciences product/marketing leader | Trials, field evidence, and messaging for risk-averse technical buyers | Animal Health & Life Sciences | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Eric Silver | Founder, Pendulum Texhnologies | Founder of pendulum technologies, operating a battery lab in Columbus Indiana at the propeller makerspace, we aim to make batteries for industrial users that are longer lasting and more economically viable than current options. Graduated gBETA spring 2022 | Energy & CleanTech | Automation · B2B Sales · Sustainability · Workforce Development · Product Research | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Fer Swanston | Founder, Human Singularity | Fer Swanston is a talent development expert who helps "Unfulfilled Achievers" discover their "Human Singularity" – the unique qualities that make them exceptionally valuable. Through 12 years of entrepreneurial leadership in education and coaching, Fer has guided over 1,850 individuals to unlock their distinct potential. This expertise now fuels Human Singularity, Fer's AI startup revolutionizing how human potential is understood globally, driven by a commitment to creating a world where everyone's unique abilities can truly shine. | Professional Services & Coaching | Education (K-12) · Leadership and Management · Workforce Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Georgian Simion | Director of Advanced Manufacturing, NineTwelve | Advanced manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, new-product introduction, scale-up | Manufacturing & Industrial | LinkedInNineTwelve | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Harris Turner | Co-founder & CEO, AgroNet ZERO, LLC | Serial entrepreneur; problem solver; previous fundraiser; persistent salesperson. Latest startup (www.OneCause.com) >620 employees, >6500 clients, >$9 billion sales. Have learned from mistakes and profited from corrections. | Software & SaaS | Business Development · B2B Sales · Go-To Market Strategy · Sales · Software Development · Sustainability · Pitching · Leadership and Management · Branding | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Hunter MacMillan | Co-Founder & CEO, Forever Analytical | I’m a persistent, hardworking entrepreneur focused on solving complex environmental problems. Right now, I’m building a company tackling PFAS contamination through innovative detection methods and compliance solutions. Before this, I took an unconventional path — moving to Spain at 18, learning Spanish from scratch, and earning a dual degree in law and philosophy taught entirely in Spanish, graduating in the top 5% of my class. That experience shaped how I approach challenges: dive in headfirst, figure things out fast, and keep pushing until I get results. I’m passionate about taking tough, technical issues and turning them into clear, actionable solutions that protect communities and the environment. Always open to connecting with others working on water, environmental tech, or ambitious ideas that can make a real impact. | Environmental & CleanTech | B2B Sales · Business Development · Finance · Fundraising · Intellectual Property and Licensing · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Product Development · Product Research · Sustainability · Go-To Market Strategy · Field Trials | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Ian Illig | Founder, Stompbox | Sales & GTM Consulting | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |||
| Ian Ramsdell | Founder & CEO, Kupros, Inc. | Ian Ramsdell is a U.S. Navy veteran breaking new ground as founder and CEO of Kupros Inc., an Indiana-based tech startup. Here, Ian leads the development of pioneering electrically conductive filaments for additive manufacturing. Unfazed by the challenges he faced during his transition from military service, he was drawn to a transformative research project from a Department of Defense startup studio program, which later formed the backbone of Cu-29, the flagship product at Kupros set to redefine 3D printed electronics. Beyond pushing boundaries professionally, Ian is deeply committed to uplifting others. He created a non-profit to help fellow disabled veterans find resources and mentorship. A tireless community advocate, he volunteers frequently with local veterans' service nonprofits. Away from the professional hustle, Ian cherishes family time and continues to champion the use of technology as a tool to empower communities. | Advanced Manufacturing & Materials | Business Development · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Pitching · Revenue Models | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Jack Saltel | Founder & CEO, GradMeet | I'm Jack Saltel, the Founder and CEO of GradMeet, an app designed to help new grads connect through curated group experiences. I’m focused on creating a strong and authentic brand identity for GradMeet, while effectively pitching its value to investors, partners, and users. Using storytelling, I aim to position GradMeet as the go-to platform for recent graduates looking to build meaningful connections as they settle into new cities. | EdTech & Social | Branding · Go-To Market Strategy · Marketing · Pitching | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Jacob Wise | Co-founder & CTO, Crafted; Co-founder, BigCheese.ai | CTO strategy, software architecture, AI integration | Software & SaaS | CraftedLinkedIn | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Jake Westreich | Director of Sales, gener8tor | or of Sales at gener8tor Dedicated to creating partnerships to support the best and brightest in traditionally overlooked communities. From high tech startups to main street small businesses, nothing is more powerful an entrepreneur with a dream, and we are here to help. | Venture & Accelerators | Sales · B2B Sales · B2C Sales | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Janet King | CEO | Media & Community | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |||
| Jason Williams | CEO, Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest | Connector. Marketer. Innovator. Explorer. Jason Williams is a can opener for innovation who is passionate about connecting people to people and people to ideas. Jason is CEO of The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest, an organization dedicated to driving community and economic growth in Northwest Indiana through innovation and entrepreneurship. Jason is also the founder and owner of Spycomps, a business intelligence company focused on the retail industry, and provides marketing and innovation services through his brand Jawbrain. Prior to these roles, Jason was Executive or of Centric where he led the organization's efforts to connect, educate and celebrate Indiana's problem solvers. Before Centric, Jason spent more than a decade as the US Marketing or for Israel-based Keter Plastic, the world’s largest manufacturer of resin-based household and garden consumer products, working ly with some of the largest retailers in the world. A graduate of Butler University, Jason is extremely active in Indiana’s innovation and entrepreneurship communities. | Economic Development & Innovation | Business Development · Branding · Design Thinking · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Development · Product Research · Social Media · Growth Strategy | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Jean Lee | Founder The Academy of Chaos, Event Director Midwest Homeschool Expo, The Academy of Chaos, Midwest Homeschool Expo | Jean is a neuroscientist by education, a large scale ecommerce and global media strategist by trade, 4x start up entrepreneur, and thought leader in alternative learning. She is the founder of The Academy of Chaos and Event or of the Midwest Homeschool Expo. Her #1 business strategy is "Be a champion of others and they will lift you up as well!" | Education | Branding · Design Thinking · Education (K-12) · Market Research · Marketing | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Jeff Caldwell | AVP Engagement + Relevance, CLUTCH | Ag storytelling, brand positioning, PR, content strategy | AgTech & Food | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Jeremy Fritzhand | Startup Catalyst, Alloy Growth Lab | As a startup development expert and academic advisor, I have a wealth of experience in building relationships, promoting collaboration, and creating innovative programs and events. I have assisted startups across the venture readiness spectrum, served as a connector leveraging partnerships and collaborative opportunities, and led programming including Morning Mentoring and StartupCincy Week. I have also coordinated with academic institutions in the Greater Cincinnati ecosystem, including Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, and Miami University. In my role as a Member of the Board of Studies and Visiting Faculty at Avantika University, I have mentored and advised students on their academic and professional paths. Previously, as a Minerva Fellow at Union College, I mentored and advised future fellows, created curriculum and lectured on social entrepreneurship, and planned and implemented globally oriented events for students on campus. I am excited to continue using my skills and experience to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and education. | Venture & Accelerators | Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Fundraising · Founder Wellness · Business Development · Branding · Marketing · Pitching · Social Media | 1 | 5G Spring 2023 | |
| John Basil | President, Basil Advisory Group | Business Growth consultant, specializing in small to mid-sized firms. Focus on client development, organizational growth, leadership, pragmatic work processes, communication behaviors. Former CEO, Operations Executive, General Manager, Retired Naval r. | Professional Services & Consulting | B2B Sales · Business Development · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Pitching · Revenue Models · Workforce Development | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| John Coffman | Co-founder & CTO, Qwyn AI | Pharma manufacturing/quality, regulated AI workflows, compliance | Pharma & Life Sciences | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| JohnGabriel Nguyen-Truong | Xphera (spatial tech for critical infrastructure) | Enterprise pilots; procurement, security, SLAs; long sales cycles | Enterprise Software & Infrastructure | XpheraProfile | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Jonathan Kretz | Techcomb | Sales & GTM Consulting | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |||
| Katherine Sarno | Sales Manager, *Multiple Companies* | Katherine has a passion for helping others through brand marketing and leadership activities. Born in Indianapolis to hardworking parents - a mother who is a business owner and an Italian father who grew up in a family-owned restaurant in Chicago. Manager with 7+ years of sales and service experience. Katherine is the Sales Manager of Conrad Indianapolis. Conrad Hotels & Resorts is the destination for the new generation of smart, luxury travellers. She was awarded the INSPIRE award for demonstrating respect and gracious professionalism both for team members and clients. Katherine earned her Sales Training Certificate through the Hilton Worldwide Program. Previously, Katherine was an opening team member of a new restaurant, The Cake Bake Shop. She was instrumental in building the company's programs and driving revenue through brand marketing and creative thinking. Katherine supported special assignments as assigned by the CEO & Founder, demonstrating her flexibility and adaptability in handling diverse tasks and responsibilities. Katherine earned a Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management from Indiana University Bloomington. Katherine currently serves on the Board of the Columbian Business Network, a Head Coach of a competitive cheerleading team, and a Social Media Content Coordinator. Outside of her professional role, she is currently taking Professor Laurie Santos from Yale University online course called, The Science of Well-Being, that teaches you how to be happier. | Marketing & Advertising | Sales · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Social Media · Marketing · Branding · Business Development · Design Thinking · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management | 1 | 5G Spring 2023 | |
| Kegahn Hopwood | CEO of Manufacturing and Service, ZrO Waste Manufacturing | Kegahn is a seasoned professional with a strong foundation in Construction Engineering and Management Technology, having graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Currently serving as the General Manager of his family-owned construction company, Kegahn brings extensive expertise in operations, management, regulatory inspections, and energy savings to the table. With a career spanning over two decades, Kegahn has overseen a diverse portfolio of construction projects, ranging from minor wall repairs to the development of multimillion-dollar facilities. His deep involvement in Guaranteed Energy Savings Projects has been particularly noteworthy, as he has successfully implemented energy-efficient equipment, lighting upgrades, indoor air quality improvements, and solar upgrades. Beyond his professional endeavors, Kegahn is a proud graduate of Mooresville High School and an Eagle Scout, reflecting his commitment to excellence and community service. As a long-time resident of Morgan County, he remains deeply connected to his local community and is passionate about contributing to its growth and prosperity. In addition to his role as General Manager, Kegahn serves as the CEO of Manufacturing for ZrO Waste Manufacturing. He is leading the efforts towards the opening of their Mooresville Based Manufacturing facility in 2024, demonstrating his commitment to driving innovation and sustainable practices within the manufacturing sector. Kegahn's wealth of experience and dedication to innovation make him a valuable asset to any project or initiative. His leadership at ZrO Waste Manufacturing underscores his vision for a more sustainable future and his dedication to the economic development of his community. | Construction | B2B Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Go-To Market Strategy · Pitching · Sustainability | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Kim Johnson | LHP Europe | Automotive & Mobility | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |||
| Kyle Mohler | Insignum AgTech (plant biotech) | Field trials, regulatory approvals, farmer adoption; pilot-to-paid | AgTech & Food | AgFunder | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Luis Duarte | Partner, Imaginable Futures | Luis is a partner at Imaginable Futures (IF), a global philanthropic investment firm that believes learning has the power to unleash human potential and aspires to provide every learner with the opportunity and the tools they need to imagine, and to realize, a brighter future. IF is committed to anti-racism and uses a systems change approach to deploy a mix of capital tools towards positive impact. IF is a venture of the Omidyar Group. Previously, Luis served as the Chief Philanthropy r of ZOMALAB - the family of Ben and Lucy Ana Walton, and as President of the ZOMA Foundation. Before this appointment, Duarte served as investments or at Gary Community Ventures (GCV) where he led the areas of innovation and impact investing. Duarte is an entrepreneur who has started a number of companies and worked in both corporate and public sectors including serving as a consultant and an engineer for the plastics and construction industries and leading a Statewide unit for the department of public health in Mexico. Duarte is currently a senior advisor at the Colorado Impact Fund and a or of the board at B Lab, GCV, and multiple startups. He is also a Colorado Governors Fellow, as well as an Unreasonable Institute Fellow. | EdTech & Impact | Education (K-12) · Fundraising · Leadership and Management · Revenue Models · Social Emotional Learning (SEL) · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Pitching · Business Development · Growth Strategy | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Mark Gramelspacher | Executive Director - SAM Fund & Entrepreneur in Residence, Elevate Ventures, Inc. | Mark Gramelspacher is an entrepreneur, investor, inventor, attorney, and advisor to international business and policy-makers. He currently serves as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Elevate Ventures and the Executive or of the Smart and Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Fund. At Elevate Ventures, he primarily advises entrepreneurs seeking to scale pre-revenue, pre-profit and emerging businesses into high-value, high-impact, Indiana enterprises. In his career, he formed or helped form more than a dozen start-up operations or acquisitions in manufacturing, distribution, and SaaS verticals. Mark served as Chairman, President &/or CEO of three engineered-product companies, organized and participated on several boards of ors and consulted and advised on numerous business acquisitions, reorganizations, joint ventures and divestitures. He sits on a number of private company boards of ors and advisors. He also consults and advises businesses and lawmakers on policy matters affecting business success in the United States and around the world. | Venture & Manufacturing | Automation · B2B Sales · Business Development · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Legal · Pitching · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Workforce Development | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Mary Matusz | Operations & Strategic Programs Leader (digital platforms & production) | Operations and program delivery; client partnerships; digital platforms, production and experiential; sustainability initiatives | Media & Production | LinkedInSee the Impact | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Matt Wallace | Co-founder & CEO, ONOW Ascent / ONOW | Inclusive AI SaaS for non-technical users; pilots and pricing in budget-constrained settings | Software & SaaS | LinkedInANDE | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Matthew Walsh | Digital Innovator, MKW Solutions, LLC | Leveraging expertise in wearable technology and cutting-edge tools, I drive innovative solutions in the manufacturing sector. With a keen focus on process instrumentation, automation, and metal stampings, I excel in enhancing quality control and management functionalities. My journey in the tech startup ecosystem underscores a commitment to pioneering advancements and optimizing operational efficiencies within manufacturing. | Manufacturing & Hardware | Automation · B2B Sales · Business Development · Cybersecurity · Data and Analytics · Design Thinking · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Market Research · Product Research · Sales · Software Development · Sustainability | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Max Polec | Executive Coach, The CEO Strategy | The common thread in my background has always been entrepreneurship. - I started my first business at age 15 to be able to afford university and become a first-generation college student. - From there, I founded and grew an accelerator program that served 100+ entrepreneurs in the Birmingham, AL startup ecosystem. - I then led growth at a consumer electronics startup to double monthly revenue, double headcount, and raise $1M+ in growth financing. - These past 3 years, I have focused on founder coaching and growth strategy. - When I’m not working, you can find me reading a book, woodworking, and traveling the world! Through The CEO Strategy, I help first-time founders illuminate blind spots to identify business growth opportunities by providing founder-first coaching tested with 200+ entrepreneurs so that you achieve peak performance across yourself, your team, and your business. I not only want to be a builder of startups, but also a builder of people. I have seen the transformative impact that entrepreneurship and coaching can have on individuals (including myself). My goal is to impact as many founders as I can along the journey. | Venture & Accelerators | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Higher Education · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Meka Couch | Co-founder, Wolfberry | IoT & Cybersecurity | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |||
| Michael Adam | Aerospace & Defense | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||||
| Michael Siegel | Managing Partner, Siegel & Benjamin | Executive search; leadership hiring for Ag/Food/Clean; talent strategy | Executive Search & Talent | LinkedInFirm | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Mike Jacob | TerraForce (AI robotics for specialty crops) | Hardware scale-up, unit economics, supply chains, commercialization | AgTech & Robotics | TerraForce | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Nate Miller | CEO, Consensus Networks | Nate Miller is the Chief Executive r of Consensus Networks, delivering core infrastructure for blockchain networks to support use cases from healthcare to cryptocurrency. In 2018, he helped found Consensus Networks and the company has grown organically since, winning contracts from a variety of clients including the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health. Prior to joining Consensus Networks, Nate served for over seven years in the U.S. Navy as a Submarine Warfare r. He is a 2011 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s of Science in Systems Engineering. He attended the U.S. Navy’s nuclear power and submarine r training programs before being assigned to the USS Maine, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. From 2016 to 2018, he was an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Notre Dame where he taught Physics, Thermodynamics, and Cyber Security to ROTC students. In 2018, Nate earned a Masters of Science from the University of Notre Dame through the ESTEEM graduate program. He is a previous contributor to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) working group on Blockchain for Industrial Applications and taught an introductory blockchain course at Notre Dame. | Blockchain & Web3 | Software Development · Leadership and Management · Design Thinking · Business Development · Cybersecurity · Pitching | 1 | 5G Spring 2023 | |
| Nathan Maynard | CEO and Founders, Highfive | Nathan is a 3 time founder and CEO. He was previously a youth worker for 7 years and school administrator for 4 years. He wrote a book called, Hacking School Discipline, that was a best seller in the US and internationally in 20+ countries. He then took the success of that book and bootstrapped his first EdTech: BehaviorFlip that was able to scale across the US into 300+ schools over 3 years. He also had a consulting group that would work with most underserved and underprivileged schools across the US growing this organically up to over 1M of gross revenue per year. He now is the CEO and Founder of the award winning EdTech, Highfive. They believe in using logical consequences to build empathy in students and educators by using technology to support classroom management and belonging in school environments. | Education | Education (K-12) · Data and Analytics · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · KPIs and Business Metrics · Pitching · Sales · Software Development · Social Emotional Learning (SEL) · Business Development | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Nathan Smith | CEO & Co-founder, North Star Systems | IoT hardware + software, government procurement, production scaling | Industrial IoT & Hardware | North StarLinkedIn | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Nathaniel Hawk | CEO/CTO, Xadite | I am a founder and tech developer and have gone through the NSF I-Corps Program multiple times with multiple high tech technologies. I pride myself in saying I am leading the forefront of advanced technologies. | DeepTech & Research | B2B Sales · Business Development · Design Thinking · Data and Analytics · Go-To Market Strategy · Intellectual Property and Licensing · Leadership and Management · Manufacturing · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Development · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Software Development | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Naveed Iqbal | ML/AI architecture & data science | ML-to-product, real-time data architecture, pipeline reliability | AI & Data | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Neil Banwart | Chief Integration Officer, Energy Systems Network (ESN) | MachH2 CIO- As Chief Integration r, Neil Banwart’s responsibilities include ensuring MachH2 maximizes all sources of funding and also working to continually expand the reach and impact of MachH2. In conjunction with the CEO, he also represents MachH2 in public facing matters such as media interviews, on panels, and at tradeshows. Neil also serves as Managing or-Hydrogen at Energy Systems Network (ESN). Prior to ESN, he spent nearly a decade at Cummins Inc. He has held several M&A, Treasury, and finance roles in his career, including service as the CFO of a small private equity fund. Neil earned a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and an MBA from Bradley University. He is a CFA Charterholder and serves on the Board of ors of the CFA Society of Indianapolis as the immediate past president. | Energy & CleanTech | Sustainability · Manufacturing | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Nida Ansari | CEO, Hardtech Indiana | Nida worked in innovation and strategy for almost 15 years with a variety of Fortune 200 companies, and has launched several products that are still on shelves all over the world. She brings expertise in supply chain, product launch, manufacturing, and strategy. Most recently, she has taught storytelling and pitching, been the MD for a hardtech accelerator, an investor and is now a connector for founders. | Consumer Products & Manufacturing | Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Pitching | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Oleg Ryzhkov | Co-Founder & CTO, AgroNet ZERO LLC | Oleg Ryzhkov is the Co-Founder and CTO of AgroNet ZERO, a climate tech startup building AI-powered infrastructure for circular agriculture and biochar-based carbon solutions. He holds an MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from Chicago Booth and brings over a decade of experience in data-driven product development, early-stage venture growth, and climate-focused innovation. Oleg is a two-time participant in the University of Chicago’s Polsky Center New Venture Challenges—first as Second Place Winner with Blackcurrant, a hydrogen marketplace startup in the core NVC, and most recently as a 2024 Finalist in the UChicago Alumni New Venture Challenge with AgroNet ZERO. He has also participated in the Purdue Regional I-Corps Program (Feb-March, 2025), the Sage Impact Entrepreneurship Program by Village Capital (Spring 2025 Community Cohort), and DivInc’s Clean Energy Accelerator in Houston (2023), supporting the commercialization of clean energy platforms in collaboration with Chevron and Microsoft. At AgroNet ZERO, Oleg leads platform architecture, contributes to research and IP development, and supports fundraising strategy. He specializes in integrating physical and digital innovation, driving climate-tech commercialization, and aligning mission-driven technologies with scalable, investor-ready models. | AgTech & CleanTech | Data and Analytics · Finance · Fundraising · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Product Development · Product Research · Revenue Models · Software Development · Sustainability · Business Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Omeed Tabiei | Managing Partner, Optimist Legal | I’m an attorney that helps SaaS and startup founders to incorporate, raise capital, and exit. | Legal & IP | Legal | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Paul Taylor | Serial startup mentor | Repeatable pipeline, prioritization, go-to-market, network introductions | Professional Services & Consulting | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Pietro Picogna | CEO, Pack | 4 continents, 5 languages, 3 international degrees. Pietro studied Business at many universities around the world. After that, he worked in a multinational, in the financial industry. He has been the CEO's assistant during the company's IPO process. He co-founded Pack, a mentoring & coaching platform for companies. Pietro is the Vice-President of GenQ, a non-profit organization that faces the challenges of D&I in firms and institutions. Pietro has been Guest Lecturer at: University of Verona University of Bologna - Alma Mater Studiorum ESADE - Barcelona Business School Kozminski - Warsaw University | HR Tech | B2B Sales · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Rachele Landi | Sales Development Representative, Keepit | LinkedIn is the best place to find my short biography :) | Software & SaaS | B2B Sales · Business Development · Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Human Resources · Sales · Pitching · B2C Sales | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Rajesh Perianayagam, Ph.D. | Founder & CEO, Karyosoft | Agrigenomics software; R&D-to-revenue; IP and scientific commercialization | AgTech & Life Sciences | F6S | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Ranjit Ramakrishnan Nair | Product Advisor, Defi Technlogies | Ranjit Ramakrishnan Nair is an award-winning product leader with over a decade of experience building and scaling technology solutions in fintech, B2B trading, and education sectors. He has led cross-functional teams developing a $1B AUM (Assets Under Management) B2C crypto platform and a B2B trading product serving institutional investors across North America, Europe, and Asia. Ranjit specializes in product lifecycle management, agile engineering, and user-centric design, with a proven track record in launching compliance-driven, high-scale financial products. He is also a recognized contributor to engineering education through his leadership in IEEE and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of innovators. Ranjit is based in Indiana and Toronto, with a strong focus on supporting startups in technology and finance | Fintech & Crypto | Education (K-12) · Finance · Go-To Market Strategy · Higher Education · Leadership and Management · Product Development · Product Research · Software Development · Growth Strategy | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Ray Fraser | CEO, Vital View | Throughout my career, a sense of curiosity to look outside the norm and find new ways to push business forward has motivated me to always strive to explore new challenges. Through hard work and consistency I believe all things are possible. | Venture Capital & Private Equity | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | ||
| Riccardo Castagno | Business Development Manager, MYWAI | HI! I'm Riccardo Castagno, Biz Dev Mng @MYWAI, Italian startup revolutionizing industrial operations with Artificial Intelligence. I've been working in startups environments since the very beginning of my career. | Industrial AI & IoT | B2B Sales · Business Development · Fundraising · Intellectual Property and Licensing · Data and Analytics | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Rob Owen | Cofounder/CEO, Alidade | Founder-whisperer/Mentor & experienced Operator with a penchant for taking early-stage & pre-seed startups to market, including two unicorns. Sales, operations, & business/finance experience includes building and leading sales teams, designing & executing effective operational and support processes, and crafting full-scale complex Product and GTM operations strategies. Former Marine & finance professional described as a trusted advisor with the keen ability to introduce innovative solutions exceeding client and organizational expectations. Creative negotiator skilled at deepening relationships with clients, reports, and peers to drive remarkable performance and results. Strong record of operational efficiency and streamlining business processes. Big believer in managing towards the servant leadership philosophy. Current title holder of the company's "Most Interesting Person in the World". | Software & SaaS | B2B Sales · Finance · Go-To Market Strategy · Product Development · Growth Strategy | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Robert Clegg | CEO, Virtual Robotics League, Virtual Robotics League | I invented a product in college but didn't have a business bone in my body (my family was in education not business). So I've learned every lesson the hard way. Years later, I came up with another idea and moved to NYC to try and make it. I had a million dollar deal on the table, literally stacks of legal papers ready to sign. I managed to screw that deal up. If only I had had an advisor to talk me through it, things would have been very different from then on. Years later, I found a co-founder and finally launched a company and together raised 3 rounds of venture capital and totally innovated... in the education space! I'm now that advisor I wish I had had. Happy to share stories, insights, and perspective. | Robotics & EdTech | Design Thinking · Education (K-12) · Product Development · Software Development | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Roger Shuman | Sr. Relationship Manager, TechPoint | Sr. Relationship Manager with TechPoint for nearly five years. I work with Indiana-based startup and scale-up technology companies and investors all over North America. I have a 20+ year background working for technology companies, mostly in a marketing and product marketing role. I'm also the guy who does all of the Indiana Tech Tee / Swag posts on LinkedIn. :) | Venture & Accelerators | Business Development · Fundraising · Marketing · Pitching · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Branding · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Rory Brogan | Founder and CEO, Torev Motors | Automotive & Mobility | Leadership and Management · Automation · B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Data and Analytics · Business Development · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Market Research · Marketing · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Software Development · Sustainability | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | ||
| Rowan Hume | Managing Director, gener8tor | Rowan has been working with early stage startups for 4 years. He helped support the launch of gener8tor programming in Minneapolis in 2019 and has worked hands on with over 40 startups across all verticals since then. He now serves as the Managing or for gener8tor's Curql Accelerate program. | Venture & Accelerators | Pitching · Founder Wellness · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Revenue Models · KPIs and Business Metrics | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Ryan Alsman | I am a finance leader with a strong background in Financial Planning, Strategic Business Operations, Incentive Plan Design, Fundraising (Experience with both Debt and Equity Financings), Risk Management, Corporate Development (Both buy and sell sides) and Leadership. I hold a BS in Finance & Management Information Systems ('14) and an MBA ('18) from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana., Hurdle | Fintech & Financial Services | Finance | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | ||
| Ryan Benczik | Founder, Authentic Ink | Ryan is the founder of Authentic Ink, a company that automates handwritten notes at scale, helping businesses build genuine connections with their customers. A serial entrepreneur, he also founded the electrical company Benczik Industries in 2023. Ryan brings a wealth of experience in B2B and B2C sales strategy and scaling. His career highlights include leading large teams (up to 217 people), generating $50,000,000+ in B2B customer revenue, and holding various sales-focused roles at organizations including Fortune 100 company Dow Chemical and as a financial advisor. A Purdue University graduate with a degree in Biological Engineering and a minor in Management and Entrepreneurship, his core expertise lies in team building, system implementation, and aggressive business scaling. | Marketing Tech & SaaS | B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Business Development · Growth Strategy · Leadership and Management · Manufacturing · Sales | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2025) | |
| Ryan Brubaker | Fractional Chief Information Officer, Happy Dabble | Ryan Brubaker is a visionary leader known for driving digital innovation and enterprise transformation. He began his career at Deloitte as a cybersecurity consultant and quickly rose through the ranks to executive leadership. Over the years, Ryan has served as CIO, COO, and CFO, consistently using technology to unlock strategic business value. In recognition of his impact, he was honored as the 2022 Tech Executive of the Year. Today, Ryan is a multi-business owner, entrepreneur, executive advisor, startup mentor, and life coach—dedicated to helping others achieve lasting growth and success. | Enterprise Software & Consulting | B2B Sales · Business Development · Cybersecurity · Data and Analytics · B2C Sales · Automation · Founder Wellness · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Human Resources · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Marketing · Product Development · Sales · Software Development · Workforce Development | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | |
| Salvatore Grignano | Technology & Marketing | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||||
| Sara Di Diego | Miss, - | Hi, I'm Sara! I'm from Italy, currently living in South Carolina after years living in the United Kingdom to pursue my entrepreneurial endeavors. I've worked in the field of digital transformation and market analysis in the consulting, food, workplace health and safety, and music sectors. I've built multiple startups, and benefitted myself from acceleration so happy to help and provide my knowledge to rising startups. I'm passionate about the space industry, astronomically and commercially. | Professional Services & Consulting | Branding · Business Development · B2B Sales · B2C Sales · Automation · Design Thinking · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Product Research · Revenue Models · Sales · Social Impact and Corporate Responsibility · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Data and Analytics · Human Resources · Sustainability | 1 | 5G Spring 2023 | |
| Sarah Aubrey | Mentor Extraordinaire, CICP | Sarah comes to gener8tor after working for six years in higher education where she helped students find their passion, develop professionally and fulfill their potential. Previously, she worked in arts administration where she cultivated a love of visual storytelling. Sarah is passionate about placemaking and community development and, thus, volunteers for neighborhood revitalization and serves on the Board of Middle Waves Music Festival. Throughout her career, Sarah has garnered extensive experience in creating and growing programs as well as fostering relationships with stakeholders of all levels. Sarah holds degrees from Hanover College and the University of Sydney. | Venture & Accelerators | Education (K-12) · Fundraising · Leadership and Management · Pitching · Workforce Development | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Scott Christensen | Fund Manager, Chesapeake Bay Seed Capital Fund | Scott Christensen manages the Chesapeake Bay Seed Capital Fund, an early stage fund sponsored by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Scott works with companies in this space to find funding and resources to scale their environmental impact. | Impact Investing & CleanTech | Fundraising · Market Research · Revenue Models · Sustainability | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Scott Massey | Co-founder & CEO, Anu (formerly Heliponix / GroPod) | AgTech hardware and controlled-environment growing; consumer hardware scale-up; Purdue/NSF SBIR commercialization | AgTech & Hardware | AnuLinkedIn | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Scott Willson | Fleet & Logistics Tech | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||||
| Sean Milloy | Automotive & Mobility | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | ||||
| Sean Williams | Director of Entrepreneurial Services, Rochester Area Economic Development Inc. | Sean is an experienced ecosystem innovator with a demonstrated history of empowering creators across industries, a proven entrepreneurial professional from launch to exit, and a New York Times bestselling comic book writer. He has a B.A. in Cinema-evision, Production from University of Southern California and an M.B.A. from Minnesota State University Mankato, and currently runs the Mayo Clinic Business Accelerator. | Media & Entertainment | Design Thinking · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Pitching · Workforce Development · Revenue Models · Founder Wellness | 1 | 5G Spring 2023 | |
| Selena Skorman | Director, Entrepreneurship Policy and Partnerships, gener8tor | Selena was born and raised in the small town of Shelby, North Carolina. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. After graduating, she worked as a research assistant at the Urban Institute, a community think tank in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she evaluated nonprofits and conducted educational policy research. Eight years ago, she moved to Oklahoma City, which she says is the best decision she has ever made. Selena started at Arts Council OKC as the or of Development, then spent three years as Executive or of the Plaza District Association and the Plaza Business Alliance. In August of 2021, she helped launch gBETA Oklahoma City, a gener8tor product that is an accelerator for early stage startups based in Oklahoma. Recently, Selena accepted the role of or of Entrepreneurship Policy and Partnerships for gener8tor, where she works with local governments and national foundations to secure impactful programming for entrepreneurs both nationally and internationally. Selena is consistently ranked among the top fifty young professionals in Oklahoma City, a proud board member of Sunny Dayz, and a graduate of LOYAL Class XII. | Public Policy & Economic Development | Business Development · Fundraising · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Main Street/Small Business · Pitching · Workforce Development | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Shwetha Krishnan | Founder, koritsu solutions | I bring over two decades of experience in software development from developer to Sr Dev Manager, having led multiple teams in creating revenue-generating features for Fortune 500 companies. I have successfully built complex, robust, and scalable SaaS applications in the financial and digital marketing sectors. As a Kelley MBA graduate, I have further refined my strategic thinking and business acumen, enabling me to navigate complex challenges and deliver effective, iterative solutions. My strength lies in engaging with customers, understanding their needs, and crafting strategic solutions that drive value. | Software & SaaS | Data and Analytics · Marketing · Social Media · Software Development · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) · Leadership and Management · Branding · Product Development | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |
| Steven Guo | Advisor | Venture & Accelerators | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2024) | |||
| Ting Gootee | President & CEO, TechPoint | Ting Gootee is a seasoned venture development and community builder with in-depth experience leading and managing impact-driven programs across public, private and academic sectors. She joined TechPoint, as president and CEO in May 2022. Gootee co-developed the original vision and strategy for Elevate Ventures in 2011 and served as the organization’s vice president of investment until 2014, when she was named chief investment r. In addition to focusing on investment funds formation and evaluating and supporting pre-seed to later-stage investment opportunities at Elevate Ventures, Gootee played an instrumental role in standing up all aspects of its operations from day one. She managed and conducted due diligence research on hundreds of investment opportunities across multiple sectors, ranging from IT to life sciences to advanced manufacturing. Her portfolio oversight reaches more than a dozen Elevate funds and more than 400 Indiana startups and scale-ups and active syndication relationships with individual investors and professional VCs around the country, resulting in $1.7 billion in co-invested capital and positive returns over the life of the funds. Elevate Ventures has been the most active investor in the Great Lakes regions since 2017. Prior to Elevate Ventures, Gootee was the deputy or of the Indiana 21st Century Research & Technology Fund. She came to that position from Lionhart Investments Limited, of Global Counsel, where she served as a business and legal analyst from 2003 to 2006. | Venture & Accelerators | B2B Sales · Automation · Data and Analytics · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Leadership and Management | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | |
| Todd Greer | Venture & Accelerators | 1 | Industry 4.0 Summer 2023 | ||||
| Tommaso De Angelis | CEO @ Space Frontier / Analyst and Business Development Consultant | A seasoned professional with almost a decade of experience in enhancing business efficiency and productivity through a data-driven approach. I have developed substantial expertise in interpreting numbers to derive business insights. Adept at identifying issues, providing feasible and measurable solutions, and managing growth-oriented investments efficiently and effectively. I have successfully led teams of up to 20 people across various functions, from marketing to plant management. In 2023, I founded Space Frontier, a company that is developing new 3D-printed fuels based on bioplastics. We have secured significant investments from CDP, Galaxia, and Obloo Ventures. | AI & Data | Business Development · Pitching · Product Development · Product Research · Fundraising | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |
| Travis Stegemoller | General Counsel, gener8tor | Travis's career in the legal and entrepreneurial landscape is marked by his extensive experience with counseling more than 60 early stage companies where he has provided strategic advisory services to founders and boards. Stegemoller has managed due diligence on more than 250 early-stage companies. This expertise has been pivotal in his current role as General Counsel at gener8tor Management, LLC since 2022, where he excels in navigating the complexities of corporate law, strategic planning, fund formation, venture capital investing, fund administration, and investor relations, all aimed at fostering the growth of startups. Stegemoller joined gener8tor from Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he ascended to Partner in a period that spanned from 2018 to 2022. Here, Stegemoller ed the firm's entrepreneurial services, applying his deep legal insight to support venture funds and emerging businesses, enhancing their operational strategies, and preparing them for scalable success. Prior to this, Stegemoller served as a Trademark Attorney for the adidas Group from 2016 to 2018, where he supported global trademark portfolios and international branding strategies. His legal career also includes impactful roles as an Associate at Gutwein Law from 2015 to 2016, and earlier at Pasky IP Law LLC from 2012 to December 2014, where his focus was on intellectual property law and startup clients. Beyond his professional roles, Travis served as the President and Board Member for the Fight for Life Foundation. He is also a 3-term Board Member of the Venture Club of Indiana, Inc., where he also serves as the Vice President. | Legal & IP | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) | ||
| Trev Keane | Managing Director, Feenix Group | B2B partnerships, first-of-kind go-to-market, sponsorship, ecosystem building | Gaming & Esports | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | ||
| Trey Buck | POPCAM | AI & Consumer Hardware | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |||
| Trey Hester | Founder & Creative Director, HICO Solutions | Brand identity, web/app design, go-to-market communications | Design & Creative | HICOLinkedIn | 1 | AgBioScience Winter 2026 | |
| Tyler Watson | btlaw | Legal & IP | 1 | 5G: SaaS, AI, Web 3.0 (Fall 2023) | |||
| Vincenzo Mazzella | ALPHA IMPULSION | Aerospace & Defense | 1 | Skyward Emilia-Romagna Late Fall 2024 | |||
| Wyatt Wells | COO, The Bee Corp | I founded The Bee Corp and took part in the Fall 2018 gBeta Indy cohort. At TBC, I focused on building a robust operational framework to efficiently scale revenue, product and personnel. As someone who was once in their shoes, I can offer insight into process optimization, budgeting, establishing KPIs and developing a strategy for rapid growth. | AgTech & Food | B2B Sales · Branding · Business Development · Founder Wellness · Go-To Market Strategy · Growth Strategy · Fundraising · Human Resources · KPIs and Business Metrics · Leadership and Management · Market Research · Marketing · Product Research · Pitching · Revenue Models · Search Engine Optimization (SEO) | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2024) | |
| Yasmina Marie Slimani | Ms, Elisyan Wealth Ventures | Yas is the Founder & CEO of Elisyan Wealth Ventures, B2B SaaS Fintech start-up based in London, who has built the First Private by Design Global Finance App. Prior to launching Elisyan, Yas spent 17 years in the Wealth and Asset Management industry working for major organisations such as Merrill Lynch in Chicago, HSBC Global Asset Management in London. Yas is a CFA charter holder and graduated with an MBA from Purdue University in 2005. | Fintech & Wealth Management | B2B Sales · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) · Finance · Fundraising · Go-To Market Strategy · Pitching · Revenue Models | 1 | Industry 4.0: Smart & Circular (Spring 2025) |