Silicon Couloir Pitch Day a success

Six entrepreneurs took the stage at the Center for the Arts Aug. 10 to pitch their businesses to community members, investors and a panel of six business experts. Each entrepreneur had eight minutes to explain their business model and attract supporters.

The sixth annual Silicon Couloir Pitch Day showcased promising early stage companies from across the Teton community. Three consumer product companies and three technology companies presented to an audience of 300 which included Wyoming Governor Matt Mead, who gave inspiring opening remarks about his efforts to diversify Wyoming’s economy through entrepreneurship.

As we look at these wonderful six entrepreneurs and what they are going to propose here tonight, it is my hope that the success you all enjoy here today at Pitch Day will provide a path for us to use across the State of Wyoming. I want to say to all of you who support this effort, thank you, because this is needed to make ENDOW successful. ”

Governor Matt Mead

Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming is a $2.5M State of Wyoming initiative that aims to cultivate economic diversification through entrepreneurship.

Each presenting entrepreneur was chosen as a finalist this spring by a Silicon Couloir selection committee and spent six weeks being coached by veteran entrepreneurs and investors from the community.

Awards were given to entrepreneurs which included the Panel’s Grand Prize of $5,000 cash plus an invitation to the Silicon Couloir/MIT Venture Mentor Program, Panel’s Runner-up Award of four Silicon Couloir Board Member coaching sessions and Audience’s Choice Award of $2,500 cash plus a VIP coaching package from The Lion’s Pride.

Panel’s Grand Prize and Audience Choice winner was Momentous, founded by 2016 Jackson Community School graduate Matt Wan. Momentous is a consumer health startup which seeks to disrupt the performance supplement category.

“We manufacture and distribute ultra premium supplements through a proprietary owned media platform and elite distribution channels,” Wann said. “Our vision is to make supplements ridiculously easy to understand and purchase via hyper transparent sourcing, digital first distribution and a straightforward lifestyle brand.” Sign up to learn when product becomes available at livemomentous.com.

Panel Runner-up went to Joan of Sparc, founded by Jackson native Ciela Wynter. Joan of Sparc is a subscription-based online personal development and coaching platform for female millennials that empowers customers through a unique curriculum of digital tools and resources in self-awareness and wellbeing.

“Everything we offer helps them navigate the challenges of this ever changing world while encouraging looking within themselves for the answer,” Wynter said. For more information visit joanofsparc.com/

Other finalists at Pitch Day included Vacayrx, an online marketplace that connects vacation rental owners, managers and guests who are tired of increased fees and decreased functionality on sites like VRBO and HomeAway. Jesse Martinek is the founder of Vacayrx.

Sarah Jorgensen founded Bella Donna Swimwear which is a lifestyle brand company that designs and manufactures exceptional quality swimwear and resort wear that is made specifically for full figured women.

Max Ludington founded Loyale, the ultimate business to business (B to B) craft beer app that helps craft beer businesses attract and retain customers through a mobile platform.

Sam LaCasse founded Wrap-n-Snaps. Wrap-n-Snaps are silicone bracelets with interchangeable, personalized snaps that kids collect and trade which facilitates the processes of self-expression and peer engagement.

“I really think this was the best Pitch Day yet,” said Chris Hessler, Board Member/Co-Founder, Silicon Couloir.  “All of the pitches were really well done with well thought out business models and assumptions. Having the Governor in attendance was the icing on the cake of an amazing day celebrating entrepreneurship in the valley.”

Pitch Day was sponsored by First Western Trust and Central Wyoming College. Three of the six presenting entrepreneurs were graduates of the Silicon Couloir/Central Wyoming College Start Up Intensive.

About Silicon Couloir

Silicon Couloir is a non-profit organization that strengthens the community by connecting, educating and supporting the Teton entrepreneurial ecosystem and its members. The organization believes that the best way to create sustainable jobs is to support entrepreneurs who create sustainable companies.