Pitch Perfect 2025 Ignites Momentum for Local Startups

The inaugural event unites entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to champion regional innovation

A SHOWCASE OF REGIONAL TALENT

On November 12, 2025, Southeast Wisconsin’s top entrepreneurs gathered at the Kenosha Innovation Center for the Pitch Perfect Competition, showcasing the region’s brightest startup talent from Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties. The event highlighted innovative ideas and fostered collaboration across the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A DAY OF INNOVATION AND CONNECTION

Finalists refined their pitches during an afternoon session before taking the stage for the main competition from 4–6 PM, where five judges—Dana Guthrie (Gateway Capital), Rob Davis (Nosco), Minna Dinh-Stuver (Chase for Business), Jacob Jacobsohn (Propellent Ventures), and Meg Sranske (SC Johnson – Racine)—deliberated and selected the winners.

PITCH PERFECT 2025 WINNERS

After an exciting round of live pitches, the competition recognized standout entrepreneurs:

1ST PLACE ($5K) – Tykr, Sean Tepper Helps retail investors buy and sell stocks with confidence.

1ST PLACE ($5K) – Tykr, Sean Tepper
2ND PLACE ($3K) – Sit By Me, Bradley Steckart A social app and business dashboard connecting people and businesses in urban cafés and co-working spaces.

2ND PLACE ($3K) – Sit By Me, Bradley Steckart
3RD PLACE ($1.5K) – Offline Wine, Sarah Mack Creates thoughtfully made non-snob European wines with fabulously cheeky labels and easy pairings curated for you.

3RD PLACE ($1.5K) – Offline Wine, Sarah Mack
AUDIENCE FAVORITE ($500) – Caregiver Compass, Rachel Gage A Racine County business helping working family caregivers manage responsibilities through a supportive app and online platform.

AUDIENCE FAVORITE ($500) – Caregiver Compass, Rachel Gage

NETWORKING & CONNECTIONS

The evening wrapped up with an open networking session, offering founders, judges, and guests the opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and explore collaborations.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Created by economic development organizations across Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties, Pitch Perfect identifies and supports early-stage startups in sectors like advanced manufacturing, biohealth, clean energy, and technology. Participants must live or work in the region, be 18 or older, and hold U.S. citizenship.