Upstart Alpha Cohort 1

Cohort 1, 2020

Featured
Cannen Burgess and Kristal Perez Aviles
Cannen Burgess and Kristal Perez Aviles

Cannen Burgess and Kristal Perez Aviles, both of whom are UAA students, are teaming up to create Clearspace, which aims to help people make friends and improve mental health through social events.

“The function of our business is to basically create a space where locals or visitors to Anchorage can socialize, learn, and connect without the need for alcohol or technology,” Aviles said.

Burgess hopes to learn more about prototyping and narrowing their target market.

“Upstart Alpha is fostering entrepreneurial success in Anchorage,’ Burgess said. “I’ve found lots of networking opportunities as a result of this program.”

Connect with Cannen!

Connect with Kristal!

Cody Herron-Webb
Cody Herron-Webb

Cody Herron-Webb saw the struggle of Alaskans missing live music and comedy shows, so he founded AK Concerts, which makes it easy for Alaskans to know when, where, and who is performing around the state.

A former UAA graduate, Herron-Webb puts out a weekly event calendar of what’s happening across the state — from Juneau to Fairbanks. He also has his list published in the Anchorage Press.

“We also have sections where people can find more information about local Alaskan bands and music venues as well as a place to go for concert tickets,” Herron-Webb said. “We don't actually sell the tickets, but we link you to the official ticket sellers so that you won't be scammed by resale sites (like StubHub or vivid seats) that buy tickets just to sell unsuspecting patrons for 3-5 times the price.”

Connect with Cody!

Jack Carroll
Jack Carroll

Jack Carroll, a sophomore at UAA, wants to create a service for lawyers and law firms that will automatically censor and redact sensitive documents.

“I am very excited to be getting hands-on experience through Upstart Alpha Accelerator,” Carroll said. “No matter what happens with the business itself, I appreciate the knowledge this program will bring me!”

Connect with Jack!

John Boren
John Boren

John Boren is a UAA student who wants to expand GIF DAT, an app that creates GIFs using voice recognition. It is the first app in a series that Boren is developing related to voice recognition.

“I hope to learn more about the startup community in Alaska and how to contribute in that arena,” Boren said.

Connect with John!

Lexlany Tejada
Lexlany Tejada

Lexlany Tejada, a freshman at UAA, has dreams of opening a bilingual preschool and daycare. Tejada says the function of the business is not only caring for — but teaching new languages to young children up to 5 years old.

“Aside from all of the great things I have already learned from this program in the first few weeks of starting, I am hoping to learn what it takes to open a business and the mountains needed to climb to get to the final steps and open,” Tejada said.

Melvin Captain
Melvin Captain

Melvin Captain wants to provide advice to villages, tribal councils, village corporations, and nonprofit organizations in regards to the cannabis industry.

“We solve problems, create value, improve growth, and maximize business efficiency and profitability in regards to the cannabis industry,” Captain said. “I will provide educational trainings that will help tribal members and shareholders understand how the cannabis industry is constructed. I will also offer assistance in educating our employees and help aid with the startup processes of getting involved with the cannabis industry.”

Connect with Melvin!

Natalie Carlson
Natalie Carlson

Natalie Carlson, a computer science major at UAA, applied to the cohort to create The Family Letter — a centralized communication platform for groups. She hopes she can better understand the process of launching a new business through the accelerator.

Connect with Natalie!

Travis Gularte
Travis Gularte

Travis Gularte, a former UAA student, owns Alaska Native Financial Health Organization and 907 Financial Investment Advisory Group. ANFHO is a financial literacy group teaching financial topics in a 1-on-1 setting and large group presentations; the latter is an investment advisory firm creating financial plans and investment strategies for both individuals and companies.

“The biggest thing I want to learn in the program is learning how to raise capital to grow and launch my companies. I do love the accountability factor with the classes and private advisor meetings,” Gularte said. “Also, the curriculum is great because it fills some of the gaps of knowledge I have with building a business.”

Connect with Travis!

Xavier Mason
Xavier Mason

Before graduating from UAA in 2015, Xavier Mason made his mark on the university. He was the College of Business and Public Policy Student Leader of the Year and commencement speaker at his graduation. Since then, he graduated from the University of Oxford with an MSc in Education and an MBA. Mason joined the cohort to create Marina Digital Bank — a commercial digital bank for the country of Nigeria.

“We are a commercial digital bank that will disrupt the financial service industry for the benefit of our customers,” Mason said.

Connect with Xavier!

Zoua Her
Zoua Her

Zoua Her, a UAA student, wants to create a business surrounding hydroponic fruits and veggies in Alaska. She plans on having a hydroponic warehouse and store in the state so residents don’t have to rely so much on shipment from the Lower 48 and elsewhere for fresh produce.

“Another purpose is to create more jobs and more business opportunities for Alaska residents,” Her said. “How my business will function is there would be separated warehouses that grow the greens and sell it to restaurants. When that first stage is going strong, I am hoping to open a grocery store that transfers the greens from the warehouse and sell it to consumers that can handpick the fresh veggies from the hydroponic.”

Upstart Alpha Cohort 2

Cohort 2, 2020-2021 

Featured
Abigail Brady
Abigail Brady

Abigail is the founder of Bear Mountain Weather Wear, a pant company clothing the legs of adventurous Alaskans with soft fleecy fabrics. When she’s not stitching together the fabrics that keep adventures going strong, she’s hanging with her pup, chilling with her friends, or brewing a fresh cup of coffee.

Bryce Ybanez
Bryce Ybanez

Bryce is a Creative Director and leads the development of the application There. When he is away from developing his app, he is busy working on his degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Alaska Anchorage. In the early parts of his college career, he was able to plan and host various events within Anchorage but saw a lack of resources to attract specific people to his events. This sparked the idea for the There App, enabling users to match and discover specific events they are interested in. This idea was driven by core facts to increase community engagement and allow users to discover events within their area.

Connect with Bryce!

Christina Swayney
Christina Swayney

Christina is currently a senior at the University of Alaska Anchorage, majoring in journalism and minoring in anthropology. She is also currently the features editor at The Northern Light at UAA, treasurer of the Anchorage chapter of The Public Relations Student Society of America, and a Tri Sigma nomination committee member. She has diverse work experience and finds that her passion is to create. She wants to share the joy she gets from creating with others.

Connect with Christina!

Dave Nespoli
Dave Nespoli

Dave is the founder, CTO, and acting CEO of MusicNest.io. Specifically, he makes sure the products work, solve the right problems, and excite the users. When Dave is not turning zeros and ones into magic, he spends his days enjoying the Alaskan trails with his family and making sure that one day his son also gets to chart his own path through the world.

Connect with Dave!

Delores Gregory
Delores Gregory

Delores is the founder, CEO, and imagineer of Aleutian Hot Springs. She is passionate about her hometown, sustainability, and economic development. Until recently, she hasn’t had that much time outside of school and work, but Delores loves exploring Alaska with her family and dogs.

Vanessa Raymond
Vanessa Raymond

Vanessa, Telesomm founder, is a socio-technologist and entrepreneur. She has worked in tech as a project and product manager since 2012 and is committed to software that solves real-world problems, improves people’s lives, and makes for a more equitable and just world.

Connect with Telesomm!

Eric Gonzales
Eric Gonzales

Eric Gonzales is a creative film director and photographer currently living in Anchorage, Alaska. His goal is to make every video better than the last. Continually working on his craft and documenting everything from travel to the local community on the streets has granted him the perspective to use as a force for good. By spreading the unique stories of the diverse people and the experiences of this world, he understands that we understand each other better.

Connect with Eric!

Xontippie Whittington
Xontippie Whittington

Xontippie is founder, CEO, lead sales, and face of Elevate and SMU. She is an extremely hard worker and never take no for an answer. Everything she does is at the height of excellence for Elevate and SMU. When she does not have her nose to the grindstone she is cuddled in a corner reading a good book, drawing the Alaskan Landscape, or designing an article of clothing.

Haley Johnston
Haley Johnston

Haley is the founder of Tundra Travels. When she’s not busy building a better kind of guide company, she works to enhance outdoor recreation in Alaska with a variety of businesses and nonprofits. An avid backpacker, Nordic skier, trail runner, pack rafter, split boarder, and backcountry skier, Haley loves being outside in Alaska. She can occasionally be lured indoors with extra sharp white cheddar and good red wine.

Connect with Tundra Travels!

Keila Aurelio
Keila Aurelio

Keila is passionate about all things crafts. She hopes to promote cultural appreciation with her business idea-- developing a subscription box filled with her handmade creations.

O'Hara Shipe
O'Hara Shipe

O'Hara is a former pro athlete turned communications Jill-of-all-trades with a penchant for local music. When she's not out supporting the Alaska music scene, you'll catch her playing with her four-legged bestie or stopping hockey pucks on her adult league hockey team.

Connect with O’Hara!

Joe Grochmal
Joe Grochmal

Upstart Alpha Cohort 3

Cohort 3, 2021-2022 

Featured
Alicia Ferraras
Alicia Ferraras

Alicia Ferreras is the designer behind Amferre. I create Alaskan-made jewelry using natural materials like caribou antlers, baleen, and ivory. I source these materials from Inupiat hunters from the North Slope. My designs are inspired from the strength and power these materials have provided for my community. You can find available pieces or see what I’ve made in the past on my Instagram @amferre.

Connect with Alicia!

Danielle Lanza
Danielle Lanza
Desiree Johnson
Desiree Johnson

My goal is to provide the community with a pick-up and delivery café, Dezi’s Delight. The warmth of a sensational drink, a mocha latte, a smoothie breeze, or maybe a parfait for a tasteful treat, tame your craving with one of my delectable breakfast bagels or burritos. I am here to serve you better.

Dimitrios Alexiadis
Dimitrios Alexiadis

Get-By is an on-demand staffing platform that sources underemployed workers from local labor pools to provide growing small businesses a helping hand. For many Americans, the traditional gig economy is simply out of reach. Get-By seeks to solve these shortfalls by first addressing these opportunity gaps in our community. Using Get-By as a tool, community-minded businesses will have the opportunity to hire locals who need: a. flexible employment, b. the opportunity to prove themselves, and c. to be welcomed into a community and given a role in making it a success.

Connect with Get-By!

Douglas Franklin
Douglas Franklin

Airhounds is a health tech company that creates hardware and software that enables customers to protect themselves and others from airborne pathogens like COVID-19. Our "dosimeter" wearable estimates exposure in real-time based on ambient CO2 levels. Our mobile app publishes CO2 measurements to a map similar to Yelp so users can assess the risk of visiting establishments.

Connect with Airhounds!

Gail Shuler
Gail Shuler

We are friends teaching together, knitting, and laughing about things students or teachers say in a “normal” school day. We combine our love of yarn and school to create K3tog Hand-dyed Yarns.

Connect with K3tog Hand-dyed Yarns!

Kirsten Caldwell
Kirsten Caldwell

Alaskan Tuft is a company that will connect my community either by providing a service of unique handmade rugs or learning/job opportunities of how to make their own.

Mathieu Frohlich
Mathieu Frohlich

At BiP Referrals, we are streamlining and automating the way professionals send and receive peer-to-peer referrals. Our platform makes it easier for a referral partner to send a referral and to connect with prospective clients.

Connect with Mathieu!

Max Kubitz
Max Kubitz

Turnagain Ceramics is a community-driven ceramics studio where potters and potters-to-be can come together for classes, workshops, studio use, and events. We aim to make clay-play accessible and approachable for all members of our community.

Connect with Turnagain Ceramics!

Melvin Captain
Melvin Captain

Captain Consulting is an Alaska Native-owned small business. Services include technical, professional, & scientific advice to tribes, nonprofits, and private and public sector clients.

Connect with Melvin!

Rayshanna Alexander
Rayshanna Alexander

ZAP is a development child-care center serving the school-aged (5-12 years). The center aims for rapid expansion through exclusive services offered at flexible time schedules—late evenings, overnight, and weekends. ZAP will focus on delivering outstanding services and ensuring that all clients receive satisfactory, one-on-one, and well-timed service. We will be providing child-care services for service workers, first responders, and seasonal employees. We will meet the underserved child-care demand from 2 pm to 9 am. We are eager to establish a safe and healthy environment in the East Anchorage community through a commitment to quality and a flexible pricing structure to support clients.

Tiana Wang
Tiana Wang

PagePensive is an Etsy shop selling unique stickers, printables, and art cards. I am inspired by the places I have been to, and I hope that my art brightens someone's day!

Connect with Tiana!

Upstart Alpha Cohort 6

Cohort 6, 2024

Featured
Olivia Selanoff
Olivia Selanoff

Welcome to Quad Shot Espresso, a local coffee shop providing caffeine for your daily grind. We have been family-run since 2023 and love and care for our community. Our drive-thru is perfect for all coffee lovers and remote workers. We understand those early mornings are rough, so we are open at 5 am to help you get through the morning. We can guarantee that you will get the best quality coffee in a timely manner. We understand that there are other coffee shops in Valdez, AK, but we pride ourselves in amazing customer service, quality coffee, and to get you on your way to work. Being a small business, we find many ways to support our community.

Check out Quad Shot Espresso!

Serena Allen
Serena Allen

Serena Allen is a passionate Fairbanks resident and leading mind in outdoor air quality innovation.

At just 22, she founded AirVitalize Innovations, a startup dedicated to combating outdoor air pollution, motivated by the alarming fact that particulate matter contributes to 1 in 9 premature deaths, extreme environmental degradation, and trillions in economic losses annually.

As CEO of AirVitalize, Serena continues to drive change. She is a 2024 Larta Institute Venture Fellow and a 2023 Planet Tech Fellow at the Watson Institute, and was recognized as a High North Young Entrepreneur 2024 by The Arctic Congress. In her free time she hosts entrepreneurship education workshops for young inventors in 4th to 12th grade.

She is interested in expanding innovation to improve outdoor air, and actively working to expand entrepreneurship in the space.

Connect with Serena!

Check out AirVitalize!

Jane Thomas
Jane Thomas

Jane Thomas, founder of JST Heath Coaching, helps people prevent dementia and reverse mild cognitive decline.

Scientific breakthroughs related to dementia in the last decade are bringing good news. One key discovery is that many risk factors involve lifestyle choices that are within our control.

Using Apollo Health’s Bredesen Protocol, Jane helps people to identify their top risk areas and learn about changes they can make to reduce those risks. Then she empowers them to set and meet achievable goals, starting wherever they are and work together in the direction of their vision of wellness. She helps people find hope.

Connect with Jane!

Dawn Sheets
Dawn Sheets

Dawn Sheets is the founder and operator of Triple S Ranch, the only horseback riding facility on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. With a lifelong passion for horses and a commitment to integrity, compassion, and fun, Dawn created Triple S Ranch to share the joy and therapeutic benefits of riding with her community. The ranch offers lessons, traveling events, field trips, and summer camps, all designed to build confidence, foster mental well-being, and create unforgettable experiences.

Connect with Dawn!

Kir Moore
Kir Moore

Together is a family-forward destination experience for food, gathering, and childcare– where children, parents, and caregivers gather, recreate, and relax in a safe, supportive, and beautiful environment.

Stay tuned for more news in 2025!

Connect with Kir!

Joshua Coleman
Joshua Coleman
Shannon Riley
Shannon Riley

Mestiza Naturals is a unique enterprise inspired by the richness of heritage and the elegance of natural wellness. Founded by Shannon Riley, Mestiza Naturals offers a bespoke turndown service with a romantic focus, dedicated to enhancing moments of rest and connection. Combining artisanal craftsmanship with carefully sourced natural products, the company embodies a seamless blend of luxury and authenticity. Whether creating intimate settings or curating a soothing aromatherapeutic experiences, Meztiza Naturals invites customers to rediscover relaxation and love through the lens of nature’s finest offerings. 

Haden Bricker
Haden Bricker

Haden Bricker is the founder of Bobbin Around Creations. This venture stemmed from a family lineage of seamstresses and adventurers. The company began as a recovery effort from a rock climbing injury, allowing Haden to stay connected to her climbing community. Since this creation, the vision has grown from just sewing products to empowering others to create. The mission of Bobbin Around Creations is to Stitch Together Community. This is done through sharing passion and expertise in intimate classes.

Connect with Haden!

Check out Bobbin Around Creations!

Kristin Kniss
Kristin Kniss

I’m Kristin Kniss. I moved to Alaska 6 years ago with my family. My husband recently retired from the Army, and we plan to stay in Alaska. With him home more, it has allowed me to focus on my business idea. I’ve been self-employed for 15 years, contracting for web design agencies and individual clients. I have a vision to “clean up the web" by offering website audit services. The end result will ensure websites are reaching their maximum potential, ultimately driving business growth and revenue. 

As a long-term plan, I hope to create a training program for stay-at-home moms, military spouses, and women in underserved areas so they can develop a skill set that allows them to work from home with flexible hours during challenging times. I’m hoping to build equity in UX mess to fund the development of a training program.

Connect with Kristin!

Check out UX Mess!

Caleb Forestal
Caleb Forestal

Caleb is the founder of Powder.ly, a platform dedicated to making the mountains accessible to everyone by connecting independent ski instructors with students seeking personalized lessons. Inspired by his time on the slopes in Alaska and Colorado, Caleb created Powder.ly to empower instructors with tools to grow their business while offering students an affordable, flexible alternative to traditional ski schools. Caleb is also beginning his major in Computer Science at the University of Alaska Anchorage, combining his passion for technology with his drive to break down barriers in skiing and snowboarding, making the joys of the mountains available to all.

Connect with Caleb!

Korina Cramer
Korina Cramer
Kyle Ekstrand
Kyle Ekstrand

Kyle likes tech. He's the owner of a Juneau tech firm named MishMash Technologies. Their first publicly available app, Aurorapulse, was created to help people connect and share their experiences with the aurora. It is (or will be) available on the Play Store and Apple Store.

Connect with Kyle!

Check out Aurorapulse!

Lucy Selanoff
Lucy Selanoff

Welcome to Quad Shot Espresso, a local coffee shop providing caffeine for your daily grind. We have been family-run since 2023 and love and care for our community. Our drive-thru is perfect for all coffee lovers and remote workers. We understand those early mornings are rough, so we are open at 5 am to help you get through the morning. We can guarantee that you will get the best quality coffee in a timely manner. We understand that there are other coffee shops in Valdez, AK, but we pride ourselves in amazing customer service, quality coffee, and to get you on your way to work. Being a small business, we find many ways to support our community.

Check out Quad Shot Espresso!

Gary Francis Stout
Gary Francis Stout

A trailblazing innovator, educator, and businessman, Gary Francis Stout is renowned for his inventive contributions to creative design and STEM education. Gary has devoted his professional life to encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers via practical education and creative play as the founder of Gravity Wizards Inc. and the Gravity Powered Air Derbies Association. His endeavors, which include patent-pending innovations like gravity-powered rockets and the Magic Lamp, aim to make science and engineering interesting and approachable for young brains.

Upstart Alpha Cohort 4

Cohort 4, 2022-2023 

Featured
April Fischer
April Fischer

April is the founder of Alaska Food Tours, LLC. We are a group of passionate foodies who have come together to showcase the unique culinary experiences that Alaska has to offer. Our goal is to introduce locals and tourists alike to the diverse and delicious food scene that can be found throughout Anchorage, Alaska's most picturesque city. Our tours feature an array of dishes that highlight the freshest and most delectable ingredients, from succulent seafood like wild salmon, halibut, and king crab to locally sourced meat and game; we showcase the best of Anchorage’s culinary offerings.

Artrice Scott
Artrice Scott

I am Artrice Scott, a Culinary Management Non-Commissioned Officer and Culinary Instructor for the United States Army. I am a Pastry Chef and a Serv Safe Instructor. I have led 18-21-year-old Soldiers and Airman into 5-star dining Completions and brought Gold and Silver Medals home. My passion is Pastry Art and teaching others. I became an entrepreneur in 2015. I started baking birthday cakes and wedding cakes in my home as another source of income; however, in 2019, my bakery took over my home, and my career took off, presenting me an option to teach cooking and baking techniques, and I loved it. So here I am, putting both together, starting a baking academy.

Connect with Artrice!

Caitlin Sweeney
Caitlin Sweeney

Caitlin is the founder of Pasta La Vista.

Connect with Caitlin!

Cory Boiko
Cory Boiko

At Didntrealize, our goal is to remove pressure points from your idea sharing process. Our goal is to offer a solution that provides long-term value in our user's various pursuits. We do this by offering a platform allowing our users to present their work before having their entire web presence completely figured out. We offer landing pages where users can start their journeys toward success, update as they go, and create new journeys that feed off previous successes. We help people share what they're passionate about without locking them into one of their many flourishing ideas.

Connect with Corey!

Erica Dye
Erica Dye

Erica is the founder of ALGIVORE, a seaweed processing and wholesale center working to establish a global market for Alaska’s burgeoning kelp farming industry. As a lifelong Alaskan who has worked in places from Prudhoe Bay to Silicon Valley, she is familiar with our state's unique opportunities and challenges. While not collaborating with other pioneers on the scalable uses of this sustainable, regenerative resource, Erica is a passionate surfer and adventurer. She’s likely on dawn patrol chasing a glassy wave or penciling in her next ski session.

Connect with Erica!

Frank DeCecco
Frank DeCecco

A veterinary clinical appointment multiplier; Telemedicine done right. DVM6 is a service available to veterinary clinics struggling with an overload of people seeking care for their pets. Both provider burnout and patients seeking care are at all-time highs. DVM6 is a solution to this crisis, combining the relief vet role with remote care.

Connect with Frank!

Joe Bredar
Joe Bredar

​DoBid was created as a response to the growing power inequality in America. DoBid provides a secure platform for social change in which users pledge funds dependent on a certain change. This crowd-based lobbying model combines individuals leveraging power together to maximize a group’s pull.

Connect with Joe!

Carrie Jean & Stephen Shephard
Carrie Jean & Stephen Shephard

Shuma LLC is an Anchorage-based hospitality company making Alaska accessible for startup founders and remote workers by providing fully-equipped short-term lodging and introductions into the community.

Connect with Carrie!

Kelvin Goode
Kelvin Goode

Kelvin Goode is an entrepreneur from Egegik, Alaska. He is of indigenous descent, descending from the Tarupiat, "the people" of Egegik. Salmon have always been the lifeblood of his ancestors and continue to be for him and his people. So, naturally, it makes sense that he would start a business focusing on salmon. He graduated from the University of Alaska Anchorage with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Project Management. He worked professionally as a mechanical engineer and project manager, though his passion lies in entrepreneurship.

Connect with Kelvin!

Marietta “Ed” Hall CFP®
Marietta “Ed” Hall CFP®

Marietta “Ed” Hall CFP® is a financial advisor with over 30 years of experience in the field. While working full time, she became a caregiver and trustee for her aging parents and took on guardianship and conservatorship of another elderly relation. Some of her journey as part of the Sandwich Generation taking care of small children and seniors is documented in the film “Backing Out of Time.” She combined her depth of experience in financial planning with her intimate personal knowledge of caregiving and managing expenses in Alaska, the nation’s most expensive place to experience a long-term illness, to create the Financial Planning Guide to Long-Term Care. The initial iteration is a practical step-by-step workbook for family and friends to reduce the fear and confusion around navigating this system financially and not leaving loved ones impoverished. This will be followed by a web version of the workbook and a more detailed companion book.

Connect with Ed!

Stephen Grabacki
Stephen Grabacki

Alaska Deep Ocean LLC produces a suite of high-electrolyte rehydration beverages from the pure deep ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Our products are all-natural, with no sugars, fake sugars, added chemicals, plus no salty taste! To be enjoyed by endurance athletes, fitness enthusiasts, sports teams, warfighters, and even hangover sufferers.

Connect with Stephen!

Sunny Castillo
Sunny Castillo

Ice Aged products are artisanally crafted in small batches using only local meats and high-quality spices. I believe sustainability starts at the local level, and supporting our local farmers is a high priority. Every Ice Aged Charcuterie product is made with intention, precision, patience, and attention to detail. I hope you find pleasure, comfort, and delight for the palate in these products. Savor the flavors of locally sourced meat cured on traditional and modern techniques.

Connect with Sunny!

Suzan Cobb
Suzan Cobb

Compression Ready Communities is an Alaska-based Non-Profit. Our Goal is to Educate Communities on High-Quality Compressions and Improve the Outcome of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. Compression Ready Communities is a movement that involves the implementation of an effective system of education for all members of a community so that everyone and anyone can be prepared to act in the event of a cardiac arrest. We believe strongly that effective education is the key to making a lasting impact and bringing about large-scale social change.

Connect with Suzan!

Wanetta Ayers
Wanetta Ayers

Lymphahealth is a comprehensive health management and habit tracker to help those experiencing lymphatic disorders.

Connect with Wanetta!

Upstart Alpha Cohort 5

 Cohort 5, 2023 

Upstart Alpha Cohort 5
Uyanga (Angie) Mendbayar
Uyanga (Angie) Mendbayar

Driven by a passion for resilience and sustainability, Angie aims to advance food and energy security. By combining innovation with her cultural heritage, she develops integrated systems that produce nutritious foods while capturing sustainable energy. Angie’s work empowers individuals and communities to become self-reliant in the face of environmental and economic uncertainties. She blends technology and traditions that nurture strong local support networks. She seeds lasting change by cultivating connections between people, food, energy, and the environment.

Connect with Angie!

Lauren Petersen
Lauren Petersen

Creating and connecting with others both in and out of systems & processes, Lauren strives to create a culture of people + processes with their clients. Along with her background in healthcare, she has a deep passion for community development and facilitating change management with compassion.

Leveraging her background in healthcare and passion for community building, Lauren Petersen founded Thriving Roots to guide organizations through change with compassion. By focusing on both people and processes, Petersen strives to create inclusive cultures that empower employees and facilitate organizational growth. Through thoughtful change management, she aims to plant the seeds for organizations to thrive.

Connect with Lauren!

Clifford Armstrong III
Clifford Armstrong III

As the founder of Armstrong Vegan Foods, I am proud to be among the leaders in Alaska's plant-based food industry. Our commitment is to offer top-notch vegan staples, focusing on quality, taste, and sustainability. We strive to be a cornerstone in the community, promoting a healthy, environmentally friendly lifestyle through our diverse range of plant-based products.

Connect with Clifford!

Becky Strub
Becky Strub

Becky is the Founder of Alaskan Owned Apparel: Play Favorites, Go Local. Inspired by Alaskan Owned and Operated business leaders, we're strengthening the 49th State’s social fabric. Purchases support classroom visit tools for teachers while raising money to boost local scholarships. Community collaborations and student success drive our mission, and conveying that message seamlessly is an effort worth wearing. Whether you live in urban, rural, or remote Alaska—we look forward to getting in gear with you! Visit us today at AlaskanOwned.com.

Connect with Becky!

Claire Shaw
Claire Shaw

Driven by a dedication to supporting families, Lillian Heilveil and Claire Shaw founded Cradle to connect parents with a supportive peer community and mental healthcare experts. Having witnessed the lack of holistic care for parents welcoming a new child to their family, they developed a platform with critical resources that address the isolation, stress, and anxiety that new parents often experience. By making it easier to access specialized care, Cradle empowers parents to thrive along their journey while building resilience for the transition to parenthood.

Connect with Claire!

Joe Bredar
Joe Bredar

Joe Bredar founded Gabriel AI to revolutionize sales outreach through the power of artificial intelligence. Gabriel’s automated cold calling platform uses humanlike AI voices to personally engage thousands of leads, with minimal human effort. Driven by a vision of smarter, faster, and more efficient sales processes, Bredar built an AI-powered outbound system to act as a virtual sales team member. By curating customized call sequences, Gabriel enables individuals to reach scale and grow their businesses exponentially.

Connect with Joe!

Lillian Heilveil
Lillian Heilveil

Driven by a dedication to supporting families, Lillian Heilveil and Claire Shaw founded Cradle to connect parents with a supportive peer community and mental healthcare experts. Having witnessed the lack of holistic care for parents welcoming a new child to their family, they developed a platform with critical resources that address the isolation, stress, and anxiety that new parents often experience. By making it easier to access specialized care, Cradle empowers parents to thrive along their journey while building resilience for the transition to parenthood.

Connect with Lillian!

Michael Dempsey
Michael Dempsey

Passionate about art, Michael started a business to try to find a way for emerging artists to go from “starving” to easily making money online and actually seeing their creations as a business. He believes that if artists make more money, then the world gets more art. His web application creates a digital tip jar for artists as well as a way for them to connect and maintain relationships with their fans.

Sarena Hackenmiller
Sarena Hackenmiller

Recognizing the dilemma visitors face transporting bear spray out of Alaska, Sarena Hackenmiller founded Hey Bear! to provide a solution. Her service enables tourists to conveniently rent bear spray for the duration of their trip rather than purchasing cans they cannot fly or cruise with. Motivated by a desire to keep wildlife enthusiasts safe while exploring Alaska's rugged terrain, Serena streamlines access to this essential precautionary gear. By facilitating temporary use and local reuse, Hey Bear! aims to reduce waste and environmental impact as it meets the unique needs of an adventure travel destination.

Connect with Sarena!

Shon Dozark
Shon Dozark

Shon Dozark owns Quality Screens, which provides fast, friendly window and patio screen repair services customized to each client’s unique needs. Motivated by a dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, Shon strives to conserve resources by repairing worn screens rather than sending them to landfills. By offering mesh options and custom screen building, Quality Screens makes comfort, pest protection, and sustainability achievable for community members.

Connect with Shon!

Siobhan (Gass) Cunningham
Siobhan (Gass) Cunningham

Siobhan Cunningham is a U.S. Air Force veteran, licensed clinical social worker, and military child with over 20 years of experience in behavioral health. This inspired Siobhan to establish Empower Women Veterans, a company focused on supporting transitioning veterans using creative resources and leadership training. By sharing her experiences dealing with depression and navigating civilian life, Siobhan encourages others to pursue their dreams and build communities of support. Her work strives to dismantle the stigma around military trauma and provide hope to those who have served.

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Tad Nelson
Tad Nelson

Tad is an M.S. Mechanical Engineering student who is excited to learn about entrepreneurship. He is interested in bringing new technologies to Alaska and solving our unique problems.

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