It was incredible to see a full house — from our Kalamazoo residents to the founders and supporters who traveled from across the state to join us. Nights like this remind us why this community is so special: bold ideas, brave founders, and people who show up for one another.
A special thank-you to our judges — Alyssa Medd, who leads AI and data product transformation at Kraft Heinz; Paul Hontz, Y combinator alumn, Co-Founder of Post Sunday and a multi-exited founder; and Kenneth Nichols, Business Development Manager at the MEDC helping companies grow and innovate across Michigan. Their combined experience in AI, product strategy, entrepreneurship, and statewide economic development brought serious insight to the room. Because of their thoughtful questions and honest feedback, our founders walked away sharper, more confident, and more prepared for the next stage of their journey.
Let’s take a look back at the powerhouse lineup that hit the stage:
Wani Cakes — The Future of Functional Indulgence
Wani Cakes kicked off the night with a delicious reinvention of dessert. Drawing from family roots in Delta State, Nigeria, Wani Cakes blends culture, celebration, and health into a single bite. Their single-serve cake cups offer a healthier way to enjoy cake, landing at 250 calories or less, 8 grams of protein, reduced sugar, no dyes, no high-fructose corn syrup, and simple, clean ingredients — proving that indulgence can be functional and nutritious. With traction that includes 6 stores across Michigan, partnerships like CMU and Verizon’s 2024 NFL Draft feature. Wani Cakes is leading the movement toward convenient, better-for-you sweets.
CocoMar — Clean Hydration Meets Clean Protein
CocoMar introduced a refreshing new category in wellness: a coconut water–based protein smoothie that solves the biggest pain points of traditional shakes — heavy textures, chalkiness, and artificial ingredients. Each bottle delivers 20g of complete protein, natural electrolytes, all nine essential amino acids, and zero added sugars.
Early validation has been outstanding: 300+ surveys, 97% approval, and over 1,000 bottles sold in the first 20 days, Supported by advisors from Vita Coco, Skinny Butcher, Protein Pints, Cask & Kettle, and more, CocoMar is charting a strong path toward national distribution.
CRE•ADE — Creatine for Everyone
CRE•ADE is transforming one of the most proven supplements in fitness by making creatine approachable, tasty, and convenient. Their Creatine Protein Bites offer a research-backed formula packed into a simple, ready-to-eat format — eliminating the prep, measuring, and gritty experience that deters new users from powders.
Their inclusive wellness approach shines through: compared to powders and gummies, CRE•ADE leads in approachability, taste, and convenience, with branding and product design intentionally aimed at making creatine accessible to everybody — not just gym regulars. Their bites deliver creatine + protein in formats that fit real life, expanding wellness beyond traditional supplement aisles.
Leon Footwear — Premium Craftsmanship, Localized Supply, Midwest Soul
Leon Footwear is redefining quality leather footwear with a strategy rooted in craftsmanship, supply chain localization, and Midwest-driven brand identity. Operating in a fast-growing $6B premium casual segment, Leon is positioned at the intersection of comfort, lifestyle, and modern design — with major momentum in the exploding “house shoe” category, which has grown over 50% since 2020. With localized production USMCA tariff advantages, 21-day lead times, and a balanced strategy across wholesale, brick-and-mortar, and DTC, Leon is built for scalable, capital-conscious growth.
GigitDone — Changing the Game for Local Work
GigitDone is flipping the script on how communities get things done. Their platform instantly connects homeowners with motivated young adults ready to jump on yard work, errands, and everyday tasks. With a fast, map-based matching system and a growing army of helpers, GigitDone is taking off — 2,300+ users, 1,660 helpers, 640 homeowners, and 180+ tasks completed in just seven months. It’s changing the game by giving homeowners trusted support and creating real earning power for the next generation.
Grand Prize Winner!
Choosing a winner was incredibly tough — every founder brought passion, creativity, and real-world potential to the table, and the judges were neck-and-neck on their final decision. After a very close deliberation, Leon Footwear emerged as the grand prize winner, earning $10,000 to push their venture forward. We also want to congratulate Coco Mar, who captured the crowd’s hearts and walked away with the People’s Choice Award and $1,000. Both founders — and everyone who competed— made this decision one of the closest we’ve ever had.
Thank you to everyone who attended, pitched, asked questions, connected, and showed up for the founders. Your presence is what makes nights like this possible.We’re closing out the year energized, inspired, and already counting down the days until we’re back together in January.
