Flipstik

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2020 | Status: Active

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What is Flipstik?

Flipstik is a phone accessory company whose namesake device allows you to stick your phone to virtually any flat surface. Coming in over 80 different designs to fit your style, the Flipstik’s trademarked Synthetic Setae adhesive is washable and can be reused thousands of times. Flipstik also functions as a kickstand for your phone for ultimate flexibility. Flipstik has strong promotional value and has been used by megastars and fortune 500 companies to promote their brands. Flipstik’s founder Akeem Shannon, was born and raised in St. Louis and is committed to growing Flipstik recruiting talent from local, underrepresented communities.

Company Leadership

akeem shannon

founder & CEO

Born & raised in St. Louis, Akeem Shannon has always been a technology enthusiast and a huSTLer. When Akeem lost his academic college scholarship and had to come home, he made a commitment to not fall behind his peers. He excelled in corporate America until his entrepreneurial yearning leads him to leave the corporate world once and for all. A few weeks later, while on a late-night call with his uncle, and NASA engineer, he learned about the technology that would eventually power the Flipstik!

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Florae

Florae

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2020 | Status: Active

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What is Florae?

Florae is a premium, tech-driven, personalized hair wellness company for women with textured hair.

Also a social mission company, a portion of all profits go to organizations that help young people from marginalized communities “Bloom.” Organizations that help build critical emotional/social skills and expose kids to STEM careers. 

Company Leadership

Dr. Natalie King

CEO & Founder

Natalie King is a Doctor of Neuroscience, medical affairs professional and healthcare provider. She earned her PhD at the age of 26 studying the brain pathology of depression and autism. In 2019, she founded Florae.

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Native Pet

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2020 | Status: Active

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What is Native Pet?

We’re pet people by nature, and everything we make was created with their specific needs in mind. We see lots of supplements that make big claims but don’t deliver results. So we make products that really do what we say they will, targeting specific problem areas with results you’ll see and your pet can feel. In creating the most effective pet supplements around, we refuse to compromise on what goes inside. We only use responsibly sourced clean label ingredients, chosen for their power to help your pet feel best. Building on our own passion, we work with veterinarians and nutritionists who understand how a good diet promotes a lifetime of wellness.

Company Leadership

Daniel Schaefer

CEO & Co-founder

Dan is co-founder and CEO of Native Pet. Dan has experience in both corporate strategy and corporate finance having spent the last 3+ year of his career prior to Native Pet at the Boston Consulting Group. He attended the University of Michigan Ross School of Business for his MBA and currently lives in St. Louis with his wife, two children, and dog (Caitlin, Winnie, Danny & Louie)

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pat barron

coo & Co-founder

Pat is the co-founder and COO of Native Pet. Pat has a diverse set of experience including both corporate strategy and organic farming. Pat was most recently at Stax Consulting in Chicago where he specialized in growth strategy. Pat has is MS in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota. He lives in St. Louis with his wife, son and dog (Kate, Henry & Albie).

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TinySuperheroes

Origin: WA | Grant Awarded: 2016 | Status: Active

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What is TinySuperheroes?

TinySuperheroes creates “superhero” capes to aid kids in overcoming illness or disability. Their social media presence creates a national support system for parents and children overcoming similar health hurdles.

Company Leadership

Robyn Rosenberger

Founder

Robyn has a B.A. in Liberal Studies from University of Missouri- St. Louis. Robyn was a finalist in the 2015-2016 St. Louis Business Journal Catapult Contest and inducted into the 2014 Warner Brother’s Inaugural Class of the Superhero Hall of Fame. Robyn has also been sponsored by American Express. TinySuperheroes has been featured by various media outlets, including The Today Show, ABC World News, The 700 Club, Fox News, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Huffington Post, People.com, NY Daily News, St. Louis Magazine, KSDK, US Today.

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The Normal Brand

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2015 | Status: Active

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What is The Normal Brand?

The Normal Brand is a fashion company creating casual wear that is versatile and durable, with a rugged aesthetic and elevated style.

Company Leadership

Jimmy Sansone

principal

Jimmy earned his BSBA from Washington University in St. Louis. He has been starting small businesses since he was twelve years old, and brings experience as a former investment banker to his position with The Normal Brand.

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AGGIE MD

Origin: CA | Grant Awarded: 2015 | Status: Active

What is AGGIE MD?

AGGIE MD makes medicine manageable by bringing hospital solutions into the home.

Company Leadership

Agnes Scoville

President

Agnes earned her degree in Applied Math and Physics from Virginia Commonwealth University, and holds a M.D. from Brown University. Agnes brings experience working as a doctor for the U.S. Navy, and with her own practice, Agnes Stacia MD Inc.

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Anson Scoville

Co-Founder

Anson earned his undergraduate degree from New York University, and holds a Masters in Accounting from California State University-Los Angeles. Anson currently serves as the CFO of Wallis Companies, and was previously the CFO/COOO at BAMKO, Inc.

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Lifepack

Origin: Colombia | Grant Awarded: 2014 | Status: Active

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What is Lifepack?

Lifepack produces plates and other products made from natural fibers and seeds and is 100% biodegradable. After use, Lifepack materials germinate into new plants that may be used for human consumption, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Company Leadership

Claudia Isabel Barona

Co-founder & Business Manager

Claudia Isabel earned her degree in Industrial Engineering from The Pontifical Xavierian University. Claudia has a background in project management, consulting, and environmental preservation and has been highlighted as an entrepreneur in Colombia for being one of the creators of intellectual germinable dishes.

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Andres Benavides

co-founder & Manager

Andres earned his degree from the University of the Sabana, where he currently practices as a lawyer. In 2008 he began his career as an entrepreneur in the environmental area. Since then, he has been researching the development of degradable disposable products such as plates and cups.

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Hyde

Origin: WI | Grant Awarded: 2014 | Status: Active

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What is Hyde?

Hyde is a sporting equipment manufacturer and the developer of the Wingman, a first of its kind of inflation vest for paddlers, surfers, and triathletes. Hyde created the Wingman in response to the alarming increase in swim deaths amongst triathletes and found that the device’s utility extends far beyond the sport of triathlons with mass-market appeal.

Company Leadership

Pat Hughes

Co-Founder

Pat earned his degree in Accounting and Entrepreneurship from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012. Pat brings experience working for Roaring Fork Restaurant Group and PwC to his position with Hyde.

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Mike Fox

Chief Operations Officer

Mike earned his degree in Financial Management from University of Saint Thomas in 2012. Before joining Hyde, Mike worked with Rexnord and Epicor Software Corp.

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We champion extraordinary entrepreneurs to create positive change – for St. Louis and for the world. Join us by applying to our Global Startup Competition, becoming a financial supporter, volunteering your time or amplifying our message.

Greetabl

Origin: MO | Grant Awarded: 2014 | Status: Active

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What is Greetabl?

Greetabl is an online gift platform designed to offer personalized and curated greetings. Their product, the Greetabl Box, unfolds to reveal photos, a custom message, and a gift.

Company Leadership

Joe Fischer

Chief Executive Officer

Joe earned his degree in Accounting and Finance from Saint Louis University in 2004. Joe uses his background in finance and strategic consulting to manage the business development and strategy of the company, bringing experience working with Goldman Sachs and Exchange Ventures Limited to his position with greetabl.

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Zoë Scharf

Chief brand Officer

Zoë earned her degree in Communication Design from Washington University in St. Louis in 2011. Zoë is a talented graphic designer, creative product developer, and active entrepreneurial advocate and brings experience as a freelance graphic designer and designer for the Dachis Group to her position with greetabl.

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Involved Industries

Be a Part of the Movement

We champion extraordinary entrepreneurs to create positive change – for St. Louis and for the world. Join us by applying to our Global Startup Competition, becoming a financial supporter, volunteering your time or amplifying our message.