Introducing the Inaugural LaunchPad 725 Cohort
Earlier this year, the TechArtista Foundation received a grant from the St. Louis County Port Authority to launch LaunchPad 725, a new accelerator program built to support early-stage entrepreneurs here in St. Louis. Today, we're excited to introduce the ten founders selected for our inaugural cohort.
LaunchPad 725 grew out of conversations we've been having with entrepreneurs across the TechArtista network for years. Building a business is isolating work, especially in the early stages. Even the most capable founders benefit from structured support, a trusted peer community, and access to experienced operators who can help sharpen strategy and push growth forward.
"This cohort reflects exactly why we launched LaunchPad 725," said Matt Menietti, Executive Director of the TechArtista Foundation. "Success does not look the same for every founder, and whether that means scaling a team or building a sustainable company that creates long-term financial independence for themselves and their families, our role is to provide the structure, community, and strategic support that helps entrepreneurs move forward with focus and confidence."
After a competitive application process, we're proud to welcome the following founders into the first LaunchPad 725 cohort.
Wayna Berry | Allberry Coaching Allberry Coaching provides professional coaching and counseling services that support individuals and families navigating life transitions and emotional wellness challenges. Integrating evidence-informed practices with trauma-aware frameworks, the company helps clients build resilience and long-term stability.
Emily Milchanowski | Claverach Press LLC Claverach Press is a St. Louis-based design studio creating modern, sustainable stationery that fosters deeper human connection. The company offers design-forward cards, planners, and notebooks that empower people to strengthen relationships through the written word.
Charity Ikpe | Engineers In Heels Engineers In Heels is a St. Louis-based STEM education nonprofit that connects K–12 students with engineers and science professionals through hands-on learning, workshops, and career awareness programming. Founded by NASA aerospace engineer Charity Ikpe, the organization also provides mentorship and career coaching for postsecondary and early-career participants.
Connie Flores | Flores Designs Flores Designs is an independent creative studio developing cohesive visual systems across brand, digital, print, and environmental spaces. Grounded in strong graphic design craft and research-informed strategy, the studio partners with organizations and growing brands to clarify their voice, strengthen audience connection, and bring ideas to life through intentional creative direction.
Robin Huffman | The Mortality Mentor The Mortality Mentor provides after-loss administrative support to estate executors and families, helping them manage complex responsibilities like closing accounts and organizing documentation so they can focus on healing. The business also offers community workshops that encourage proactive end-of-life planning.
Chanae McCottrell | Nexaire Group LLC Nexaire Group is an experiential media company bringing large-scale aerial and kinetic visual systems to events and public spaces. From drone-deployed LED mesh displays to immersive installations, the company partners with cities, festivals, and brands to create memorable visual experiences.
Queenie Vesey | Neeuqs the Experience Neeuqs the Experience offers culturally rooted food experiences that blend catering, private chef services, food and farm education, and creative storytelling. Through programming that connects nourishment, heritage, and healing, the business is building sustainable, community-centered food offerings.
Macy Harrell | RDLV Films RDLV Films partners with mission-driven organizations and St. Louis nonprofits to tell meaningful stories through thoughtful, accessible video and creative strategy, making high-quality storytelling more attainable for community organizations.
Daylan Skidmore | Skidmore Agency Skidmore Agency provides fractional CFO services to startups and small businesses, offering strategic financial guidance, forecasting, and operational insight to help founders build stronger and more sustainable companies.
Desiree Coleman-Fry | Women Work Well Women Work Well is a collective-impact intermediary working to build a St. Louis ecosystem where women excel professionally, thrive at work, and achieve economic mobility. Through cross-sector collaboration and community partnership, the organization advances innovative strategies that improve personal, professional, and financial outcomes for women.
What's Next
Over the coming months, this cohort will gather every other week at TechArtista UCity for focused working sessions on customer discovery, revenue modeling, operations, capital readiness, and long-term growth strategy.
At its core, LaunchPad 725 is about creating the kind of environment where founders can do their best thinking and most honest work. We want to help entrepreneurs build durable skills, solid groundwork, and sustainable businesses that strengthen both their own financial futures and the broader St. Louis ecosystem.
We're looking forward to supporting this inaugural class as they continue building. Stay tuned for updates as the program progresses!
