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GET TO KNOW THE STARTUPS OF CINCINNATI

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In a setting where small moments can shape lifelong memories, nurse practitioner Abby Hess is transforming the surgical experience for children—with innovation, empathy, and the power of breath. “As a nurse practitioner and clinical researcher in anesthesiology at Cincinnati Children's, I saw firsthand how deeply anxious kids could be before surgery. Research shows that preoperative anxiety is linked to negative outcomes—and I knew there had to be a better way to help. The breakthrough came after I saw how a friend handled her child’s anxiety in the hospital. Her son was about to undergo surgery. To calm him, she suggested he pretend he was the Big Bad Wolf when he breathed through the anesthesia mask. He huffed and puffed—and drifted off peacefully in several big breaths. That spark of imagination inspired me to create what would become EZ Induction, a breathing-controlled video game designed to reduce surgical anxiety for kids. With no background in product development, I applied for funding through Cincinnati Children’s Innovation Ventures, and in 2016, I became the first nurse at the hospital to receive an innovation grant. Today, EZ Induction is a patented app developed in collaboration with Innovation Ventures, the hospital’s commercialization team, and licensed to LittleSeed, a Columbus-based startup bringing the product to market. Through this collaboration, children across the country can experience a calmer, more empowering start to surgery. Being an intrapreneur has allowed me to stay close to what I love—caring for patients and conducting research—while also bringing innovation into the hands of the clinicians and families who need it most. This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to present EZ Induction at the ANCC Nursing Conference, where over 14,000 nurses gathered. I was so proud to share our story—and showcase how our health system supports nurse-led innovation. EZ Induction has launched and is being adopted by its first hospitals. Seeing something I created help children in real time is incredibly fulfilling. We’re making the surgical experience a little less scary, one breath at a time.” #PeopleOfStartupCincy
We’re excited to highlight Terry Wall, Founder & CEO of Carefeed, a startup transforming senior care with seamless digital solutions. Here’s a closer look at what they’re building: “At Carefeed, we’re on a mission to modernize communication and operations for senior living and long-term care communities. Many providers still rely on paper processes and outdated systems, making compliance and engagement more challenging than ever. Our platform simplifies these daily tasks, giving care teams an intuitive, easy-to-use solution that saves time, reduces stress, and keeps families informed—so they can focus on what truly matters: caring for residents. The idea for Carefeed was sparked by a personal experience. When one of my children was born, I was handed paper line drawings of CPR instructions and thought, There has to be a better way. That moment ignited my passion for creating technology-driven solutions that enhance communication and streamline experiences in healthcare. While we’re currently focused on the post-acute care sector, our long-term vision is to expand across hospitals and physician practices in the future. Right now, we’re rapidly scaling, growing our footprint across senior care, and enhancing our platform with new functionality to bring even more value to providers and families. As we continue this momentum into 2025, we’re excited to deepen our connections in the StartupCincy community, collaborate with fellow founders, and build on Cincinnati’s incredible innovation ecosystem.” #PeopleOfStartupCincy
In an industry where safety is everything and documentation is the means by which it is validated, Nicole Dyehouse is bringing critical innovation to the world of aviation. “Since the 90’s I’ve been an aircraft mechanic performing inspections on private jets. The maintenance records are created by mechanics, so by extension, we are the ones who maintain the records. In scattered cardboard boxes full of papers, I learned how this manual record-keeping was an enormous choke point for my industry. As the world outside aviation adopted new technologies, I thought surely someone would bring a solution to market but after over a decade and with no significant improvements, planeKrafty was born.” planeKrafty solves the aircraft maintenance history mystery by creating a reliable platform for maintenance records management. With planeKrafty, the documents are simply uploaded, and AI/ML and logic do the heavy lifting. Now your digital records are organized into a simple library and indexed for easy reference. Anyone can verify documentation compliance easily and reliably. Thus, improving safety, traceability, and efficiency for both the maintenance and logistics of the aircraft. We are building a solution to a problem that costs the industry billions of dollars every year. The logbooks have always held vast amounts of information but accessing it meant knowing the regulations and hundreds of hours digging through pallets of paperwork. My experience paired with the power of AI/ML and a strong developer we are addressing that problem head on, unlocking value and capabilities never seen before. Aviation is struggling with complexity and a shortage of skilled professionals. planeKrafty helps the industry focus on the plane while we handle the documents. Aviation was born here, and I aim to add value to an industry that took flight here all those years ago. After graduating from Cintrifuse’s Venture Velocity program, I’m excited to scale planeKrafty and continue driving innovation in aircraft maintenance and safety.” #PeopleOfStartupCincy
We’re excited to introduce Brandon Tudor, Co-Founder of LiverRight, a virtual clinic revolutionizing access to liver care. Here’s a closer look at what they’re building: “At LiverRight, we’re tackling a massive gap in healthcare: liver disease specialists are scarce, and patients often wait 3–6 months for an appointment. Through telemedicine, we’re creating the first dedicated virtual liver clinic in the U.S., providing faster, more accessible care for both patients. My background is in healthcare operations, I began my career at MedStar Health in DC, and more recently worked at a startup that grew from 10 employees to 2,000+ and opened 16 hospitals during my 4 years there. Pete Celano, my co-founder, is the startup visionary behind this venture. We worked together at MedStar Health, where he was the Director of Innovation. Together, we saw an opportunity to solve a critical provider and patient access issue by leveraging telehealth. Right now, we’re focused on partnering with physicians and healthcare providers while building direct-to-patient services. Our goal is to expand nationwide, providing a simple, accessible solution for liver care. We’re also growing a network of medical professionals looking for a new way to practice without leaving patient care behind. What excites us most is the power of data in preventative care. Liver disease is often detected too late, making it difficult to treat. With electronic medical records and predictive analytics, we can identify high-risk patients earlier—shifting healthcare from reactive to proactive. Cincinnati wasn’t initially on our radar, but StartupCincy changed everything. After attending StartupCincy Week, reconnecting with mentors, and joining the Cintrifuse Venture Velocity Program, we’ve been blown away by the support. Everyone is willing to connect, offer feedback, and make introductions—it reinforced that this is the right place to grow our business.” #PeopleOfStartupCincy
We’re excited to introduce, Tyler Edsall co-founder of Mulch Mound, a startup modernizing the landscape material industry with a seamless online ordering experience. Here’s a closer look at what they’re building: “At Mulch Mound, we’re bridging the gap between consumer retail expectations and outdated supplier systems, making landscape material ordering faster, more transparent, and hassle-free. Our platform automates the process for local suppliers while providing an intuitive e-commerce experience for consumers—creating a win-win-win scenario for everyone involved. Our journey started in Dayton, OH, where my co-founder and I launched our first business, Cuts for College, at just 15 years old. We hired high school and college students to help combat student loan debt while providing flexible job opportunities. Through that experience, we saw firsthand how inefficient and outdated the landscape material ordering process was. Frustrated with phone orders, unreliable deliveries, and lack of transparency, we decided to take matters into our own hands—and Mulch Mound was born. Right now, we’re focused on scaling operations while maintaining top-tier service. While we’ve been heads-down growing our business, we’re eager to get more involved with StartupCincy in 2025—attending events, meeting fellow founders, and giving back to the community. We’re also excited to announce that Mulch Mound has been selected for Gener8tor’s gBeta accelerator program for the Spring ’25 cohort, a key step in fueling our next stage of growth!” Pictured: Mo Noful, Alec Gilchrist, Tyler Edsall #PeopleOfStartupCincy
Today, we're excited to spotlight Autumn McKinley, Creator of All Cheri's Intriguing Crystals: "My journey began with a love for art and advocacy, but it was a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis that pushed me to fully embrace creativity as a form of healing. Now a survivor, I’ve transformed my passion for crystals and self-care into All Cheri’s Intriguing Crystals—a space where jewelry, aromatherapy, and holistic wellness come together to help others find balance, energy, and joy. Facing a diagnosis that progressed from stage zero to stage three forced me to take a hard look at my life. Was I truly embracing it, or just trying to outrun the inevitable? That was the turning point—I chose to slow down and fully live. I got curious and turned my passions into a healing practice rather than forgotten to-dos. I now carry a deep appreciation for gratitude, grace, and the moments that shape our lives. What started as a personal passion evolved into All Cheri's Intriguing Crystals, a brand named after my biggest supporter—my mom, Cheri. Today, my business has expanded beyond jewelry to a holistic experience, offering crystal-infused room sprays, diffusers, body oils, and more to help others create intentional spaces for healing and self-care. I also host monthly classes, teaching people how to integrate crystals and energy work into their daily lives. Soon, I’ll be launching digital courses, workbooks, and online sessions to make these practices more accessible. Connecting with Cincinnati’s startup community, especially through StartupCincy Week, has been a game changer. It opened doors, sparked collaborations, and gave me the motivation to push my business to new heights. The support I’ve found here has reshaped my vision, and I’m more excited than ever for what’s ahead. As I continue growing All Cheri’s Intriguing Crystals, my mission remains the same: to help people connect with their intuitive selves and celebrate their whole being—with curiosity, grace, and a little sparkle. Let’s connect! Follow me at @AllCheri or visit www.AllCheri.com to explore, learn, and celebrate the magic of intentional self-care." #peopleofstartupcincy
We’re thrilled to introduce Aniruddhan Ramesh and Joe Kuncheria Panjikaran, co-founders of PhizzIO, a startup reshaping physical therapy with real-time, camera-based feedback. Here’s a closer look at what they’re building: “At PhizzIO, we’re creating a platform designed to enhance the physical therapy experience by giving patients precise, real-time posture feedback while they exercise at home. Our solution is a powerful alternative to the traditional paper-based guidance, empowering patients to perform their exercises confidently and correctly. This idea came from our shared passion for technology-driven healthcare, and we’re excited to see PhizzIO help bridge the gap between clinic and home recovery. Both of us come from technical backgrounds—I’m a third-year computer science student focused on clinical applications and machine learning, and Joe, a third-year mechanical engineering student, specializes in biomedical tech. We’ve worked at the Venture Research Studio and Bearcat Ventures, which has given us insight into the challenges of starting a healthcare-focused venture. We also recently graduated from the Venture Lab NEXT Accelerator and the Launch It: Cincy summer program, where we built the foundation of PhizzIO. Right now, we’re focused on refining our platform, understanding healthcare regulations, and preparing for clinical testing. The next year will be crucial as we complete product development and start clinical trials to validate our impact. The StartupCincy community has been transformative for us. Connecting with experienced founders, gaining insights, and receiving mentorship have all been invaluable. As international students from Abu Dhabi, we initially faced challenges adjusting to life in Cincinnati, but our engagement with this vibrant and welcoming ecosystem has completely changed our perspective. Now, Cincinnati feels like home, and we’re excited to build PhizzIO here and contribute to this incredible community.” #peopleofstartupcincy
We’re thrilled to spotlight Elle Baker and Basette Smith II, Co-Founders of The Empower Group (TEG), a consulting firm paving the way for businesses to become transformative Fair Chance employers. Here’s a look at what TEG is building: “At The Empower Group, we specialize in helping companies become Fair Chance employers, creating supportive environments for people with criminal records to access meaningful work. Our work isn’t just about providing jobs—it’s about transforming lives and communities. We help businesses implement Fair Chance hiring practices in sustainable and beneficial ways for both the employees and employers. For companies ready to embrace this mission, we offer customized consulting services that guide them from the ‘why’ to the ‘how’ of Fair Chance employment. Our journey began at Nehemiah Manufacturing, where Basette and I led efforts to create a supportive work environment for employees with criminal records, managing social service programs and providing direct care to those in need. We quickly realized that more companies were eager to implement similar programs but didn’t know where to start. That’s when the idea for TEG was born. Since our launch in 2022, we’ve collaborated with companies across Cincinnati and as far as Louisiana, helping them realize the powerful business and social benefits of Fair Chance hiring. Recently, we kicked off a program with 3CDC to formalize their Fair Chance initiative, and we’re excited to partner with a local organization that makes such a significant impact on our community! Cincinnati’s StartupCincy community has been instrumental in our growth. Flywheel’s ElevateEquity cohort, an accelerator program focused on equity-driven entrepreneurs, was a turning point for us. The program offered vital coaching and connections that opened new doors and strengthened our foundation. Being part of such a welcoming and forward-thinking startup ecosystem has been invaluable to our mission, and we’re excited to continue expanding our reach, empowering more companies to become Fair Chance employers and make a lasting impact.” #peopleofstartupcincy
We’re thrilled to highlight Veronica Schlegel, Founder and President of Strategic Impact Consultants LLC, a company dedicated to empowering mission-driven organizations with strategic insights and sustainable growth solutions. Here’s a glimpse into what Veronica is building: “Strategic Impact Consultants was founded with a mission to maximize impact for organizations committed to positive change. As an SBA-certified Women-Owned Small Business, we specialize in strategy, business development, and communications, serving a diverse mix of for-profit and nonprofit clients. Our work is rooted in driving meaningful progress, advancing equity, and ensuring our clients’ long-term sustainability. I started Strategic Impact Consultants to channel my 23 years of expertise across global development, strategy, marketing, finance, and engineering into projects that truly make a difference, locally and globally. After more than two decades of honing my leadership skills at Johnson & Johnson, I was excited to deepen my work with mission-driven organizations in a personalized way. Now, I get to partner directly with clients who are dedicated to creating positive social and economic change, and that’s incredibly fulfilling. This year, our focus has been on refining our business operations and building a foundation for 2025. Having recently achieved a Women-Owned Small Business certification, we’re also excited to explore government contracting opportunities, which will expand our reach and impact. Each client engagement has been a learning experience, helping us shape our offerings and prioritize projects that align with our mission. What I love most about being part of StartupCincy is the spirit of community. Cincinnati’s innovation and entrepreneurship scene is vibrant and welcoming, and the support I’ve received here has been incredible. One of my favorite experiences was the StartupCincy Supper Club, where I connected with other women entrepreneurs. The support, encouragement, and genuine interest in each other’s success has made my journey even more rewarding." #peopleofstartupcincy
We’re excited to introduce Kate, behind Katherine Elyse Media (KEM), a destination wedding and event photography company that celebrates queer, non-binary, unique, and adventurous couples around the world. Here’s a glimpse into what KEM is building: “Katherine Elyse Media is all about breaking boundaries in the wedding and event photography space. We focus on creating a safe, welcoming environment for all our clients, making sure every person who joins the KEM family feels seen, heard, and celebrated. Our mission is to capture love and connection in ways that feel authentic, inclusive, and adventurous, and we’re committed to reflecting our clients’ individuality in every shot we take. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I taught myself photography, cinematography, and media creation, and built KEM from the ground up over the past 14 years. To date, I’ve worked with over 350 couples and organizations, and I feel privileged to have been invited to capture their stories. In recent years, I’ve also had the chance to share my knowledge through public speaking, covering topics like accessible business practices, wedding planning for queer couples, and the journey from passion to a sustainable business. Since relocating to Cincinnati, I’ve become deeply involved in the community, taking on the role of executive director at Dearborn County Pride and working with local organizations like Queen City Charities and Power to Pursue. Being part of this city has been a wonderful opportunity to build relationships & contribute to making our community more inclusive. Currently, we’re in the midst of wedding season, with our team capturing love stories across Cincinnati and beyond every weekend. Recently, we had an incredible opportunity to travel to Fiji for a multi-day luxury wedding shoot—our ninth international destination. This experience was a major milestone in our goal of becoming a globally recognized, inclusive destination photography company. With each new journey, we’re expanding KEM’s reach & building connections that stand the test of time and distance. The support & connection I’ve found in Cincinnati have been invaluable!” #peopleofstartupcincy
We’re thrilled to highlight Rich Theil, Founder and CEO of Product Forge, a company revolutionizing the way software requirements are captured. Here’s a glimpse into what they’re building: “Product Forge is designed to supercharge the requirements-gathering process for product and project leaders using GenAI. Our platform accelerates the creation of Epics, Features, and Stories, optimizing the execution phase of software development—where most of the effort and cost are concentrated. We believe that by refining this critical step, we can reduce the time and cost of software creation by 90%, ultimately making it possible for anyone to bring their software ideas to life. I launched Product Forge after spending years in Agile coaching and consulting. While I loved building high-performing teams, I missed the challenge of creating products. This led me to explore the application of AI in Agile methodologies, and Product Forge was born. The goal was clear: to simplify and speed up software creation for everyone, from entrepreneurs to established businesses. Currently, we’re laser-focused on our MVP and building a small, dedicated customer base to validate our product’s value. It’s all about experimenting, refining, and being incredibly responsive to our early users. Over the next year, we’re committed to expanding our reach and helping more leaders unlock the full potential of their software projects. What I love most about StartupCincy is the culture of support among founders. Everyone is eager to share their experiences, offer advice, and help you navigate the challenges of building a startup. It’s a community where collaboration thrives, and that’s been invaluable to our journey.” #peopleofstartupcincy
We’re so excited to highlight Sharod Holmes, CEO and Founder of Holm, a company developing the future of mobile-first website. “Holm is the future of mobile web experiences. We help entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and organizations craft mobile experiences that leave a lasting impact and inspire their audiences to return. Our focus is on crafting websites that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional and accessible, especially on mobile devices where most users are interacting. I founded Holm in 2023 after spending nine years running my own business, during which time I struggled to create a website I could truly be proud of—especially one that performed well on mobile devices, where most people visit. I wasn’t a web designer, didn’t understand the intricacies of how websites worked, and lacked the budget to hire professionals. These challenges motivated me to simplify and reduce the cost of website creation for small business owners and creatives like myself. Holm was born out of a desire to make high-quality mobile web experiences accessible to everyone. Right now, we're focused on developing our product beta, which will empower users to build better mobile experiences for their visitors. We’re excited about the possibilities this brings, & we invite anyone interested to visit holm.site to learn more. Over the next year, our goal is to refine our offerings based on user feedback and help even more entrepreneurs and creatives achieve their vision online. The connections I’ve made through StartupCincy have been instrumental in our growth. We've gained valuable investment opportunities through programs like gener8tor & Cintrifuse's Venture Velocity Program. Beyond financial support, mentorship, peer support, and a sense of community have been vital. Being around other builders has kept us motivated and inspired. For me, the most impactful aspect of StartupCincy is the accessibility to people—other founders, support organizations, & mentors. There’s a strong willingness to help that’s characteristic of the Midwest attitude, making it a supportive environment for startups to thrive.” #peopleofstartupcincy

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