Innovative startups, student entrepreneurs thrive at Flywheel Investment Conference
The Flywheel Investment Conference recently brought entrepreneurs and investors from across Washington to Wenatchee while spotlighting local startups and young innovators from North Central Washington.
Seattle startup Optimly swept the conference's top awards May 21, winning a $150,000 investment award from the Flywheel Angel Network, a $50,000 relocation offer from NCW Tech Alliance and the $5,000 Fan Favorite award during the live Early-Stage Investment Competition, according to a news release from NCW Tech Alliance.
Local entrepreneurs also took center stage during the three-day event.
One of the conference's local highlights was Subi, a Wenatchee-based finalist in the early-stage competition. Organizers said the company's inclusion alongside startups from Seattle, Spokane and Richland demonstrated how Flywheel is helping connect North Central Washington founders with investors and business opportunities statewide.
"This conference is about creating opportunity," Becca Freimuth, director of entrepreneurship at NCW Tech Alliance, said in the release. "Flywheel brings people together around ideas that can grow jobs, strengthen industries, and shape the future of Washington. We are proud to host that energy here in Wenatchee."
The conference also highlighted student entrepreneurs from Central Washington and the Wenatchee Valley.
Virtual Track Club, founded by Central Washington University student Cariann Bryant, won the Judges' Choice Award in the inaugural Student Pitch Competition and received $2,500.
Meanwhile, OhmLife Insoles, founded by Cascade High School student Elliot Tiegel of Leavenworth, earned the Fan Favorite Student Pitch Award and received $500.
Another locally focused portion of the conference was Latino Founder Day, a Spanish-language preconference program aimed at supporting Latino entrepreneurs launching and growing businesses. The program also celebrated graduates of NCW Tech Alliance's iLumina Digital Skills Accelerator, supported by Microsoft and the Alcoa Foundation.
According to the release, the accelerator's first cohort graduated 28 entrepreneurs representing 19 small businesses in Malaga and surrounding communities.
The conference, hosted by NCW Tech Alliance in partnership with the Flywheel Angel Network, featured six startups from around Washington competing for $200,000 in investment awards and prizes.
Finalists represented communities including Seattle, Spokane, Richland and Wenatchee, with companies focused on wildfire response, health care access, drug development, supply chain resilience, real estate efficiency and artificial intelligence tools for businesses.
Attendees also participated in networking events, exhibitor showcases and breakout sessions focused on entrepreneurship, manufacturing, venture growth and regional innovation.
The conference was presented by Microsoft and AEM Movement, with support from Central Washington University, Clark Nuber, Freestone Capital Management and Holland & Knight.
More information is available on the Flywheel Investment Conference website.
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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 8:46 PM.