$325,000 Awarded at 2022 Flywheel Investment Conference; Brainspace named conference winner

The 2022 annual Flywheel Investment Conference awarded $325,000 to Washington State companies on May 19, bringing the total of over $1 million that has been awarded to Washington based companies through the Flywheel Investment Conference.

The Flywheel Investment Conference is an annual event that generates exposure and resources for early stage companies by bringing entrepreneurs, investors, and community members together. The conference is organized by NCW Tech Alliance and is hosted in partnership with the Flywheel Angel Network who fund the investment offering.

The 2022 Flywheel Conference had 77 companies apply to compete, the largest investment fund to date, and a sold out two-day event making it the biggest Flywheel Conference since its inception.

Through careful deliberation, the applications were narrowed down by the Flywheel Angel Network to 31 semi-finalists and then to the top ten who competed live during the conference. Those ten companies included Aivot, Seattle; BodiGuide, Bellevue; BrainSpace, Seattle; Drip7, Spokane; FlexCharging, Redmond; Give InKind, Tacoma; Huney Jun, Peshastin; innov8.ag, Walla Walla; Stack Moxie, Kirkland; and ZILA Works, Renton.

Over the course of the two-day conference, each of the top ten CEO’s were given the opportunity to pitch their company and plans for the future. At the conclusion of the event, BrainSpace was named this year’s Flywheel Conference winner and received a $220,000 investment offer from the Flywheel Angel Network.

BrainSpace is modernizing the neuro ICU by developing hardware and software to protect the brain and help it heal. Their vision of success is to improve patient outcomes, reduce ICU staff burnout, build datasets for machine learning/AI applications and expand equitable access to care. Their first product will be used in the hospital to manage severe TBI, stroke, dementia and surgical recovery. 

In addition, ZILA Works was awarded a $50,000 investment offer from the Flywheel Angel Network. innov8.ag received a $50,000 relocation offer if they choose to relocate their business to Chelan or Douglas counties. Innov8.ag was also awarded the $5,000 Audience Favorite cash prize after receiving 775 votes out of the total of 1,564 online votes.  ZILA Works is developing a patented industrial bioplastic to help product manufacturers lower their carbon footprint. ZILA has traction in the marketplace: the world's largest snowboard manufacturer, and the largest wind turbine manufacturer, want to use ZILA's technology in their products. ZILA is currently scaling up production of their bio-epoxy resin for its first paid pilot of 100 snowboards with resin delivery expected in June.  innov8.ag is an Eastern Washington based company focused on unlocking agricultural productivity in labor intensive, high value fruit farms across the US; enabling farmers to grow more, in fewer acres, using less resources. Visualizing unrealized economic potential with precision agricultural data and insights, empowering them to harness the true capabilities of their land and crops in a manner that supports sustainability of the environment. 

The Flywheel Conference also featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Aaron Richmond, Endeavour; Dave Parker, DK Parker; Julie Harrelson, Cascade Seed Fund; Mel Clark, CleanTech Alliance; Minda Brusse, First Row Partners; Katherine Sizov, Strella Biotechnology; Jonathan Evans, KinectAir; Matt Adamczyk, Microsoft; Miranda Nayak, Wenatchee High School; Rachelle Ames, CleanTech Alliance; Tegan Peterson, Moss Adams; Will Little, Prota Ventures; and Doug Merrill, Wenatchee High School. In addition to keynote speakers, the Flywheel Investment Conference also heard from Tim Jenkins and Abby Jenkins of Colchuck Companies, who also served as this year's Flywheel Angel Network Fund Managers. The 2022 Flywheel Investment Conference was presented by Moss Adams, Ogden Murphy Wallace, Confluence Health, and Microsoft. Plans are underway for the annual Flywheel Conference to return May 17-18, 2023 in Wenatchee.

About the Flywheel Investment Conference
The Flywheel Investment Conference is an annual full-day event that generates momentum and resources for early stage companies. The Flywheel Conference is a unique opportunity for angel investors, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, startups and community members to come together to connect, learn, and develop resources for building companies. Held in downtown Wenatchee, WA, the event features an investment competition, educational seminars, keynote presentations, and after-party celebration. More information at www.flywheelconference.com.

The Flywheel Investment Conference is direct by NCW Tech Alliance and supported by Moss Adams, Ogden Murphy Wallace, Confluence Health, Microsoft, City of Wenatchee, Numerica Credit Union, City of East Wenatchee, Washington State Department of Commerce, Clark Nuber,  Karr Tuttle Campbell, GTC Technical Support, Colchuck Companies, AHT Insurance, Augustedge Insurance, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority, WTIA, LocalTel, GeekWire, Native Network, North Forty Productions, JP Portrait Studio, Davis Furniture and Alpha Media.

About NCW Tech Alliance
Since 1999, NCW Tech Alliance has served as the region’s tech alliance, championing growth and development in North Central Washington. As a 501(c)3, NCW Tech Alliance’s mission is to bring together people and resources in technology, entrepreneurship, and STEM education. For more information visit www.ncwtech.org.