When Rayen Inostroza moved from Chile to Minnesota eight years ago, she wasn’t planning to launch an AI company. She was focused on teaching. Today, Inostroza is the founder and CEO of ChatLPO, an AI-powered education platform designed to help teachers create lesson plans, assessments, rubrics, slide decks, and classroom [...]
With decades of experience scaling revenue, leading global sales teams, and advising companies from startup to public scale, Tom Venable brings a pragmatic, results-oriented perspective to MESA founders. His career spans SaaS, e-commerce, and advanced manufacturing, including executive leadership roles at publicly traded companies and work with major partners like [...]
As a longtime technology executive and three-time CEO, Chris Heim brings a blend of operational rigor, strategic insight, and human-centered leadership to his role as a mentor with MESA. After 11 years in CEO roles, Chris is now launching his own advisory firm, Heim Leadership, where he focuses on helping [...]
When OneDose (formerly Hinckley Medical) officially rebranded in February, it marked more than a name change. It reflected the company’s evolution from a single hardware innovation into a broader point-of-care technology platform serving one of the most overlooked segments of healthcare: EMS and emergency professionals. Founded by Tristen Hazlett, OneDose® [...]
MESA Mentors bring deep experience, practical insight, and a genuine desire to help founders succeed. Mike Thyken is a longtime technology and business leader who now channels decades of experience into supporting Minnesota startups. Tell us a little about your background, Mike. I’ve spent more than 35 years in technology [...]
Founder Michael Petersen is helping independent repair shops and everyday drivers make smarter, more confident service decisions through AI-powered tools. When Michael Petersen founded Raise a Hood, he was not simply launching another automotive technology startup. He was addressing a widespread confidence gap that affects millions of vehicle owners every [...]
Each year, MESA Premier Partners invest more than capital — they invest their time, experience, and passion to help build a stronger, more vibrant software startup ecosystem across Minnesota. We are proud to highlight four organizations whose support helps drive our shared mission forward. Modern Logic Modern Logic, under the [...]
After decades of building and selling successful companies, MESA Mentor Aric Bandy continues to share his hard-won insights with Minnesota’s next generation of innovators. A lifelong learner and advocate for founder-led leadership, Aric brings both business acumen and heart to his mentoring role. Tell us a little about yourself, Aric. [...]
MESA honored the 2025 graduates of its mentoring program at its Annual Reception on October 29, hosted by Elite Partner BGM. The evening celebrated founders who have transformed their companies—and themselves—through MESA’s structured mentorship model. Each story reflected the program’s enduring mission: to accelerate growth, strengthen leadership, and grow the [...]
Paul Hanson has been helping ideas take shape for nearly four decades—from early software startups to social service nonprofits. A retired business and technology executive with experience spanning companies like Cargill, Northwest Airlines, and Bluestem Brands, Paul’s passion for problem-solving and mentorship has been a throughline of his career. Since [...]
At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping every corner of the business landscape, Modern Logic stands out as a company helping organizations not just adapt, but thrive. A MESA Premier Partner and long-time supporter of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Modern Logic is led by CEO Dustin Bruzenak, who is as [...]
Born in the wake of George Floyd’s death, TurnSignl was founded to bring safety, accountability, and peace of mind to drivers during traffic stops and accidents. What started in Minnesota has since expanded nationwide, now protecting more than 200,000 people through its innovative real-time legal support platform. When Jazz Hampton [...]
At the intersection of capital, strategy, and hands-on leadership, Brimacomb Capital is more than an investor—it’s a growth partner for emerging technology companies. A Partnership Mentality That Runs Deep Brimacomb was founded by Rick Brimacomb in 2005. A key focus of his business is Brimacomb Capital, specializing in technology and [...]
Nick Gawreluk didn’t just stumble into the printing industry—he built a career, a global perspective, and now, a company around it. What started in a high school graphic arts program has evolved into Print Profit, a software platform designed to help printing businesses of all sizes see their numbers clearly [...]
From practical legal solutions to deep community roots, Fredrikson brings strategic value to startups—and to MESA. As one of Minnesota’s largest and most respected law firms, Fredrikson has long been a go-to resource for companies navigating complex legal landscapes. But for emerging software startups, their value extends beyond legal advice—they [...]
At MESA, we’re lucky to work with some of Minnesota’s brightest tech leaders—people who not only bring deep expertise but a genuine desire to give back. Dustin Bruzenak is one of those leaders. A veteran technologist with a track record spanning Adobe, Ecolab, and multiple startups, Dustin is now the [...]
At MESA, our partners are more than just sponsors — they are champions of innovation, committed to strengthening Minnesota’s software economy. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) exemplifies this mission through its deep engagement with the tech community and unwavering support for software startups. As a MESA Premier Partner, CLA brings a powerful [...]
Jeff Eckerle’s journey with MESA has come full circle—from startup founder and mentee to dedicated mentor. In this spotlight, Jeff shares insights from both sides of the table and what keeps him committed to growing people through business. Tell us a little about your background, Jeff. My path into software [...]
In the complex world of healthcare, communication is paramount. Yet, the simple question, "When will the doctor be here?" often remains unanswered, leaving hospitalized patients and their families in a state of anxious uncertainty. This pain point is what drove CEO/Founder Michael Pitt, MD, to envision Q-rounds, a software solution [...]
Scott Brown has built and scaled companies through some of the biggest tech trends of the last two decades. As a MESA mentor, he brings invaluable operator perspective to Minnesota startups, sharing the wisdom gained from a career on the front lines of innovation. Tell us a little about your [...]
Being the CEO of an emerging software company can be incredibly challenging. MESA mentors have been there and can offer you unbiased guidance to help your business flourish.
There’s no substitute for experience. If you are a seasoned software industry executive, local early-stage software companies could benefit from your knowledge and expertise.
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