Kicking Off the Breakthrough Program: A Journey Towards Entrepreneurial Success

We're thrilled to have officially kicked off our latest cohort of the #Breakthrough Program, and what an incredible start it has been! With a diverse group of entrepreneurs from various industries, this program is designed to elevate their ventures through collaboration, learning, and the development of crucial startup skills.

Introducing the Breakthrough Cohort

Jason Kraus and Steve Vilkas from Prepare 4 VC , welcomed the group, setting a tone of excitement and support for the upcoming 8-week program. Jason emphasized the importance of community, where founders from different backgrounds will not only refine their businesses but also build relationships with peers, mentors, and investors. As he explained, “Part of what you’re getting from this experience is being able to work alongside a group of additional amazing founders and entrepreneurs.”

An Overview of the Program The Breakthrough Program aims to guide entrepreneurs through the startup landscape, focusing on everything from competitive analysis to self-efficacy—the belief in one's ability to achieve their goals. Jason highlighted the structure of the program, mentioning milestones such as the investor matching event, demo day, and several opportunities to pitch to mentors and potential investors. Participants will also have access to live sessions, on-demand resources, and personalized office hours.

Meet the Ventures The cohort represents a wide range of industries, with each founder working on innovative solutions to address real-world challenges:

1. Biz Wallet - Led by Ravi Srinivasan , Biz Wallet is a payment processing platform designed for small and micro businesses. It allows secure payments through QR codes and ACH transfers without the need for external card readers or devices. Ravi’s vision is to expand the platform globally, especially in Spanish-speaking countries, while integrating AI to ensure secure and compliant transactions.
2. SnowGo | MowGo - Christian Lopez introduced SnowGo Mogo, an app that connects property owners with landscaping and snow removal service providers. By streamlining the process for both homeowners and service providers, SnowGo Mogo is poised to grow rapidly, with plans to scale in 2025 and drive $3 million in revenue through multiple income streams, including transaction fees and in-app advertisements.
3. Apollo Now - Ricky Smith th is developing Apollo Now, a web application aimed at helping artists get discovered through platforms like Apple Music and Spotify. By incentivizing listeners with rewards for discovering new music, Apollo Now seeks to create a unique space for up-and-coming artists to gain visibility in a crowded marketplace.
4. Employers 4 Change - Isabella Johnston’s company, Employers for Change, focuses on helping hiring teams find the best fit interns and apprentices through head-and-heart smart recruiting. The platform emphasizes matching companies with talent that aligns with their values, ensuring both technical and cultural fit.
5. Tomoki AI - Led by Augusto Chesini and Joaquin Casanova , Tomoki AI is developing AI-powered solutions that target specific business needs across various industries. From chatbots to specialist support systems, Tomoki AI aims to build a portfolio of focused AI products that help small to medium enterprises optimize their operations.

What’s Next? During the session, the focus shifted towards self-efficacy, with an engaging discussion on how to measure personal strengths and weaknesses and use this awareness to thrive as a founder. Entrepreneurs in the cohort introduced themselves, sharing their business ventures, challenges, and motivations for joining the program.

Steve shared tips on finding balance with self-efficacy like this segment below:

A Collaborative Future The kickoff concluded with a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration. As Jason mentioned, "You’re all on a mission. There’s a balance between perseverance and adaptability—listening to feedback while staying focused on your vision." The session laid a solid foundation for the weeks to come, where each entrepreneur will sharpen their skills and move closer to their goals.

Stay tuned as we continue this journey, working together to achieve breakthrough moments and transform the startup world!