Pitch to Podium: Connecting Innovation to City Mayors

​Part of Twin Cities Startup Week 2026, September 14–18.

​For one evening, founders and mayors step away from the pitch deck and onto the podium to share their origin stories.

​5 to 7 speakers from across the ecosystem will gather to share their stories, opportunities, and obstacles that sparked their most inspired initiatives. Every conversation in the room is designed to inspire how we can build stronger public-private partnerships and deeper, more resilient startup communities.

​Come ready to engage, learn, and be inspired. Walking distance from University of St. Thomas, where the rest of the earlier programming will be.

​Space is limited, so please register ahead of time.

​Speakers:

• ​Kevin Hughes - Founder of Walker/Miles - College Athletics Innovator

• ​Kathleen Hustad - Founder of EvrKIND (soon to be LightWell Care) - Community Care Innovator

• ​Abdi Mohamed - Founder of Wathaag - Social Media Influence Innovator

• ​Molubah Seley - Founder and CEO of Origin House - Ecosystem Innovator

• ​Anthony Dann - Founder and CEO of Biometrica Health - Health Tech Innovator

• ​Mike Nathan - CEO of Impero Ventures & Co-Host of Burn Rate & Bull$hit

• ​Pam Haack - Founder of Creds - Urban Development Innovator

• ​Yasmin Ramzey - Founder of Clarent-Ai - Workplace Innovator

​Getting here on Tuesday. Parking, Basecamp, lunch, and the rest of the day: tcstartupweek.com/tuesday