Celebrating Bold Ideas and Brave Founders at Collider's Demo Day
Entrepreneurship was alive and thriving in Rochester last week as Collider, one of our E1 (Entrepreneurs First) partners, hosted Demo Day for their 12-week business accelerator program. The event showcased a cohort of ambitious founders who have spent the past three months refining their business models, clarifying their value propositions, and preparing to pitch to a supportive audience of community members, funders, and peers.
From farm-side birthday parties to mobile airbrush tanning, each entrepreneur brought passion and purpose to the stage:
🌱 The Green Shack – Based in Dodge Center, this family-friendly farm creates unforgettable experiences through petting zoos and 38 flavors of cotton candy. With a focus on birthday parties and kid-centered events, they’re building joyful memories right on the farm. (SITE)
🧠 Katydid Communications – With a background in communications at Mayo Clinic, the founder of Katydid Communications helps researchers and scientists take overly technical, jargon-filled content and transform it into messaging that’s clear, engaging, and accessible to the general public. (SITE)
🎨 Brite Design Studio – Artist and educator Carmen Tiffany lit up the room with her vibrant and playful product line of home décor and custom gifts. Selling through markets, online, and pop-up shops across Minnesota, Carmen also took home the winning pitch prize for the evening! (SITE)
NOTE: We also found out that Carmen was inspired to start Brite Design Studio after attending the E1 Summit! (HECK YEAH!)
🍵 Med City Tea – Founder Lance Kyle is turning tea into a mindfulness movement. Through unique blends and community education classes, he’s helping people slow down, sip with intention, and find peace in their daily routines. His dream? A new website and one day, a teahouse of his very own.
☀️ Lux Airbrush Tanning – Skye is redefining the tanning experience with her mobile studio service, offering clients privacy and convenience in their own homes. With dreams of expansion, she’s eyeing her own brick-and-mortar studio in the future. (SITE)
A highlight reel from the July 2025 Collider Demo Day
The energy in the room was incredible. Every founder showed up with courage and clarity, ready not only to pitch their business but to connect with the community that can help them grow.
Congratulations to Collider and all the entrepreneurs who participated. You are what makes the E1 ecosystem so vibrant and vital.
We can’t wait to see where your journeys take you next!