We enter 2026 at a defining moment, one where the world is changing faster than ever, and leadership demands more than ambition. It requires clarity, resilience, and the ability to turn pressure into purpose. Across the country, a new wave of entrepreneurs is stepping up to meet that challenge. They are not waiting for ideal conditions or perfect timing. They are creating momentum in real time, transforming uncertainty into opportunity and building the kind of companies that move industries forward.
These founders represent a shift in what modern entrepreneurship looks like. They lead with discipline, innovate with intention, and build with a long-term vision that goes beyond trends or noise. They understand that success today is not just about scaling, it’s about solving meaningful problems, empowering people, and staying adaptable in a world where everything can change overnight. Their stories remind us that the future belongs to the bold, the focused, and the committed.
This list highlights entrepreneurs who are not just succeeding, but redefining what it means to lead in 2026. They are operators, strategists, and innovators who bring both grit and strategy to the table. Whether they’re transforming technology, reshaping healthcare, strengthening communities, or reimagining everyday industries, they share one thing in common: they build with impact in mind. These are the entrepreneurs to watch: because they’re not only prepared for the future, they’re actively creating it.
Christoffer and Aleyna Groves
Aleyna and Chris Groves are the visionary co-founders of Groves IQ and the powerhouse couple behind Groves Capital, united by a belief that bold entrepreneurship begins with solving real problems. Groves IQ, conceived and led by Aleyna, was born from the inefficiencies she encountered firsthand while scaling their businesses. What started as an internal solution quickly evolved into a platform now used by thousands of professionals to streamline operations, automate workflows, and scale with clarity and precision. While Aleyna leads product development and client success with a focus on purposeful innovation, Chris drives the company’s expansion through strategic marketing and growth initiatives.
At the heart of their leadership philosophy is a simple but profound principle: mindset is everything. “Stress is inevitable, but it’s also information,” Aleyna says. “You can freeze, or you can create.” Chris echoes this belief with his own perspective: “The real risk isn’t failure—it’s standing still in a world that never stops moving.” These shared convictions have guided them through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey, from launching Groves Capital in a volatile market to building Groves IQ as a direct response to the operational friction points they faced themselves.
For Aleyna and Chris, long-term success comes from choosing discomfort as a catalyst for growth. “You grow by pushing your own limits,” Aleyna says. “You win by turning your challenges into tools that others can use, too.” Their approach to innovation is deeply personal, grounded in experience, and designed for scale. Together, they continue to build companies that empower professionals to work smarter, think bigger, and transform adversity into impact.
Anthony Rossi
Anthony Rossi has built his reputation as one of Canada’s most versatile and ambitious business leaders — a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist whose influence spans finance, biotechnology, sports, and digital innovation. Based in Toronto, Rossi currently serves as the majority owner and president of the Arena Football League, overseeing its national operations from the league’s Texas headquarters as he guides one of America’s most storied sports brands through a new era of expansion.
Rossi is also the chief executive of Force One Capital, a global investment banking and private equity firm known for its cross-border capital markets work and advisory support for companies navigating high-growth stages. His entrepreneurial reach continues into the life-sciences sector as co-founder of Cubed Biotech, a Montreal-based psychedelic extraction and manufacturing company that has emerged at the forefront of research-driven therapeutic innovation.
Most recently, Rossi launched Logan Capital Partners, a mortgage debt fund specializing in land and construction financing for marquee real estate projects across Canada. That venture joins a portfolio that also includes Force One Marketing, the award-winning digital agency he founded to help companies modernize their brand presence in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
Over the course of his career, Rossi has built and exited more than five companies and played a central role in taking over ten firms to public listing. He has worked closely with CEOs, founders, and boards on mergers, acquisitions, and strategic restructuring, earning a reputation for clarity, speed, and execution.
His rise began early. At 26, while serving as Vice President of Sales for energy giant Direct Energy, he was named one of Canada’s Top 30 Under 30. A few years later, he became a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award following the sale of his EnergyTech venture — a company he built from concept to a $29 million private-equity exit in just 24 months. In 2020, he was recognized as one of the Top 100 Business Professionals in Canada, underscoring his standing as one of the country’s leading financiers and advisors.
Rossi currently serves on five boards spanning fintech, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and sports management. Away from the boardroom, he is most often found on the golf course or out on the water — the rare moments where he allows himself a breath between ventures.
Jonathan Blum
Jonathan Blum is redefining how South Florida approaches real estate investment. As the founder of JonathanBlum.Miami, he leads a brand that blends strategic advisory, property development, and financial education to help clients build long-term wealth through real estate. With over two decades of leadership experience in the media industry, Jonathan transitioned his executive acumen into the real estate world—driven by a mission to guide others in making smart, purpose-driven property investments.
What sets Jonathan apart is his 360° vision. His brand isn’t about selling homes—it’s about creating custom wealth strategies for families and investors alike. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, Jonathan ensures every client understands how to generate income, protect capital, and leverage U.S. legal and financial structures for optimal results.
In addition to advising clients, Jonathan is an active partner in Quadra Development Group, where he helps bring boutique construction projects to life in high-growth areas like Wynwood Norte. This dual perspective—both as an investor and a developer—allows him to deliver unmatched value at every stage of the real estate process.
Jonathan’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without challenges. Juggling multiple roles while maintaining excellence has required him to build scalable systems, assemble high-performing teams, and maintain a sharp focus on strategy and innovation. His commitment to education—through content, workshops, and client mentorship—has helped him stand out in Miami’s competitive market.
Looking ahead to 2026, Jonathan is focused on scaling JonathanBlum.Miami into a leading educational and digital platform that empowers thousands to take control of their financial future.
His vision includes expanding content around topics like 1031 Exchanges, Homestead Exemptions, and U.S. investment structuring—making complex ideas simple, actionable, and accessible.
More than just a real estate brand, JonathanBlum.Miami is a movement to transform how people think about money, property, and freedom. For Jonathan, true impact means creating a legacy of knowledge, trust, and empowered investors ready to thrive in any market.
Nelson Moran
Nelson Enrique Moran Duran is a fintech innovator and founder of TREZORA—a next-generation financial platform that seamlessly connects decentralized finance (DeFi) with the traditional banking system. Backed by two postgraduate degrees in blockchain, fintech, and decentralized finance, Nelson launched TREZORA to solve a key challenge: making digital finance accessible, secure, and practical for everyday users.
TREZORA offers an all-in-one solution that includes smart contract-powered DeFi services, on/off-ramp tools for fiat-to-crypto conversions, and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) through partnerships with regulated banks. This hybrid model empowers users to invest, spend, and manage their assets across both digital and traditional economies—without friction.
Nelson’s mission is clear: to democratize finance and give people everywhere the tools to participate in the digital economy. With a strong focus on compliance, security, and user education, he’s turning complex fintech into a powerful, accessible experience. By 2026, he envisions TREZORA as a global leader in the evolution of money—where stablecoins, tokenized assets, and real financial incentives are available to all.
What drives Nelson is more than innovation—it’s purpose. Inspired by his own journey and grounded in his faith and family, he’s building a fintech ecosystem designed not just for profits, but for impact. He believes the future of finance should be open, human-centered, and empowering—and with TREZORA, he’s turning that vision into reality.
Regina Carrot
Regina Carrot is a trailblazing entrepreneur, international speaker, and founder of Speaker Magnética Academy—the first Hispanic ecosystem dedicated to helping professional women become visible, authoritative, and financially empowered through the power of their voice. With over a decade of experience on global stages, Regina has transformed her mission into a movement, creating a platform where women don’t just learn how to speak—they learn how to lead.
What sets Regina apart is her bold approach to redefining the personal development and communication industry. Speaker Magnética Academy is not just a course—it’s a complete ecosystem that trains, certifies, and strategically positions women as professional speakers. From storytelling and strategic positioning to voice monetization and internationally recognized certifications, Regina’s academy equips women with the tools, training, and community to turn their voice into a profitable, high-impact career.
Breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated space, Regina refused to wait for permission or validation. She built her own stage—and now she’s inviting other women to rise with her. Her story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of using one’s voice as a vehicle for transformation. For every woman who has ever felt silenced, Regina offers not only a platform but a proven pathway to success.
Looking ahead to 2026, Regina’s vision is crystal clear: international tours, new certified programs, academic partnerships in the U.S., and the launch of Magnetic Campus—a physical space designed to train the next generation of Latina leaders. Through her work, she’s not just changing lives—she’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to lead as a woman in today’s world.
Regina Carrot’s impact transcends the stage. She’s building a global movement where women stop asking for permission and start owning their presence, story, and voice. Her mission? To create a generation of magnetic, visible, and financially free women—one voice at a time.
Reece Mennie
Reece Mennie is a self-made entrepreneur and the visionary Founder and CEO behind several high-growth businesses across property, investment, and marketing. With a track record defined by innovation, resilience, and results, Reece has become a trusted name for investors and partners seeking scalable, high-return opportunities.
In 2013, Reece launched Hunter Jones Group, an investment consultancy connecting private investors with structured property investment opportunities. To date, the firm has raised over £300 million ($396.81 million) and supported the development of 20,000+ residential units in partnership with leading developers. Known for its rigorous research and tailored strategies, Hunter Jones Group has served more than 2,500 clients globally.
In 2019, Reece founded HJ Collection, a UK property development firm transforming underutilized commercial spaces into high-quality residential properties in tier 2 and 3 cities. With a pipeline GDV currently over £100 million ($132.27 million), the company is set to surpass £120 million ($158.72 million) by 2025. He later expanded into infrastructure with HJ Collection Solutions, providing civil contracting services for telecoms, fibre, and EV networks.
Reece also founded Bigas Marketing, a digital agency that drives brand growth through data-driven, creative campaigns. He is the host of the Mennie Talks podcast and actively mentors young entrepreneurs, further cementing his role as a thought leader in business and real estate.
His accomplishments include multiple award recognitions, such as being a finalist for the Barclays Entrepreneur Awards and the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, and winning Top 40 Under Forty Global in both 2024 and 2025.
Outside of business, Reece is committed to giving back. He supports Richard House Children’s Hospice and Lupus UK—causes close to his heart and aligned with his mission to make a meaningful difference beyond financial success.
Reece’s journey is about more than business—it’s about building a legacy of impact, opportunity, and transformation.
Yency Milano
Yency Soriyel Milano Merentes is the founder of Atlantic Hudson Group, Atlantic Hudson Florida, and StrategicAI School. With over 25 years of experience in organizational development, she has trained more than 3,000 leaders across four countries and advised companies ranging from global multinationals to high-growth startups. What sets her apart? Four proprietary methodologies—CLARA, ÉXODO, ALMA INTERIOR, and DESPIERTA EL ÉXITO—each developed to fill critical gaps in traditional consulting frameworks. These models, now in the process of being registered with the USPTO, address challenges most leadership tools ignore: sustainable implementation, mental clarity under pressure, reconnecting with purpose, and leading through profound transformation.
Her mission was born from frustration. Despite working with brilliant leaders, Yency saw the same overreliance on borrowed models—McKinsey, BCG, Gallup—that lacked depth in human-centered transformation. She decided to build something radically different: a toolkit designed not just to manage change, but to create it from within.
An immigrant entrepreneur based in Orlando, Florida, Yency has overcome the challenge of building credibility in a new country by leaning into rigorous validation—scientific peer reviews, measurable impact, and intellectual property protection. She has already trained over 300 immigrant entrepreneurs and helped launch more than 50 microenterprises, proving that transformation is scalable when anchored in substance.
Now, through StrategicAI School, Yency is equipping a new generation of leaders to thrive in the age of artificial intelligence. Her vision for 2026 includes a second office in Houston, a new book on conscious leadership in the AI era, and the launch of an official certification program for her proprietary methods.
For Yency, entrepreneurship is not just business—it’s legacy. Her story is proof that being different is not a disadvantage, but a competitive edge. She’s not just advising companies; she’s reimagining what it means to lead in a world that’s changing faster than ever.
Codie Sanchez
Codie Sanchez is the Founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, a digital media, education, and investment platform focused on helping people build wealth through buying and scaling “boring” Main Street businesses. After nearly two decades working in finance and on Wall Street, she shifted her focus from institutional investing to empowering individuals to become business owners. Today, Contrarian Thinking blends content, community, and capital to teach and support thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Under Codie’s leadership, Contrarian Thinking has grown from a personal blog into a large media and investment ecosystem with millions of subscribers and followers across platforms. The company hosts events such as the “Main Street Over Wall Street” conference in Austin, bringing together small-business owners, investors, and operators who believe in local, cash-flowing businesses as engines of freedom and resilience.
Beyond her work as a founder, Codie is a prominent speaker, author of Main Street Millionaire, and active investor in traditional service businesses. She advocates for closing the “money knowledge gap” by demystifying acquisitions and financial literacy for everyday people, with a mission to help create one million financially free humans through ownership.
Jasmine Crowe-Houston
Jasmine Crowe-Houston is the Founder and CEO of Goodr, an Atlanta-based company that uses technology to tackle food waste and hunger. After years of personally organizing community meals, she launched Goodr in 2017 with the idea that the same logistics powering food delivery could be repurposed to redirect surplus food to people in need.
Goodr operates as a waste management and hunger solutions company, helping businesses track, manage, and donate excess food through a data-driven platform. The company has received national media attention from outlets such as CNBC, The New York Times, Oprah Magazine, Fast Company, and Forbes, and Jasmine has become a sought-after conference speaker and social impact leader.
A committed social entrepreneur, Jasmine also writes children’s books that promote empathy and collective action. Her work centers on building a more equitable food system and proving that solving hunger is possible when innovation, compassion, and good policy intersect.
Claire Coder
Claire Coder is the Founder and CEO of Aunt Flow, a Columbus, Ohio–based company that helps businesses and schools provide free menstrual products in restrooms. After getting her period in public without access to supplies, she launched Aunt Flow at age 18 to create a simple, sustainable solution for menstrual equity.
Aunt Flow provides high-quality, organic cotton period products and dispensers to organizations across the U.S., and has been recognized with awards such as Sustainable Company of the Year and an ISSA Show Choice Award. Claire herself has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 and received a Thiel Fellowship, marking her as one of the standout young founders in the country.
Beyond building the company, Claire advocates for menstrual dignity and policy changes that normalize and support access to period products in public spaces. Her work positions Aunt Flow at the intersection of business, social impact, and gender equity.
Chantel Cohen
Chantel Cohen is the Founder and CEO of CWC Coaching & Therapy, a firm that blends mental health services with executive and entrepreneurial coaching. Based in the U.S., she focuses on supporting entrepreneurs of color, women founders, and leadership teams navigating stress, burnout, and emotional barriers to growth.
Through CWC, Chantel works with both individuals and major corporate partners—including brands like Google, Coca-Cola, and Lenovo—to integrate mental health into performance and leadership culture. She developed the Become One Again™ Method, a framework designed to help high-achieving clients address negative self-talk, past trauma, and self-sabotaging patterns.
As one of the small percentage of Black therapists in her field, Chantel brings cultural competence, empathy, and lived experience to her practice. She is a frequent speaker on mental health in entrepreneurship and leads initiatives aimed at destigmatizing therapy among founders and executives.
Colleen Costello
Colleen Costello is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vyv, a health technology company that has developed proprietary antimicrobial light technology for continuous use in public and private spaces. Trained as an engineer and clinical researcher, she leads a team working at the intersection of science, health, and built environments.
Vyv’s light-based solutions are designed to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi on surfaces, offering a new layer of protection for industries ranging from healthcare to consumer products. Colleen’s work has earned recognition from major outlets and lists, including Goldman Sachs’ 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, Forbes 30 Under 30, and Inc. Magazine’s “Most Brilliant Young Founders” and “Emerging Global Entrepreneurs to Watch.”
In addition to leading Vyv, Colleen is an advocate for women in STEM and health innovation. She frequently speaks on the future of clean technology and how science-driven companies can address real-world public health challenges.
Dipanwita Das
Dipanwita Das is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sorcero, a life sciences AI company that provides medically tuned language models to help organizations better understand and act on complex medical information. Her platform supports functions like evidence review, medical insights, and accessible plain-language summaries.
Under her leadership, Sorcero has become a key player in the medical AI space, partnering with global life sciences companies and participating in leading accelerators such as Plug and Play and Mindshare. Dipanwita is also a founding member of Chief, a private network designed to help more women reach and stay in positions of power, and she has been recognized as an Edmund Hillary Global Impact Fellow.
Dipanwita’s work centers on using AI not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a tool to amplify it. She advocates for responsible AI in healthcare and mentors other founders building purpose-driven technology companies.
Alice Default
Alice Default is the Co-Founder and CEO of Double, a platform that pairs busy executives with experienced part-time assistants, supported by software tools to streamline delegation. Before launching Double, she and her co-founders worked together at Sunrise Calendar, which was acquired by Microsoft, giving her deep experience in productivity products.
Double helps leaders reclaim time by combining human assistants with technology, enabling them to focus on strategic work while the platform handles scheduling, inbox triage, and operational follow-through. Under Alice’s leadership, Double has raised significant venture funding and built a strong reputation in the U.S. startup ecosystem.
Recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30, Alice is also an advocate for sustainable ways of working and healthier approaches to productivity. She frequently speaks about delegation, burnout prevention, and building remote-first, people-centered companies.
Nishika de Rosairo
Nishika de Rosairo is the Founder and CEO of HumanQ, a coaching platform dedicated to making high-quality development opportunities accessible within organizations. Drawing on her experience with companies like Deloitte, Apple, and Cisco, she created HumanQ to bridge the gap between traditional corporate training and modern, scalable coaching.
HumanQ delivers group and individual coaching programs that help employees build leadership capabilities, emotional intelligence, and alignment with organizational goals. Nishika’s global background—having lived on four continents—gives her a unique perspective on culture, inclusion, and the future of work.
She is also an artist and a frequent speaker on leadership, impact, and human-centered growth. Her work champions the idea that organizations thrive when they invest deeply in the potential of their people.
Dima Dobrynin
Dima Dobrynin is the CEO of Staxel, a hard-tech startup working at the intersection of robotics and AI to build highly efficient intralogistics solutions. The company focuses on using robots to handle material movement in warehouses and industrial environments, aiming for an order-of-magnitude improvement in efficiency.
Within just months of founding, Staxel launched a robotics pilot with NewLab Detroit, signaling strong early traction in the U.S. innovation ecosystem. Dima’s engineering and leadership skills have positioned Staxel as a promising player in automation for logistics and manufacturing.
He is part of a new generation of founders building deep-tech companies that address real-world operational bottlenecks. Dima’s work emphasizes reliability, safety, and long-term scalability in robotics deployments.
Scott Dorsey
Scott Dorsey is a co-founder and managing partner at High Alpha, a venture studio based in Indianapolis that creates and funds B2B SaaS companies. Prior to High Alpha, he co-founded and served as CEO of ExactTarget, a marketing software company that was acquired by Salesforce, where it became the core of Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
High Alpha combines company-building infrastructure with venture capital to launch new startups, many of which operate across the United States. Scott is widely recognized as a key figure in the Midwest tech ecosystem, helping to grow Indianapolis into a notable hub for software innovation.
Beyond launching companies, Scott is deeply involved in community and economic development initiatives, supporting entrepreneurship, education, and inclusive growth in the region. His leadership has earned recognition from industry and local business publications alike.
Arlo Gilbert
Arlo Gilbert is the Co-Founder and CEO of Osano, a data privacy platform that helps businesses stay compliant with global privacy regulations while earning consumer trust. With more than two decades of experience founding and leading SaaS companies, he launched Osano after recognizing how poorly many leaders understood data flows and privacy risk.
Osano provides tools for cookie consent management, data subject rights, and risk monitoring, enabling companies of all sizes to operationalize privacy. Arlo is considered a data privacy pioneer and is vocal about the need for transparent, ethical handling of personal information in the digital economy.
In addition to leading Osano, he frequently advises founders and writes about the future of privacy, regulation, and trust online, positioning himself as both a technologist and an advocate for responsible innovation.
Sam Hodges
Sam Hodges is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vouch, an insurance company built specifically for startups. A seasoned entrepreneur, he created Vouch after experiencing the complexity and misalignment of traditional business insurance while building earlier ventures.
Vouch offers tailored coverage and a modern digital experience to tech companies, and has raised substantial venture funding while serving thousands of clients across the U.S. The company went through Y Combinator and has grown into a key player in startup-focused insurtech.
Sam’s vision for Vouch is rooted in helping founders manage risk so they can pursue innovation with confidence. He regularly shares insights on entrepreneurship, risk management, and the changing landscape of insurance for high-growth companies.
Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly is the Co-Founder and CEO of Signal Advisors, a Detroit-based platform that helps financial advisors scale their businesses through technology and support services. Coming from a family background in financial advising, he co-founded Signal to modernize an industry often constrained by legacy systems.
Signal Advisors provides software and back-office solutions that streamline operations for advisors, allowing them to focus on client relationships and growth. Under Patrick’s leadership, the company has raised multiple funding rounds and built a progressive, people-first workplace culture.
Patrick previously served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Detroit Venture Partners, further cementing his role in the local startup ecosystem. He continues to advocate for building strong, advisor-centered infrastructure in financial services.
Scott Kim
Scott Kim is the CEO of RocketReach, a business information services platform that helps professionals find verified contact details and company data. With a background in technology and product, he leads RocketReach with an emphasis on trust, empowerment, and inclusive collaboration.
RocketReach is used by teams across sales, recruiting, and marketing to accelerate outreach and research. Internally, Scott is known for leading with high trust, encouraging open debate, and creating an environment where people feel safe to ask questions and grow into new responsibilities.
His leadership philosophy centers on pairing high standards with empathy. Scott champions cultures where feedback is direct but respectful, and where every team member has a “seat at the table” in building the company’s future.
Bhushan Kulkarni
Bhushan Kulkarni is the Chairman and CEO of InfoReady, a software company serving universities and research institutions with tools to manage funding, approvals, and workflow. InfoReady has become one of the fastest-growing private firms in its niche, trusted by more than half of major U.S. universities.
In addition to InfoReady, Bhushan has been a foundational leader in multiple tech organizations and is deeply involved in Michigan’s innovation ecosystem. He practices open-book management and prioritizes close collaboration, fostering a workplace where new ideas are encouraged and employees understand the broader mission.
Bhushan contributes to regional economic development and entrepreneurship initiatives, working closely with universities and community organizations. His work reflects a belief that technology companies can be engines of both economic and social progress.
Ben Madick
Ben Madick is the Co-Founder and CEO of Matic, an insurance agency that integrates directly into mortgage and lending workflows to help consumers shop for home insurance. Before Matic, he founded Mortgage Quality Management and Research (MQMR) and HQ Vendor Management, giving him deep expertise in mortgage risk and compliance.
Matic has grown into one of the fastest-growing insurance agencies in the U.S. by combining a strong digital experience with human advisors who guide customers through coverage decisions. Ben also serves on advisory boards in the mortgage industry, reflecting his influence across both insurance and lending.
His leadership emphasizes unbiased guidance and customer trust, positioning Matic as a partner rather than just a provider. Ben continues to advocate for greater transparency and efficiency at the intersection of housing finance and insurance.
Wale Mafolasire
Wale Mafolasire is the Founder and CEO of Givelify, a mobile and online giving platform used by over 66,000 nonprofits and places of worship and more than 1.5 million donors. He launched Givelify in 2013 with a simple belief: that people are inherently generous and will give more when the process is easy and meaningful.
Givelify has processed billions of dollars in donations, helping organizations strengthen their fundraising and community engagement. Wale’s leadership has been recognized by Purpose Jobs’ “Top CEOs to Watch” for his purpose-driven approach, transparency, and commitment to building a culture rooted in mission.
Beyond building the company, Wale advocates for generosity and impact in the digital age, emphasizing how technology can deepen, not diminish, human connection and giving.
Maleka Momand
Maleka Momand is the Co-Founder and CEO of Esper, a policy management platform that helps government agencies create, track, and manage public policies more efficiently. Drawing on experience in public administration and civic innovation, she co-founded Esper to make policymaking more transparent and data-driven.
Esper has been recognized as a top GovTech 100 company, and Maleka herself has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 in the social impact category. Under her leadership, the company works with government clients to streamline policy lifecycles and bring modern software practices to the public sector.
Maleka is a strong advocate for using technology to strengthen democratic institutions and citizen trust. She frequently speaks about govtech, impact-focused entrepreneurship, and building mission-first companies that serve the public good.
Mika Shino
Mika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Issei Mochi Gummies, a New York–based confectionery brand that introduced a new category of mochi-based gummy candy to the U.S. market. In just a few years, she has turned Issei into an award-winning brand celebrated for innovation and flavor.
Issei has received multiple accolades, including the Most Innovative New Product Award at the Sweets & Snacks Expo and the Nourish Award. Mika was honored on Inc. Magazine’s 2024 Female Founders 200 list and named a Success Magazine Woman of Influence, underscoring her impact as a CPG founder.
Her work blends culinary creativity with disciplined brand-building, and she often speaks about building category-creating products, scaling a food startup, and forging authentic connections with consumers.
Michelle Bacharach
Michelle Bacharach is the Co-Founder and CEO of FindMine, a technology company that helps fashion and retail brands scale “complete the look” and styled-out content through AI-driven automation. Her platform acts as a content engine, enabling brands to present cohesive outfits and product recommendations at scale.
FindMine works with iconic global brands to improve customer experience and increase average order values, making it a key partner for retailers navigating digital transformation. Michelle has been recognized in Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders list and highlighted by Industry Leaders Magazine as a CEO to watch.
An advocate for women in tech and entrepreneurship, Michelle frequently supports other founders through mentoring and speaking, sharing her insights on retail innovation, AI, and building resilient startup cultures.
Prathima Guntupalli
Prathima Guntupalli is the Founder and CEO of Sriven Technologies, a software company based in Ashburn, Virginia, that provides customized technology solutions to help businesses thrive. Her leadership focuses on pairing technical excellence with a supportive workplace culture for her employees.
Recognized on Inc.’s Female Founders 200 list, Prathima has been honored for building a company that not only delivers high-quality software services but also invests in employee development and well-being. Her approach balances client success with internal culture, making Sriven a respected player in its market.
Beyond her role as CEO, Prathima advocates for diversity in tech and entrepreneurship, especially for women and immigrants. She serves as a role model for founders building sustainable, people-centered service businesses.
Lorena Rivas
Lorena Rivas is the Founder of Rivas & Associates, a national immigration law firm based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As an immigration attorney and entrepreneur, she built her practice to serve clients across the United States in a wide range of immigration matters.
Her leadership and impact earned her a place on Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 200 list, recognizing how she scaled a mission-driven law firm with national reach. Lorena’s practice is known for combining deep legal expertise with advocacy for immigrant communities and clear, accessible communication.
Lorena frequently speaks about immigration law, entrepreneurship, and representation in the legal field. She mentors young attorneys and community leaders, emphasizing that legal entrepreneurship can be a powerful vehicle for justice and empowerment.
Sarah Leary
Sarah Leary is the co-founder of Nextdoor, the neighborhood-based social network that has grown into a platform used by millions of people across the United States. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, she built a strong foundation in product and leadership roles at Microsoft, where she contributed to early innovation in consumer software. Motivated by the belief that technology could strengthen local communities, Sarah co-created Nextdoor to help neighbors connect, share resources, and build a trusted digital space rooted in real-world relationships.
Under her leadership, Nextdoor expanded to thousands of neighborhoods, becoming one of the most widely used community platforms in the country. Sarah played a pivotal role in defining the company’s product strategy, community guidelines, and user experience—ensuring the platform remained focused on safety, trust, and meaningful connection. Her work has been recognized in Fortune, Wired, and Fast Company, establishing her as a respected voice in tech on the subjects of community-building and responsible product design.
Today, Sarah serves as a Venture Partner at Unusual Ventures, where she mentors founders and invests in early-stage startups with strong mission-driven potential. She also speaks frequently about entrepreneurship, inclusive leadership, and scaling purpose-led products. Through her decades of experience, Sarah continues to champion the idea that technology at its best brings people together and empowers communities to thrive.
