9 sept 2025
Accelerate Sheboygan County (AccelSC.com), an initiative of the Sheboygan County Innovation Council (SCIC) and funded by the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC), successfully hosted the Startup World Cup (SWC) Regional Pitch Competition last night at the Weill Center. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to celebrate innovation and showcase the region’s growing startup ecosystem.
Sum Hydration, founded by Tyler Hurd, was awarded first place and received $2,000 along with the opportunity to represent Sheboygan at the 2025 Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where they will compete for the $1 million investment prize.
The People’s Choice Award went to Go with Rosie, led by Tyler Heilberger, who received $1,000 after winning the audience vote.
“This competition proved that Sheboygan’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and thriving,” said Justin Vanneiuwenhoven, emcee of the SWC event and Chair of the SCIC. “We are incredibly proud of all the founders who pitched their ideas and impressed both the judges and the audience.”
The event was sponsored by Carbliss, Wells Fargo, Associated Bank, and the SCEDC, with coordination support from Third Space Wellness. Attendees enjoyed networking opportunities, premium cocktails, and the excitement of watching local startups take the stage for a shot at global recognition.
“We want to thank everyone who supported this milestone event,” said Ray York, Business Counselor for the SCEDC and the Small Business Development Center at UWGB. “By bringing Startup World Cup to Sheboygan, we’re connecting our entrepreneurs to international opportunities and building momentum for future generations of startups in our community.”
About Accelerate Sheboygan County
Accelerate Sheboygan County, an initiative of the Sheboygan County Innovation Council, fuels the local startup ecosystem through programming, events, and resources that empower entrepreneurs to grow and scale in the region. Learn more at: accelsc.com
About Startup World Cup
Startup World Cup is a premier global startup competition hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures. Featuring 100+ regional pitch events across six continents, winners advance to the Grand Finale, where one startup secures a $1 million investment prize.