The Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) announced the top six startup finalists to compete in the 2025 Angel Conference: Castlelock Corporation, Essemble Inc., GreenSight Technologies, Mr. Turtle, ODIN Diagnostics and VizualEyes. These companies will have an opportunity to compete for $100,000+ in equity-backed funding on May 1, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The hybrid event will take place at Rod & Hammer Rock and stream on YouTube Live.
● Castlelock Corporation: offers the fastest biometric electromechanical safety device for AR-15s, ensuring the weapon is only accessible to its owner.
● Essemble, Inc: a B2B SaaS platform designed for the construction industry, offering an all-in-one solution to streamline operations, enhance team collaboration and centralize project management.
● GreenSight Technologies: simplifies the disposal of large-scale electronics and resale processes with data-driven solutions powered by advanced computer intelligence, enabling businesses to make faster decisions about their inventory, increasing revenue and supporting a circular economy for electronics.
● Mr. Turtle: provides refill stations for hand soap, dish soap and laundry detergent, offering a reusable alternative to single-use plastic packaging.
● ODIN Diagnostics: redefining concussion care and making a significant leap forward in brain health. Their eye-tracking solution, involving machine learning and a cloud-based application, provides objective and non-invasive concussion assessments in minutes, reducing the risk of successive concussions, guiding treatment and preventing further damage after injury.
● VizualEyes: provides smart, 3-D visualization systems for dentistry and other fields using stereo microscopes to improve ergonomics and offer digital imaging advantages, including documentation, collaboration, telemedicine and AI-enhanced digital applications for better patient outcomes.
This annual event is propelled by a dedicated group of angel investors looking to invest in early-stage startups in exchange for ownership equity or convertible debt. The top six startup finalists will compete in the eighth annual AngelCon pitch competition on Thursday, May 1.
“We have a group of six innovative and mission-driven teams making a real difference on the Central Coast of California. The synergy between high-tech solutions and community-driven goals is a powerful combination. It’s exciting to see how these brilliant minds are contributing to the growth and development of the business community in the region.” – Donica Forensich, Director of the Cal Poly CIE Small Business Development Center
AngelCon 2025 is presented by Pacific Premier Bank. The winner will receive $100,000+ in angel funding to grow their business. Attendees can purchase tickets at angelcon2025.eventbrite.com. Registration is required and tickets are available until May 1, with virtual tickets available for $20 and in-person tickets for $80, which include networking and dinner. Visit the event’s website https://sbdc.calpoly.edu/angelcon for more information.