Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania proudly hosted its annual Venture Idol 2025 event on Thursday, April 24, 2025, bringing together 281 investors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community supporters for an evening celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of new ideas.
The evening began with a networking dinner catered by Zekraft, a stunning grazing table by The Aging Moon, and bar service provided by Sol & Spirits Mobile Bar Co., with craft beer donated by portfolio company New Trail Brewing Co. Guests were treated to lively conversation and delicious local flavors before the program officially began.
Angelo Valletta, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Northeast, and Wayne Barz, Chief Investment Officer (and the Emcee for our event), welcomed the crowd and led the evening’s program, beginning with the presentation of three special awards.
Richard Reynolds, President of Olympus’ Medical Systems Group, introduced the evening’s Innovation Awards segment, highlighting Olympus’ shared commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Frederick J. Beste III Partnership Award: Presented to H. Robert “Gus” Gustafson, Jr. by Megan Beste of Taggart Associates.
- Manufacturing Achievement Award: Presented to PowerRail by Jennifer Leinbach, Executive Director of the DCED Office of Technology Investment and Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority. The award was accepted by Butch Gaudet, V.P. of Engineering and Quality at Power Rail
- R. Chadwick Paul Entrepreneurial Achievement Award: Presented to Philip Williams, Founder & CEO of Game Face Grooming, by Hope Williams, Associate Manager of Client Development for Ben Franklin Technology Partners.
The highlight of the evening was the live pitch competition, featuring four dynamic startups from Ben Franklin Northeast’s portfolio:
- AWG, presented by Moses West, Founder and CEO
- Americhanvre, presented by Cameron McIntosh, Owner and Founder
- Ayana Active, presented by Ayana Ife, Founder and CEO
- ImmuNovX Biotech, presented by Dalfoni Banerjee, Founder and CEO
Each entrepreneur delivered a five-minute pitch, followed by expert feedback from a distinguished panel of judges:
- David Nevas, General Partner at Rittenhouse Ventures
- Laura Plunkett, Vice President for Startup Engagement and Head of LIFT Labs at Comcast
- Susan Yee, President of SCY Investments and Founder & CEO of Active Data
Following the pitches, guests enjoyed a dessert reception while casting their votes for the evening’s top prize winners.
When the results were tallied, Ayana Ife of Ayana Active was awarded the $2,500 Judges’ Choice Award, impressing the panel with her vision for inclusive, sustainable activewear. The $15,000 Grand Prize, determined by audience vote, went to Moses West of AWG, whose innovative contracting solutions captured the crowd’s enthusiasm and support.
The energy throughout Venture Idol 2025 was electric, with guests offering rave reviews of the evening’s program, presenters, and overall experience. Venture Idol continues to be a shining example of how Ben Franklin Northeast cultivates the entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping to fuel new ventures and economic growth across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
We are deeply grateful to all of our sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible.
Title Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsors:
- Activate Venture Partners
- ARS Investment Partners, LLC
- J.P. Morgan Chase
- O’Pake Institute at Alvernia University
- Service Electric Business/PenTeleData
- Slice Communications
Gold Sponsor:
Silver Sponsors:
- Enterprise Systems Partners Inc
- Fulton Bank
- Geisinger
- Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network
- Graham Partners
- Johnson Controls
- LVEDC
- MarketGenesis
- OraSure Technologies, Inc.
- Prelude Solutions
- Tech Council Ventures
Congratulations to all our award winners and presenters—and a heartfelt thank you again to our attendees, sponsors, and partners for making Venture Idol 2025 an unforgettable celebration of innovation!
