Welcome to the first-ever Triangle Tweener Madness, where 8 startups compete for a $25K investment from the Triangle Tweener Fund!

We kick off the competition with two promising startups going head-to-head: John Starke from MyMatR and Robert Fu from ZW LLC. With a distinguished selection committee featuring David Jones (Bull City Venture Partners), Anil Chawla (Entrepreneur and Angel Investor), and Nikin Shah (Front Porch Ventures), the stakes are high as these founders pitch their innovative solutions.

The Contenders

🔹 MyMatR (John Starke) – Tackling the massive waste management problem, MyMatR has developed an automatic sorting waste container designed for public spaces. With real-time AI-driven waste sorting, data analytics, and cost-saving solutions, John aims to revolutionize how businesses and municipalities handle waste while improving sustainability efforts. https://www.mymatrcorp.com/

🔹 ZW LLC (Robert Fu) – Focused on AI and machine learning solutions for the glass and ceramics industry, Robert's company provides software that accelerates new material discovery, optimizes manufacturing processes, and reduces costs. With deep industry expertise and a scalable software model, ZW LLC is positioning itself as a game-changer in industrial AI applications. https://www.zw-ml.com/

Key Highlights

🎤 John’s Pitch (MyMatR)

• Addresses the waste contamination crisis in public spaces.
• Introduces a smart waste container that sorts recyclables from trash using AI.
• Offers a data dashboard to help businesses improve waste efficiency and sustainability.
• Challenges: Convincing businesses to invest in waste management as a value-driven initiative.

🎤 Robert’s Pitch (ZW LLC)

• Focuses on AI-driven process optimization for the $650B glass and ceramics industry.
• Provides solutions to accelerate material discovery, improve manufacturing efficiency, and reduce emissions.
• Strong industry connections and an existing customer base.
• Challenges: Communicating the technical complexity of the product to investors.

Selection Committee Insights

💡 David Jones: Each business presents a compelling case—MyMatR is solving a highly visible issue with a clear environmental impact, while ZW LLC is tackling a complex industry problem with deep technical expertise.

💡 Anil Chawla: Both founders demonstrate passion and knowledge in their fields. MyMatR has a tangible, everyday impact, while ZW LLC has a high-growth potential in a niche market.

💡 Nikin Shah: Each company has unique strengths—MyMatR has a clear sustainability mission and an engaging consumer-facing product, while ZW LLC’s software solution has the advantage of scalability and recurring revenue potential.

Who Will Move On? 🏆

The selection committee weighs in, analyzing the strengths, challenges, and potential of both companies. But which one will advance to the Fantastic Four?

Today's Selection Committee:

• Anil Chawla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilchawla/
• Nikin Shah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikin-shah-9801885/
• David Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsjones/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

(00:01:22) John’s Pitch (MyMatR)

(00:09:19) Selection Committee Q&A with John

(00:31:38) Robert’s Pitch (ZW LLC)

(00:40:40) Selection Committee Q&A with Robert

(00:58:24) Selection Committee Discussion & Decision

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Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West.

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Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West.

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

Before the competition kicks off, let's meet the people making the tough calls.

Where to Find Michael Jones:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdjonesy/
• CandleScience: https://www.candlescience.com/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West.

------
Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

Before the competition kicks off, let's meet the people making the tough calls.

Where to Find Anthony Rotoli:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyrotoli/
• Ocelot: https://ocelot.ai/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West.

------
Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

Before the competition kicks off, let's meet the people making the tough calls.

Where to Find Anil Chawla:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anilchawla/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West.

------
Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

Before the competition kicks off, let's meet the people making the tough calls.

Where to Find Dave Neal:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davenealvc/
• Duke Capital Partners: https://dukecapitalpartners.duke.edu/team/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Walk West.

------
Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

Before the competition kicks off, let's meet the people making the tough calls.

Where to Find Jason Caplain:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncaplain/
• Bull City Venture Partners: https://www.bcvp.com/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Earfluence.

------
Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/

Welcome to Tweener Madness, the high stakes startup showdown where 8 promising companies go head to head for a $25,000 investment prize from the Triangle Tweener Fund.

Each round, 3 members of the selection committee will vote on which startups advance leading up to the finals in early April where one company will take home the top prize.

Before the competition kicks off, let's meet the people making the tough calls.

Where to Find Tobi Walter:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobiaswalter/
• Cofounders Capital: https://www.cofounderscapital.com/

About Tweener Madness: https://www.tweenermadness.com

---
Triangle Tweener Talks is hosted by Scot Wingo, presented by Triangle Tweener Fund, and produced by Earfluence.

------
Triangle Tweener Talks is sponsored by:

• Atomic Object: https://atomicobject.com/