Ascent Startup Summit

Inspired By Excellence & Innovation

Backed by some of the best business minds in Colorado and beyond, participants in our winter 2023 cohort will experience a level of startup and scaleup support that has never existed in the Central Mountains business community. Until now. Get to know these ten very special purpose-driven businesses that are making a big impact in our community.

The power of any accelerator program is the quality of its mentor and advisor network. Ours is world-class. From investors and serial entrepreneurs to seasoned ecosystem builders, our mentors come from a broad set of backgrounds and are committed to supporting your success. We are so honored three of our mentors will serve as our Keynote Speakers at the Ascent Startup Summit April 20th! 

Annelise Loevlie grew up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and spent her childhood outside exploring the world and adventuring in her backyard. A childhood friend of Icelantic founders Ben Anderson and Travis Parr, she naturally gravitated to the idea of starting a ski company, and many moons later, is still here. As CEO, Annelise takes pride in creating a work environment that is safe, open, healthy, and poised for growth. Outside of running @icelantic_skis, Annelise finds joy in exploring nature with her friends and dog, Louie, gardening, practicing herbalism, cooking, dancing and singing loud.

With a childhood spent growing up in Pennsylvania, California and ultimately Colorado, Mark has always been drawn to spending time outdoors. From zipping through Denver streets on his bicycle, to bombing down ski slopes after his daughter, Mark is determined to wring out every drop of life out of any situation.

Prior to starting Topo Designs with Jedd full-time in 2008, Mark’s background ranges from teaching middle school, doing field biology work in Northern California and Oregon, to loading ice cream trucks and software design (not bad for an English Lit major).