Jason Tillery is a software developer and entrepreneur. He co-founded and led the Chicago-based software company Buildout from 2010 through 2024. In 2024, he co-founded Synopsis, an AI-powered data platform company. He also serves on the board of Leap, a construction-focused SaaS business.

Jason lives in Lake Forest with his wife and three children. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and drawing.

Rise Robotics stands at the forefront of innovation, their mission being to revolutionize the way industries operate through the unparalleled power of RISE Technology.

Specialized in fostering dynamic partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and the US DoD, they pioneer the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to more efficient and sustainable solutions, independent of the primary power source. Their technology's universal compatibility with various power sources - from diesel engines to electric, hydrogen, and beyond - sets them apart.

Rise is not just about electrification; they're about optimization, enhancing performance whether it's a diesel engine benefiting from electric rotary drive or an electric engine utilizing their highly efficient linear actuation.

Cerulion is a cross-platform robot middleware that is redefining the developer experience for robots. Gone are the days of clunky installs, dependency management hell, or slow and finicky comms with ROS and ROS 2. Cerulion just works -- cross-platform, zero config and built for speed. Bring your robot dreams to life all the way from inception to production without skipping a beat.

Black-I’s revolutionary AI-based Fullscope mobile heavy lift arm offsets two to five workers per 24-hour shift, protects workers with a proprietary security perimeter and saves millions of dollars in fixed costs.

The maritime industry is the backbone of global trade and is responsible for moving over 80% of the world's goods. Yet this critical sector has been plagued by a persistent data gap in asset maintenance and performance. Fleet Robotics is developing advanced autonomous robotics specifically engineered to close this information gap. Our autonomous bipedal robots make it easy to reach and monitor previously inaccessible large assets, specifically ship hulls, transforming decision-making from guesswork to data-informed strategy.

By enabling continuous access to vessel hulls while ships remain in operation, we're collecting unprecedented data on hull condition and performance. This transforms how operators maintain their vessels, moving from reactive, scheduled maintenance to proactive, condition-based optimization. In an industry where fuel represents up to 60% of operational costs, our solution drives efficiency while reducing environmental impact, demonstrating how specialized robotics can revolutionize asset management in challenging environments.

Symage’s mission is to empower AI teams with high-integrity, photorealistic synthetic image data that enables faster, more accurate training—especially for edge cases and scenarios where real-world data is limited, biased, or hard to obtain.

Square Robot, founded in 2016, is an innovator in the world of robotic tank inspections, providing leading edge on-stream, internal tank inspections across the globe. Through its development of autonomous, submersible robotic inspection technology, data acquisition, and processing, Square Robot is uniquely positioned to provide data driven solutions in an ever-growing range of industries, above ground storage tanks, and the products they store.

Ubiros, specializes in fully electric soft robotic grippers designed to handle delicate, irregular, and fragile items with unmatched control. Unlike pneumatic or hydraulic systems, their grippers use precision motors to adjust grip force and position in real time—no air lines, compressors, or fluids required. This all-electric design ensures cleaner operation, lower maintenance, and better adaptability across industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics where consistency and safety matter most.

Barrett Technology is a pioneering robotics company based in Newton, Massachusetts, renowned for developing advanced robotic systems that interact safely and intuitively with humans. Their flagship products include the WAM® arm, BarrettHand™, and Burt®—an FDA-registered medical device designed to promote brain plasticity during stroke recovery. These systems are powered by Barrett’s proprietary Puck® motor controllers, which are among the most compact and precise in the industry, enabling smooth and safe human-robot interactions.

When two architects from Zaha Hadid’s research lab first approached robotics, their idea was to explore applications specific to architectural engineering. But they soon discovered that modern automation wasn’t just unnecessarily complex – it was actively restricting innovation. And not just within their industry – in many others too. It was clear that robotic automation was a field where their combined experience in computational research and design could make a real difference.

Assembling a team of industry experts, Automata was founded with a clear aim: to enable new opportunities for innovation with automation.

Automata’s focus narrowed on an industry where they felt their expertise could have the most impact: the life sciences. Today, most lab automation tends to be defined by a series of very specialized benchtop instruments that are still reliant on human interaction. But Automata saw an opportunity for a new way of looking at automation in the life sciences: open, integrated automation.

That’s how they came to develop the world’s first fully automated lab bench, and its accompanying software. This enables labs to use staff and resources more effectively by ensuring total walkaway time and consistency, without compromising on valuable lab space.

I’ve spent over 15 years in tech, starting out in computer forensics before moving into product operations and strategy. Along the way, I’ve contributed to three IPOs—Groupon, DigitalOcean, and Chime—where I most recently served as Chief of Staff to the CTO, leading AI adoption across engineering. I’m excited to bring that experience into scaling at Equinix while continuing to explore how technology can unlock new ways of working.

I’m Gregg Walrod, your Startup Sous Chef, blending 20+ years of expertise in product development, strategic growth, and creative problem-solving to craft the perfect recipe for your brand’s success.

At Secret Sauce, we thrive on helping startups uncover their unique flavor—scaling product development, building standout campaigns, and mentoring teams with bold ideas and practical solutions. I’ve partnered with companies like Best Buy, Nerdery, Inspire11, and Aclaimant, and now collaborate with The Path and other startups to drive impactful growth.

Success isn’t just about execution—it’s about connection. Let’s turn up the heat, add a DASH, and create something unforgettable.

I've spent the last 25 years in software development after teaching myself to program in 2000. I've been a co-owner of 3 technology-focused companies that were all acquired. I've had a few seasons of angel investing over the last 14 years. I like helping people, teams, and companies grow.