Tour de Connecticut
Gearing up for our third annual Tour de Connecticut. 🚲 Connecticut Innovations will traverse the state with more than 30 guest riders over four days and 200 miles. Our tires and our team are all pumped up and ready to go. ▶️ #tourdect
Visit tourdect.com to learn more!
🎥 @explorewithpatlore
Hometown: Norwalk, CT
Role: Head of Due Diligence, Tidal River Fund
Why She Rides:
“I love road cycling, and this ride combines many of my favorite things—riding, community, entrepreneurship, and my love of Connecticut,” Amy says. She credits the energy and vision of the Connecticut Innovations team for inspiring her to take part.
Favorite Local Spot:
Amy loves SoNo (South Norwalk). Once rundown, it’s now a lively district full of creativity and community. From the brick-lined streets and waterfront views to the SoNo Collection, SoNo captures Connecticut’s spirit of reinvention. Her must-visits include SoNo Sky Bar, the Maritime Aquarium, MaaMa (the first Georgian restaurant in CT), and Lazy Sister, a pan-Chinese restaurant.
How Her Mission Aligns:
“At Tidal River, we fuel women-led and underrepresented founders with capital and community,” Amy explains. “The Tour de Connecticut celebrates innovation, resilience, and momentum—the same qualities we look for in the entrepreneurs we back.”
Fun Fact:
Her cycling playlist includes “Get Motivated ft. jstlbby” and Neil Frances’ “Tuesday”—instant energy boosts for long rides.
Hometown: Guilford, CT
Role: Finance & Strategy Leader, Tidal River Fund
Why She Rides:
Melissa sees the Tour as a creative way to highlight innovation across Connecticut while building real connections. “I’m proud to ride alongside others who share a passion for growing Connecticut’s startup economy,” she says.
Favorite Local Spot:
Melissa highlights The Wave in Guilford, a new inclusive social enterprise providing job training and competitive employment for young adults with disabilities. She’s also excited that the ride will pass through Norwich Inn and Enko, an AI-driven crop health company supporting farmers.
How Her Mission Aligns:
“Tidal River is focused on supporting women and underrepresented founders while also educating and empowering women to become angel investors,” Melissa shares. “The Tour mirrors that spirit by creating space for new voices, highlighting innovation, and making sure people feel part of the journey.”
Fun Fact:
Melissa first discovered Tidal River through a Connecticut Innovations social media post—a discovery that set her on a new path as an investor and community builder.
We’ve been debating the right way to say Rein’s Deli… and soon the mystery will be solved. Our Tour de Connecticut team will roll right up to this legendary landmark for the real answer. And maybe a sandwich or two. 🥪 #tourdect @reins_deli
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Role: Co-Founder & CEO, Kibu
Why He Rides:
Daniel first discovered the Tour through social media clips and knew he had to join. “Any excuse to use my job as a workout is also appreciated,” he jokes. While he may not know the route inside and out, he’s excited to follow the pack and take in Connecticut’s greenery.
Pump-up Song:
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen — the perfect anthem for a high-energy ride.
How He Prepares:
Daniel takes a no-frills approach to training. “I did a half marathon last year with zero training. Although I couldn’t walk the next day, I still finished. I’ll be applying that same mentality here!”
Hometown: Milford, CT
Role: Senior Innovation Associate, CSAA Insurance Group
Why He Rides:
A longtime fan of the Tour, Leland knew he couldn’t miss this third ride. “It feels like the perfect full-circle moment,” he says, thanking his CI friends for giving him the chance to join. “Connecticut is beautiful, and this ride is such a special way to celebrate the people and places that make it shine.”
Pump-up Song:
While he usually rides without music, Tame Impala’s “End of Summer” has become his seasonal anthem and go-to mindset song.
Most Excited For:
Leland is especially looking forward to the Milford to New Haven section — a ride through his roots. “I have so many great memories biking around Milford and joining Folks on Spokes.”
Hometown: New Haven, CT
Role: Managing Director, ClimateHaven
Why He Rides:
“I love this state; I love spending time with CI friends; and I love biking. Where else would I want to be?” Casey says. For him, the Tour combines all three.
Favorite Local Spot:
Athletic Brewing, especially their Lemon Radler. “It tastes like summertime for fun-loving adults.”
Mission in Motion:
At ClimateHaven, Casey leads efforts to accelerate breakthrough technology solutions in energy and climate resilience. “We do this work to make the world more livable, and we love living in it while getting to know it better.”
💥CREATOR SPOTLIGHT💥 The Running Foodie & Good CT Eats
This year, the #TourDeConnecticut is teaming up with local creators to showcase the food, culture, and hidden gems that make our state so special. We’re thrilled to welcome Shelley (@goodcteats) and Anne (@therunningfoodie) to this year’s creator team. 📸
🏃♀️ The Running Foodie @therunningfoodie
Known for the motto “Fueling for the Long Run – One Bite at a Time,” Anne, The Running Foodie, blends a passion for running, food, and travel into engaging lifestyle content. From race training to discovering new bites across Connecticut (and beyond), she shares a balance of wellness and indulgence with her community of 18,000 followers. She’s excited to join the Tour to experience the state’s innovation, culture, and scenic beauty—all while supporting the entrepreneurs shaping its future.
🍴 Good CT Eats @goodcteats
For the past seven years, Shelley has been sharing her love for Connecticut with her growing audience of 17,000 followers through food and lifestyle content. What started as friends asking for recommendations has grown into a platform that highlights tucked-away restaurants, vibrant town centers, and the small-town charm that makes our communities unique. For Shelley, supporting local businesses is about more than dining out, it’s about strengthening the fabric of Connecticut’s neighborhoods. She’s especially excited to join the Tour de Connecticut at our finish line celebration so she can finally check out the recently opened Mystic Delamar.
We’re thrilled to have another two voices on the Tour de Connecticut, bringing fresh perspectives, local love, and plenty of inspiration along the ride. Stay tuned for their insights and highlights as they explore with us! 🚴♂️ #tourdect
Hometown: West Hartford, CT
Role: Interim Dean, UConn School of Business
Why He Rides:
“Riding gives me a chance to reconnect with the people and ideas moving Connecticut forward,” Greg says. “It’s easy to talk about collaboration and learning in a meeting. It’s different when you’re out on the road learning it together.” Greg considers this ride one of the best settings for leadership development.
Favorite Local Spot:
Greg recommends checking out The Bike Shop by One Love Outdoors in Willington. Shop owners Nate and Emily lead group rides every Saturday morning, building a strong community and welcoming riders of varying abilities.
How His Mission Aligns:
“At the UConn School of Business, we’re preparing builders, people who will lead, launch and grow the next generation of Connecticut companies. CI’s work, and this ride, embody that same spirit of growth and innovation.”
Fun Fact:
Greg is working toward riding in all 169 Connecticut towns, and he’s already past 120. “I’m continually impressed with the variety and beauty of our great state.”
Hometown: Cheshire, CT
Role: Visiting Instructor of Entrepreneurship & Strategy, Quinnipiac University School of Business
Why He Rides:
Trip has heard many stories from past rides and is eager to participate this year. He loves cycling, enjoys the Farmington Canal Trail that winds throughout Connecticut, and is also a pedal commuter to Quinnipiac. Trip joins the Tour on day two, riding from New Haven to CI portfolio company P2 Science in Naugatuck. “I’m looking forward to seeing the sights of greater New Haven and the Naugatuck Valley, a great industrial corridor for our state,” says Trip.
Pump-up Playlist:
Trip’s riding soundtrack includes Lit’s “My Own Worst Enemy,” Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger,” AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” and Lil Wayne’s “Right Above It.”
How He Prepares:
Recovering from knee surgery this summer, Trip is gradually stepping up his ride distances: 10, 15, 20 and then 25 miles, similar to triathlon or marathon training. Mentally, he focuses on appreciating each ride, often with great music or podcasts.
Hometown: Madison, CT
Role: Founder & General Partner, Acadian Ventures
Jason Corsello, venture leader and cycling enthusiast, is ready to join the ride for his second year in a row. On the Tour de Connecticut, Jason isn’t deploying financial capital, but personal capital—his time, energy and support.
Why He Rides:
“The Tour de Connecticut is a great opportunity to spend time with the CI team and meet new companies around the state. It’s a great way to learn more about the innovative technology and diverse startup ecosystem we have right here in Connecticut.”
Pump-up Mantra:
Jason hits the road to “Enter Sandman” by Metallica.
How He Prepares:
Pasta. Lots of it.
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Role: Co-Founder & CEO, Matrix Rental Solutions
As co-founder and CEO of Matrix Rental Solutions, Sipho’s first Tour de Connecticut is about moving through the very neighborhoods where his company’s work is making a difference.
Why He Rides:
“At Matrix Rental Solutions, we’re building a more connected and equitable housing system across the state, and the Tour de Connecticut is a perfect metaphor for that mission. It’s about progress, momentum and community,” he says. “We’re creating bridges between residents, housing providers and housing agencies, and this ride is a reminder that transformation happens one mile, and one partnership, at a time.”
“Housing is local, and there’s no better way to connect with that reality than on two wheels,” Sipho adds. After spending plenty of time crisscrossing Connecticut by car, he’s excited to slow down and experience the state from a new perspective, not through a windshield, but at bike speed.
Hometown: Avon, CT
Role: Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Conduce Health
Joining for his second Tour de Connecticut, Eric also brings the experience of building three CI-backed companies: Premise, Diameter Health and now Conduce Health. He’s a lifelong innovator, a two-wheeled adventurer and more.
Why He Rides:
“I’ve always loved cycling across our beautiful state, but what makes the Tour de Connecticut truly special is the chance to ride alongside colleagues, founders and innovators from the CI community, sharing ideas, building connections and being inspired together along the way,” he says.
“For me, riding is about community, connection and purpose. Whether it’s biking through my favorite trail in Collinsville, Connecticut, joining fellow entrepreneurs on the Tour, or completing my 17th Pan-Mass Challenge, I ride to be inspired, to give back and to be reminded that great things happen when we work together toward a common cause.”
Fun Fact:
Eric is a hobby beekeeper. “What fascinates me most is how a hive functions as a ‘superorganism,’ where each bee works selflessly for the good of the colony, a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from collaboration and shared purpose.
Packed with gear and goodies from some of our favorite brands:
👕 Custom tees and hats by @barkerspecialty
🪖 Safety and style with Thousand helmets @bebullish
🥜 Salty snacks from @goodsamfoods
🕶️ Shades by @lookopticusa
🍫 Protein bars from @amritabars
#tourdect
Laura Dinan Haber and Paul Tyler are both joining the ride for the third year in a row, bringing with them a deep appreciation for the event’s mission and the communities it celebrates. These returning riders know the route, the rhythm, and the real reason behind the ride: to connect with the innovators, entrepreneurs, and local leaders shaping Connecticut’s future one mile at a time.
Why She Rides:
Laura is returning to the Tour de Connecticut for her third consecutive year, and for her, it’s a ride that keeps giving back. “This all started with a nudge from Doug Roth (managing director of investments at Connecticut Innovations)—though he may deny it!” she says. With a front-row seat to Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, Laura uses the ride to reflect on the state’s progress and connect with the people helping move it forward.
Local Favorite:
Laura’s go-to spot? Pratt Street in downtown Hartford. “Whether I’m grabbing a bite at Vaughan’s Public House or shopping at Hartford Prints, there’s always a cold pint and a warm smile. It’s the kind of place that puts the heart in Hartford.”
Company Connection:
At Nassau Financial Group, Laura helps lead with bold thinking and creative storytelling. “Our mantra is: Be bold. Be innovative. Be memorable,” she says. “As a member of our Triathlon Team, the Tour is a two-wheeled training ground, where personal performance meets purpose.”
Fun Fact:
Laura is a seasoned hiker, and her sixth time summiting Mount Washington was extra special…she did it alongside her identical twin sister.
Why He rides:
Also marking his third year in the saddle, Paul sees the Tour as a perfect blend of exploration, connection, and inspiration. “There’s nothing better than going on an adventure on a bike and meeting some really interesting entrepreneurs changing the Connecticut economy,” he says. Paul thrives on the unexpected conversations and ideas that emerge between climbs and coastlines.
Local Favorite:
Paul’s Saturday mornings often start at Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee in New Canaan, a cozy community hub that’s welcoming to bikers, classic car lovers, and conversation-seekers alike. “It’s welcoming to people with passions. Any Saturday you will find bikers and classic car owners leisurely enjoying an engaging community that is so typical of Connecticut.”
Company Connection:
As CMO at Zinnia, a life insurance and annuity technology company, Paul is focused on transforming how people engage with financial security. “Like the Tour, we’re on a journey too – to simplify the technology behind life insurance,” he says. “Our destination is to make life insurance more accessible for everyone and help people lead a stress-free life in retirement.”
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more riders, share stories from the road, and celebrate the local businesses and vibrant neighborhoods that make this ride, and this state, so special.