Innovation rewarded at Flywheel Investment Conference

WENATCHEE — Seattle startup Optimly swept the top awards at the 2026 Flywheel Investment Conference in Wenatchee, according to an announcement from NCW Tech Alliance, which organizes the conference every year. Optimly won the $150,000 investment award from the Flywheel Angel Network, the $50,000 relocation offer from NCW Tech Alliance, and the $5,000 Fan Favorite award following Thursday’s live Early-Stage Investment Competition, according to the announcement. Optimly helps its business clients control what AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and others believe about their business and corrects misinformation before it can be passed on to potential customers, according to its website. The conference, which was held May 19-21, brought together entrepreneurs, investors, students, educators, and business leaders from across Washington to Wenatchee for three days focused on innovation, business growth, and regional opportunity.