Building momentum: Synthwave’s climb through Silicon Couloir’s programs
By Joe Bottini
Entrepreneurship is thriving in the Teton region, where innovation is meeting opportunity, and few stories exemplify this synergy better than that of Charles Stumpf and Synthwave. As a standout participant in Silicon Couloir’s ecosystem, Stumpf has navigated the Start-Up Success entrepreneur bootcamp, honed his pitch for the 2024 Pitch Day and recently joined the TEAMS mentoring program — all while holding a dedicated office at the Cowork Space.
Synthwave, Stumpf’s brainchild, simplifies access to digital assets through payroll integration, making it as intuitive as setting up a 401(k). Employees can invest portions of their paychecks into assets such as Bitcoin or tokenized equity, a concept that reflects Stumpf’s deep expertise in cryptocurrency and his passion for user-friendly design. “Crypto doesn’t have to be intimidating,” he explains. “Our goal is to democratize wealth and make digital assets accessible to everyone.” The journey of Synthwave’s development has been marked by openness to feedback and the willingness to adapt. Through the coaching provided in Silicon Couloir’s programs, Stumpf underwent a significant pivot. Initially focused on the decentralized finance space, he realized through mentor input and real-world testing that the appetite for full custody and management of digital assets was limited among mainstream users. Synthwave evolved into a platform that balances innovation with ease of use, offering users a way to securely store and manage their crypto through an intuitive interface. Stumpf’s ability to embrace constructive criticism and adapt Synthwave’s vision has been pivotal in its success. The inspiration for Synthwave emerged from a combination of personal experience and a deep understanding of user behavior. Having been active in the cryptocurrency space for nearly a decade, Stumpf was struck by the inaccessibility and complexity of existing platforms. “The user experience has always sucked,” he says bluntly.
A key moment came when he switched jobs and reviewed his 401(k). “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if this was all Bitcoin?’” This revelation, coupled with his belief in designing for the user first — a principle inspired by Steve Jobs — laid the foundation for Synthwave. Together with his cofounder, Joe Allen, he meticulously aligned their vision and goals, ensuring they were on the same page before embarking on the venture.
Silicon Couloir has been instrumental in shaping Synthwave’s journey. The Start-Up Success program provided Stumpf with the tools to critically evaluate his business idea.
“It forces you to ask tough questions and understand every aspect of your venture,” he recalls. This rigorous process helped him refine Synthwave’s vision, leading to his eventual participation in Pitch Day.
Pitch Day offered a transformative experience for Stumpf. After initially being declined admission in 2023, he dedicated a year to improving his business model and presentation. The second time around, he not only secured a spot but also benefi ted immensely from coaching and feedback. “The program sharpened our pitch, clarified our goals and connected us with potential investors,” he says. The results speak for themselves: Synthwave’s pitch deck now stands as a model of clarity and precision, earning praise even from skeptical investors.
Stumpf’s commitment to growth hasn’t stopped there. Acceptance into the TEAMS program has provided invaluable mentorship from industry veterans, further fueling Synthwave’s development. “Being part of TEAMS is both validation and an incredible resource,” he notes. “The mentors are exceptional leaders who genuinely care about helping you succeed.”
All of this growth has unfolded against the backdrop of the Silicon Couloir Cowork Space, where Stumpf maintains an office. Beyond providing a professional environment, the Cowork Space has fostered connections that have directly benefited Synthwave. “It’s an inspiring place to be,” he says. “The energy and support from other entrepreneurs here are unparalleled.”
Stumpf’s story is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. From Start-Up Success to TEAMS, each step in Silicon Couloir’s ecosystem has propelled Synthwave closer to its vision of transforming the financial landscape. For Stumpf, the journey is far from over, but the foundation is strong, built on collaboration, mentorship and the belief that bold ideas can reshape industries and create a better future.