Executive Director

Peter Burghardt is an entrepreneur and ecosystem builder with over a decade of experience supporting early-stage founders. He spent eight years at The Batchery in Berkeley, California, where he advised more than 200 founders on product development, market entry, and capital strategy, and has also worked as an operator and investor with IA Seed Ventures.

In 2024, Peter founded StringTree.co, an online marketplace for vintage and meaningful instruments built around trust, provenance, and story.

A Minnesota native originally from Minnetrista, Peter is returning to the state with his family and a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs build thoughtful, durable, and locally rooted businesses.

Director of Startup Services

Juliana began a new chapter of her life in Rochester in 2021. Originally from Colombia and thanks to her MBA and experience in marketing, she wants to promote the participation of minority groups in the business ecosystem, helping them navigate and consolidate their business ideas. Through her content on social networks, she wants to contribute to financial literacy among the Hispanic population so that they are more aware of the proper use of money. She loves to challenge herself by exercising and learning about cultures through cooking. Additionally, Juliana actively engages in community events to foster connections and share her knowledge, further enriching her new home in Rochester.

Director of Community Engagement

Laura Elwood is an entrepreneur, consultant, and experience builder who turns ideas into something real. She brings a blend of strategy, operations, and relationship-building to her work at Collider, with a focus on building systems that actually work and experiences that feel meaningful.

Laura comes from a long line of entrepreneurs and grew up immersed in the day-to-day of running businesses,shaping the way she approaches her work today. She went on to found Chamberlain Concierge and Lifestyle Management and later owned and operated the Rochester Trolley and Tour Company, ultimately selling both entities. She is also an event consultant with Astro Events, supporting the planning and execution of community-driven experiences.

At Collider, she focuses on fostering community, strengthening partnerships, and supporting founders as they grow.

Outside of work, you’ll find Laura traveling and exploring. At a live show, in an art gallery, or immersed in local creative scenes that make a place feel alive. Her favorite place? Somewhere on a plane, on the way to what’s next.

Interim Director of Communications

With a career spanning journalism, corporate communications, and consulting, Megan Malugani brings deep expertise in storytelling, brand development, and strategic messaging to Collider’s mission of supporting Rochester’s entrepreneurs. As the founder of Malugani Communications, she partners with organizations in growth mode to create clarity, consistency, and momentum through thoughtful content and communications strategy.

As both a consultant and an entrepreneur, Megan has built and rebuilt her own business, giving her a deep appreciation for the challenges and opportunities founders face. Energized by new challenges and fast-paced environments, she is especially passionate about elevating the voices of entrepreneurs and helping them build strong, lasting brands. Megan lives in Rochester and is active with several local nonprofit organizations. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, traveling, Minnesota sports, true crime podcasts, and coffee with friends.