Launching your own business is no easy feat. Just ask Mitchell Schweda, founder of True Echo VR.

After earning his degree in engineering physics from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Schweda started his career as a mechanical engineer in a corporate setting. Although the role provided stability, he could not shake the feeling that he belonged in the world of entrepreneurship.

“I’ve done wedding photography. I’ve done personal training. I feel like I was just trying to find the entrepreneurial thing that I could run with…” he said.

Schweda’s longstanding interest in physics and technology led him to virtual reality (VR). VR is a computer-generated simulation that immerses humans in virtual environments. VR is most commonly accessed through wireless headsets.

“So, when you put the headset on, it makes you look like you’re somewhere else,” said Schweda. “You can look around and walk around, and it’s a completely different world.”

In 2024, Schweda bought the equipment and launched True Echo VR, one of Milwaukee’s only high-tech, social VR businesses. He maintained his corporate job, reserving evenings and weekends for opportunities to pitch his concept and grow his professional network.

“I would say before this, I had zero connections,” said Schweda. “My biggest strategy for growth has been trying to find mentors.”

Aside from True Echo VR, Schweda started Founder Mastermind. This monthly meetup in Elm Grove brings together four founders and two mentors, providing a space for founders like Schweda to discuss business challenges and learn best practices.

All Schweda’s hard work paid off. A year and a half later, he left the corporate world to pursue his entrepreneurial dream full-time.

Today, True Echo VR is located in the 3rd Street Market Hall and hosts VR experiences for company outings, celebrations, family gatherings and more. Schweda currently offers three VR games for groups to play, each intended to facilitate teamwork, communication, decision-making and of course, entertainment. Six individuals can play at a time, and each game lasts 10-15 minutes. Schweda has a screen set up, so those not participating in a game can see what the players are seeing.

“When you get a group of people together in an unfamiliar environment, they drop their everyday titles and habits. So, you can see if they trust each other, if they work well together, if they’re communicating…” said Schweda. “For the corporate ones especially, I try to pinpoint behaviors.”

This is only the beginning for True Echo VR. Schweda plans to expand to more locations over the next several years and hire a full VR development team to grow the company’s capabilities. True Echo VR is also being added to preferred vendors’ lists at event spaces across the region.

Interested in trying out True Echo VR? Visit: https://trueechovr.com/