Founder Spotlight: Tristan Sariego, '24 and Breeze Shuttles
For Tristan Sariego ’24, the inspiration for Breeze Shuttles began on the streets of New Orleans, where he saw firsthand the lack of safe, affordable late-night transportation options for college students. What started as one golf cart offering $5 rides has grown into a mission-driven venture that champions safety, sustainability, and community connection.
What inspired you to start your venture, and what problem are you solving?
I noticed how unsafe and unreliable late-night transportation was for college students in New Orleans. To fill that gap, I bought a golf cart and began offering $5 rides. It was not just about convenience — it reduced risks of crime, sexual assault, and drunk driving. That small start showed me the power of safe, community-driven mobility.
How did Wolf Pack LaunchU shape your journey as a founder?
LaunchU opened doors I could not access alone. It connected me with mentors, investors, and peers who sharpened my vision and gave me the confidence to scale Breeze beyond a student side hustle into a citywide service.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the program, and how did you overcome it?
Permitting in New Orleans was a major barrier. Rather than stall out, I pivoted and launched operations in Tallahassee while continuing to push for approval in New Orleans. That experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and persistence in building a real venture.
Now that you’ve secured funding, what’s next?
We are upgrading our fleet with GEM E6 electric vehicles. They are safer, ADA accessible, and give us more opportunities for advertising partnerships, which helps keep rides free for the community.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring LOYNO entrepreneur?
Dedication is everything, but so is the ability to pivot. Nothing will roll out perfectly the first time. Keep testing, keep learning, and keep adapting until you find what works.
Mentor: Andreas Pashos