Michael Mosley is an entrepreneur passionate about making learning both fun and accessible. He joined FOR-M to help grow his startup, Master Tongue, and received a $10,000 FOR-M grant, supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, to accelerate his vision.
In this testimonial, Mosley discusses the motivation behind his entrepreneurial journey, shares his experiences in the FOR-M program and the #mketech ecosystem, and offers advice for new founders eager to launch their ideas.
“Don’t let perfection or the feeling that you need the best idea ever slow you down or stop you from starting.”
1 . Tell us about what your startup does and your inspiration behind it.
Master Tongue is a social media multiplayer language learning app where users learn new languages by simply making new friends.
Every time someone sends or receives a text message, they take a lesson based on that conversation, turning everyday communication into an opportunity to connect and learn. Any conversation or long post can instantly transform into a multiplayer 2D race with fun animated characters, where your character’s speed is determined by how quickly you can translate the very messages you just shared.
The inspiration behind the startup was a vision I had about the future. I envision a future where learning is leisure, where by simply having fun, spending hours on social media, and connecting with friends and family, participants can learn a new language without trying to formally study one.
2. How does the $10,000 FOR-M grant support your entrepreneurial growth? What does it mean to you and your business?
I’ve been bootstrapping the company since its inception, keeping the dream alive and covering expenses out of pocket. That kind of commitment isn’t for the faint of heart; once you fully commit, there’s an unspoken rule that you don’t turn back. With the finish line finally in sight, resources were getting tight, which made the FOR-M grant an incredibly well-timed and much-needed boost.
Creating the best possible product for its official release has always been my number one goal, and the FOR-M grant is directly helping make that possible. Beyond supporting the company’s growth, the grant represented something even more meaningful: a clear sign of the support available within Milwaukee’s growing tech ecosystem. Knowing that support like this exists has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward and to continue testing the limits of what’s possible as an entrepreneur.
3. Can you share a standout moment or experience from your participation in FOR-M that you found particularly impactful? What was your highlight?
One of the most impactful experiences for me was participating in the video-call mentor sessions. Each session was packed with valuable insights. Not only did we get to work through our current challenges with experienced mentors, but we also had the opportunity to exchange feedback with other FOR-M participants.
These brainstorming sessions consistently helped me see problems from new perspectives and often served as the catalyst for overcoming my next major hurdle. More than anything, they reinforced the power of community and knowledge-sharing, and the importance of stepping outside your own echo chamber of ideas.
4. As an active person in Milwaukee’s thriving tech community, how does it feel to contribute to its positive momentum and vibrant growth?
It’s truly an honor to be part of and contribute to Milwaukee’s growing tech community. Participating in FOR-M opened my eyes to just how many talented entrepreneurs are building meaningful and successful businesses here.
With developments like the launch of the Walker’s Point Innovation District and the presence of several impactful tech organizations across the city, it’s clear that the local tech ecosystem is becoming a lasting pillar of Milwaukee. Being part of this momentum is a privilege, and the FOR-M grant has provided the extra push I needed to continue growing alongside the community, so I can fully contribute to and benefit from what’s ahead.
5. What tips would you have for any incoming/new founders that are looking to get their idea off the ground?
Don’t let perfection or the feeling that you need the best idea ever slow you down or stop you from starting. Be open-minded and willing to make adjustments along the way, because the process of building will often spark new ideas that refine or even transform your original vision.
A number of companies, including mine, end up with a much different product or service than what they started with, realizing that their first idea was simply a stepping stone to something better. Stay flexible as you move forward and remain lean without relying heavily on debt so you can maintain the creative freedom needed throughout the journey.
Looking to get YOUR idea off the ground? FOR-M is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Please visit our webpage to learn more and apply!