The Enterprise Center Announces 10 Finalists Selected for Visionary Pitch Competition

Press Release Date:

PHILADELPHIA- The Enterprise Center today announced the 10 national businesses selected as finalists in its inaugural Visionary Pitch Competition. The nationwide call for applications drew 547 pitches, representing a broad spectrum of business owners from 36 states. The finalists represent a wide range of industries, from biomedical technology to beauty, and will make live pitches to a panel of business experts at the finals on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at The Enterprise Center.

In addition to a $250,000 cash grand prize, the winner of the pitch competition will receive:

  • Business Incubation: Office space, mentorship, and resources to accelerate business growth.
  • Financial Forecasting: Develop a robust financial plan, ensuring a solid foundation for success.
  • Business Valuation: Professional business valuation services to understand their company's true value.
  • Pitch Deck Preparation: Professional assistance in crafting a compelling pitch deck for potential investors.
  • Presentation Coaching: Professional coaching to refine presentation skills

In partnership Dell Technologies, Dell for Startups, URBN, Troutman Pepper, and Morgan Lewis, The Enterprise Center launched the Visionary Pitch Competition in 2023 as a nationwide search aimed at reshaping the narrative around diversity and inclusion for entrepreneurs.

“These 10 businesses,” said Nicholas O Donnell, Director, The Equity Multiplier Project, represent the pinnacle of diverse entrepreneurship, leading the nation in incredible innovation. Their future success will power the US economy for decades to come.”

 

The 10 Finalists are:

 

  1. BioLattice Opthalmics, Inc.

Currently developing the first true alternative to donor cornea, BioLattice CEO Dr. Amelia Zellander has over 10 years of developing medical technologies. The company seeks help with incubation and commercial strategy.

  1. ECGO

A recycling company working to reach Zero Waste Status by harnessing the power of AI, ECGO has helped participant universities reach a 65% increase in recycling participation. Their app helps user identify where a product belongs and earn points towards prizes, which incentivizes their recycling efforts. The access to capital that TEC provides would help ECGO reach the next level of their business model.

  1. Happi Hippo Plant Organics, LLC

Happi Hippos is a certified vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, encouraging health and humanitarian efforts. Their products range from lip balms to toothpaste tablets, and portion of all sales goes back to a social cause. The incubator would help the company to scale operations and gain access to critical capital.

  1. Highnote, Inc.

Highnote is working to revolutionize audio collaboration by developing a secure hub for collaboration and streamlined client workflow. Their growth has been rapid, averaging a 3:1 network effect ratio and five uploads per user, per day on average. They provide streamlining for platforms like The New York Times, Netflix and more. Highnote is seeking additional guidance regarding their growth strategy.

  1. J&J Educational Bootcamp

J&J Educational Bootcamp develops STEM curriculum, including workbooks, games online instruction and over 125 products within their collection. Founded in 2005, they are a Florida-based company founded to supplement the state tests, making their service critical. The incubator would help guide J&J through identifying and developing sales channels.

  1. MineMe

MineMe is seeking to disrupt the data brokerage market, by acquiring user data with consent, and allowing them to decide what information goes where. The company already has hundreds of individuals participating and on their waiting list. MineMe is seeking financial guidance to help them through development.

  1. Modi

Modi is developing a suite of B2B tools for supply chain management and fitting technology for retailers. The company currently works with fashion retailer Tilly’s to offer virtual clothing fitting, in addition to their forecasting, production, point of sale, post-purchase and general design services. Modi is currently seeking commercialization assistance.

  1. Tempo Inc.

Tempo is a mobile learning platform for short form educational videos. They describe themselves as “where Masterclass meets TikTok.” Their model relies on paying subscribers, which works to monetize creator content. Tempo is looking for assistance to funnel sales and work on pitching.

  1. The Renatural

The Renatural is the proprietor behind Wig Fix, the world’s first patented wig product in over 60 years. Their medical-grade silicon wig stabilizer has sold over 70,000 units and is in 700 stores worldwide. Aasiyah Abdulsalam owns 90% of the business and has been a wig expert consultant for L’OREAL. Renatural is looking for the networking and presentation opportunities offered by the incubator.

  1. Varlo

Varlo is an apparel company focused on the outdoor market, particularly cycling and triathlon kits. Founded by a former Division 1 athlete, their products have become some of the most popular in the country, stocked in retailers such as REI. Varlo is seeking assistance with stabilization and strategy amidst their rapid growth.

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