The SPARC South Florida pitch competition has announced its 40 semifinalists, selected from a competitive pool of over 200 startups.
These semifinalists will compete for the chance to enter the Startup World Cup with its grand prize of $1 million in San Francisco this coming October.
Last week, the selected startups gathered at Orientation Day, where they participated in networking events and delivered 30-second elevator pitches to introduce their ventures.
This invite-only session aimed to align expectations among the founders, strengthen community ties, and clarify the roadmap ahead, according to SPARC’s leadership.
During Orientation Day, the entrepreneurs were briefed on vital milestones, including pitch coaching leading up to their Demo Day.
Hilmon Sorey, co-founder of The Source Groups, expressed excitement about the diversity and competitiveness of this year’s lineup.
He noted, “This is just the beginning. We’re thrilled about this year’s diverse lineup and the level of competition.
We’re confident it will spotlight the strength of Miami’s startup scene and help deepen the city’s connection to the broader tech ecosystem.”
The Source Groups is organizing the SPARC South Florida regional competition, further emphasizing the importance of this event for Miami’s entrepreneurial community.
The 40 startups advancing in the competition are as follows:
– Spark Founders: Startup accelerator / incubator
– EasyChamp: Youth sports management / booking
– CobolPro: IT / Developer services
– eJet Aerospace: Aviation
– Traveling Aura Mobile Spa: Wellness / mobile spa
– Keeyahri: Fashion / footwear
– Dripping Wellness: Health / wellness
– Rielli: Fashion / swimwear
– Artistic Freedom Mentorship Program: Creative mentorship / Arts
– Blockticity: Blockchain / supply chain
– CoFlow Jet: Aviation
– Studio by Short Form Media: Media / short-form content creation
– Carib Grow Inc – Dba Caribshopper: E-commerce / Caribbean Products
– VILTERA: Healthtech operations
– MedVoice AI: Healthcare AI
– MOTTOZ: AI tools / productivity
– Tintte: Beauty / cosmetics
– WeCheck AI: AI / Background or health check platform
– DiabeticU: Health / Diabetes education
– Divisi: Music collaboration
– The Patent Oath: Legaltech / intellectual property
– Arqaios: Consumer electronics / personal safety
– Equity Platforms: Real estate investment
– KUSHAE: Women’s health / feminine care
– BeThere: Social / mental wellness
– Umbrella Studios: Media / studios
– MedThread: Healthtech / communication
– Aria Music: Music / creator platform
– WRTH: Social / discovery / media
– Owwll: Expert advice via voice calls
– SPACE (The Space Safe): Smart safe / security tech
– Lava Studios: Creative studio / AI production
– MyDola.io: Finance / personal budgeting
– Toy Trader App: Toy resell / trade platform
– GroceryList: Grocery / shopping automation
– GUARDLY: Safety / emergency response tech
– Stellar Group Solutions (Smartbill): Fintech / invoices
– BLOKKO: NFT / blockchain collectibles
– Theia Jobs: AI / hiring platform
– Parlay Pal: Sports betting / AI picks.
Taylor McGhee, founder and CEO of The Patent Oath, expressed pride in being part of such an esteemed group of founders.
He commented, “Just being here isn’t enough — I have to be present, engaged, and intentional.
It was inspiring to learn about everyone’s business, and I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone.”
As the competition progresses, SPARC South Florida will offer valuable coaching and advice tailored to enhance the semifinalists’ pitch decks and presentations, both virtually and at Source’s downtown Miami office.
The pivotal Demo Day is set for August 22, where judges and the public will vote to determine who advances to the Regional Final on August 23.
At this event, the top 10 will pitch live to judges in downtown Miami, and one will emerge as the South Florida champion, earning an all-expenses-paid trip to San Francisco.
Last year’s winner, Raquel de Antonio Crespo, co-founder of Sargassum Eco Lumber, addressed the current competitors, offering valuable advice.
She urged participants to convey their compelling story in an easily understandable manner and support it with solid data.
Timing is also critical, as she emphasized the need for continual practice leading up to the pitch, stating, “Don’t forget that you’re competing for a million dollars.”
Music entrepreneur Ted Lucas and Hilmon Sorey are among the founding members of Source Groups, which orchestrates the SPARC South Florida pitch competition.
They were present at Orientation Day alongside other influential figures in the Miami business landscape.
image source from：refreshmiami
