In an exciting development for the entrepreneurial landscape of South Florida, 40 startups have been named semifinalists in the SPARC South Florida pitch competition. This selection comes from an impressive pool of over 200 entries, highlighting the local talent vying for the chance to compete in the Startup World Cup in San Francisco, where a grand prize of $1 million awaits.
The journey began last Friday with an Orientation Day, where each founder had the opportunity to present a 30-second elevator pitch about their venture. The event aimed to align expectations among participants, foster community ties, and outline the path ahead.
“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,” said Hilmon Sorey, co-founder of The Source Groups. His organization is dedicated to building Black wealth through various programs in tech, business, media, and real estate.
Among the impressive array of semifinalists, the startups encompass a wide range of sectors. Here’s a brief overview of the 40 companies moving forward in the competition:
– 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
Among the aspiring entrepreneurs, Taylor McGhee, founder & CEO of The Patent Oath—a platform specifically designed to assist underrepresented and first-time inventors—expressed her gratitude for being part of such a vibrant group. “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,” McGhee stated.
As the competition progresses, SPARC South Florida will provide extensive coaching and advice to help each startup optimize their pitch deck and presentation techniques. This mentorship will take place both virtually and at the Source’s downtown office in Miami.
The next highlight on the calendar is the Demo Day scheduled for August 22. Here, both judges and the public will have the opportunity to cast their votes to determine which startups will advance to the Regional Final on August 23, where the top 10 will present in front of judges live on stage.
The excitement builds as one lucky winner will be crowned the South Florida victor, securing a spot in the prestigious Startup World Cup in San Francisco, fully funded.
Reflecting on her win from the previous year, Raquel de Antonio Crespo, co-founder of Sargassum Eco Lumber, shared her insights for this year’s competitors. “Present your compelling story in a way that’s understandable to everyone and back that up with your numbers,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of timing in pitches. She added, “Practice, practice, practice. Don’t forget that you’re competing for a million dollars.”
To support and learn more about the competitors, interested individuals can register to attend the upcoming Demo Day. The energy in the air is palpable as South Florida continues to foster its thriving startup ecosystem, aimed at not just local success but connections on a global scale.
Music entrepreneur Ted Lucas and Hilmon Sorey, the founders of the Source Groups and organizers of this incredible competition, were present at the Orientation Day alongside notable figures such as Michaeljohn Green, Chief of Economic Development and Strategy at Miami DDA, and Dr. Paula Hopkins, Executive Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Funding Development at Miami-Dade Beacon Council. Their presence underscores the collaborative efforts to nurture and propel entrepreneurship within the region.
image source from：refreshmiami
