Introducing 20 finalists in the 2023 Miami Herald Startup Pitch Competition
Twenty early-stage company founders were selected as finalists to compete for bragging rights in the 24th annual Miami Herald Startup Pitch Competition, the region’s oldest entrepreneurship challenge.
Ten finalists were named in the community track for general entries, while 10 were chosen in the Florida International University track for students, faculty and university alumni. FIU is the Herald’s longtime partner in the contest.
In the community category, the finalists came from 20 entries submitted by creative entrepreneurs in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Each startup was launched on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Meanwhile, in the FIU track, there were 30 entries.
The finalists in each track will compete against each other in a live pitchathon, before separate panels of expert judges on March 24 at FIU’s main Miami campus. Community track finalists are getting coaching for the competition from the Miami chapter of Endeavor, the global business mentoring group managing this category for the Herald.
After the contest, the judges will select from each track a top winner and two runners-up. After the competition, there will be an awards ceremony at the same venue hosted by the Miami Herald and FIU.
“We’re excited to return to an in-person startup pitch competition this year,” Miami Herald Business Editor Paul Bomberger said. “Besides the contest, finalists and winning entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network with each other, plus the judges, Herald journalists, representatives of FIU and Endeavor, and a couple of past winners of the annual competition that started in 1999.”
Finalists in the community track are:
Chefpost: A one-stop platform to book local chefs for daily needs or special occasions. Founders: Diana Arango, Summerlee Theodoro.
EVQLV: Leverages computation advances to improve antibody discovery and development for biopharma firms. Founders: Andrew Satz, Brett Averso.
HOPE Hydration: Deploys a global network of “smart” hydration stations, to transition the world away from bottled drinks. Founder: Jorge Richardson.
Lien Library: Online platform to find property liens information before buying or selling a home. Founder: Mac Alabre.
Nala: A software-as-a-service platform to maximize company talent retention. Founders: Ximena Paul, Mafe Castillo and Fabián Prado.
Sprightful Solar: Providing a one-click subscription for residents to get solar power. Founders: Pablo Corredor, Jack Vargas.
Synchronyx: Reimagining medication management. Founder: Tamar Sapir.
VOTIX: Drone orchestration and automation. Founders: Ed Boucas, Edwin Sanchez.
Runway Health: Providing consultations and medicines for consumers before and when they travel. Founder: Josh Rome.
Redress: A digital clothing exchange platform. Founder: Roseanna Ceccato.
The judges for this category are: Jo Mikkola, Wyncode founder; Jorge Ruiz, founder of Fin Conecta; and Martin Claure, chief executive and founder of Aprende Institute.
Finalists in the FIU track are:
MathTech360: Seeks to enhance the mathematic performance of students in grades 5 to 12 via an online, multisensory and individualized learning path. Founder: the late Donna Comrie, then entrusted to Agatha Caraballo.
Charitable Donations: Building an accessible community on a digital platform for charitable giving for donors, nonprofits and corporations. Founder: Amelia Raudales.
SINSCK: Tool for people who are dining to engage with each other at the table via their mobile phones. Founders: Julio Enmanuel Paez Henriquez, Adrian Jose Rijo Hidalgo.
ReThinkSmile: Providing a “smart” toothbrush to make dental care visits easier. Founder: Derek Caldera.
Safer Family: An app with the purpose of reporting and receiving the quickest emergency assistance. Founder: Yanpol Vargas.
E-ving: Intending to give individuals the opportunity to better control their electricity usage. Founders: Ashley Mejia Minyetty, Ilenne G. Ovalles and Daniela Contreras Then.
Mindful: A digital platform for people to express their thoughts and feelings either anonymously or not. Founders: Derek Caldera, Carla Beato.
Golden8: Wellness app that incorporates eight dimensions of wellness into daily routine and lifestyle. Founders: Mariela Hidalgo, Brianna Tejada and Zadkiel Urena.
FitLove: An app to connect fitness enthusiasts and help them build relationships as a workout buddy or more romantic friendships. Founders: Justin Danglade, Timothy Halleran.
Tennts: Smart living property management software. Founders: Yari Carrizo, Daniel Detoni, Erick Sasse, Felipe Hufstatter.
Judges for the FIU category are: Ana Barrera, founder and chief executive of Succession Marketing; Rafael Soltero, associate teaching professor, department of marketing and logistics, Florida International University School of Business; Orlando Espinosa, co-founder of Emineo Media; Louis Melbourne, faculty director, Master of International Business Program; and Raul Pino, managing principal and owner, Hype Real Estate Group.
