$70,000 on the Line at the StartUp Texas Final Business Pitch Competition of 2023

PRESS RELEASE – Brownsville, TX, Monday, December 11 – The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) proudly presents the StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Pitch Competition, where nine entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses in front of a panel of judges for a chance to win $40,000, $20,000, or $10,000 from a pool of seed funding awards. The event is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization (1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, TX 78520). This year's final business pitch event promises to be the grand finale of a season filled with innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial excellence.

StartUp Texas, recognizing the critical need for accessible capital, provides substantial seed funding and a comprehensive business acceleration program in collaboration with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. This pitch competition will focus on diverse sectors like software, green tech, biotech, heavy manufacturing, energy, and medical innovations, marking the third and final StartUp Texas event in 2023.

Cori Peña, BCIC’s CEO and President, reflects on the event's significance: "As BCIC concludes another year of progress and innovation, this competition is the peak of the journey of discovery and growth in our partnership network and entrepreneurial community. It goes beyond presenting pitches; it strengthens connections and opens new doors of opportunity for participants and Brownsville as a whole."

Meet the entrepreneurs:

BuildCo. - Presented by Jesús Loera: With a visionary approach to project management, BuildCo. It sets new standards in the construction industry, facilitating cost estimation efficiency through its unique real-time platform.

GreenZone Enterprises - Presented by Tionte Boggan: At the intersection of technology and sustainability, GreenZone Enterprises is leading the charge in waste management innovation, utilizing blockchain technology to promote recycling and a circular economy.

Hemp Lime Homes - Presented by Jim Turner: Hemp Lime Homes stands as a leader in sustainable construction, offering eco-friendly alternatives that promise to redefine the building industry with their groundbreaking hemp-based materials.

iBed - Presented by Pilar Caudillo and Agustín Martínez: iBed is at the forefront of healthcare technology, introducing advanced solutions that prioritize comfort and care for older adults, blending cutting-edge technology with human-centric design.

Meet! Texas - Presented by Julian Jimenez: With a mission to counteract digital isolation, Meet! Texas is creating a new paradigm in social interaction, leveraging technology to encourage meaningful, real-world connections.

MyFluence - Presented by Derrick D'Acolaste: MyFluence is transforming the influencer marketing landscape, offering a platform that brings brands and local influencers together for more effective and strategic collaborations.

Partnership Institute - Presented by Douglas Best: Addressing the evolving needs of healthcare education, Partnership Institute is making significant strides in enhancing training and communication methodologies within the medical field.

Rizome - Presented by William Steele: Rizome is making charitable giving more impactful and community-focused, integrating innovative software solutions to strengthen philanthropic efforts and local business engagement.

Velox Global Solutions - Presented by Steve Perez: Pioneering in the logistics sector, Velox Global Solutions is revolutionizing the trucking industry with its innovative approach, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and profitability for independent carriers.

Nathan Burkhart, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at BCIC, shared: "We've seen remarkable growth in the diversity and caliber of startups in Brownsville, and this competition is a fantastic platform for them to shine. More and more community members across the RGV are recognizing the opportunities we can provide locally, solidifying the eBridge Center as a hub for innovation and epicenter of starting your business on this side of the Valley."

Beyond the pitch stage, the event serves as a networking hub, bringing together industry experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. This is a unique chance to connect with the movers and shakers of the business and innovation community. Complimentary food and drink, courtesy of our local businesses, including some past competition winners, will add flavor to the event.

Meet the judges:

Dr. Sylvia Robles, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Practice-Entrepreneurship, UTRGV. Dr. Robles fosters sustainable entrepreneurship, guiding students and entrepreneurs through innovative programs and serving as an advisor in the UTRGV Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization.

Dr. Luis Martinez – Senior Venture Associate, Capital Factory. With his extensive venture capital and startup strategy, Dr. Martinez mentors many entrepreneurs and contributes significantly to Texas' entrepreneurial landscape. 

Ruben Cantú – Executive Director, Office of Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship, UT Austin A leader in social entrepreneurship and education, Cantú has mentored numerous students and is a recognized advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entrepreneurial sector.

CS Freeland – Cofounder, Texas Venture Alliance. CS Freeland brings a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and political strategy and is renowned for her role in Austin's entrepreneurial ecosystem and innovative networking initiatives.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization (1304 E Adams St, Brownsville, TX 78520); an unforgettable evening of business and community. Your presence will help make this event a remarkable celebration of our local entrepreneurs.

To be a part of this transformative event, RSVP at https://rsvp.startuptexas.com

About StartUp Texas:

StartUp Texas is a seed fund and growth accelerator program under the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) in partnership with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, investing in visionary entrepreneurs and passionate leaders in Brownsville and beyond. The initiative offers a dedicated business-building curriculum and a pool of funding opportunities to catalyze local innovators and businesses. For more information, visit www.startuptexas.com.

StartUp Texas is made possible by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation(BCIC), UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center, Ruby Red Hospitality, The Mitte Foundation, and eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.