Biola University

04/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2024 11:09

10 Finalists Announced for 9th Annual Biola Startup Competition

LA MIRADA, CALIF. - The 9th annual Biola Startup Competition has moved into its final round, with 10 teams competing for $20,000 in cash prizes on April 19.

The Startup Competition, sponsored by Crowell School of Business and Biola's Office of Innovation, is an initiative that gives current undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni, the opportunity to turn their ideas into a successful startup business or nonprofit.

"Startup competitions create an experience which connects all innovation stakeholders, like students pitching, experienced entrepreneurs, impactful investors, generous alumni, and supportive faculty," said Silvia Mah, director of Biola's Office of Innovation. "Following the Biola mission to 'impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ,' the Biola Startup Competition helps students conceptualize and launch businesses aimed at resolving the world's largest challenges through faith, skill and entrepreneurial spirit."

The 10 startup finalists are as follows in no particular order:

  1. Anchor - A biblical AI solution designed to help people answer any questions about faith. Mathematics alumnus Joseph Liu is founder and CEO of the business.

  2. CENT - Helping college students save money one cent at a time! The founder and CEO is communications studies major Nathalie Duque.

  3. Daydream - A size-inclusive women's fashion brand that will bring the basics to all. Business administration major Sara Valladarez is founder and CEO.

  4. Eco-mineral Tech - Turning tech trash into treasure. Founder and CEO of this sustainability tech business is MBA Finance student Perez Balikuddembe.

  5. Eveive - A community platform for women to share, gain advice, and find a sense of sisterhood for all things women's health. Co-Founders business administration major Amy Payne and public health major Sarah Kim are behind this FemTech business.

  6. GoGo - An all-in-one travel companion app offering a smooth and stress-free journey from start to finish, molding the way people travel. Founder and CEO of the travel tech company is business administration major Angel Martinez.

  7. Hume & Kind - A lifestyle brand creating clothing and products for everyday living and leisure; designed for those who value richness and seek culture in life itself. Founder and CEO is business administration student Matthew Hume.

  8. Intent - A camp management platform for Christian camps bringing order and efficiency for organizers. Founder and CEO is computer science major Ellieanna Ross.

  9. Never Empty - An innovative food scanner for the fridge and an app to help with solving food waste and promoting healthy eating. Founder and CEO of the Food Tech company is MBA student Erika Haugen.

  10. Paws of Grace - A web platform providing innovative solutions prioritizing the health and well-being of pets while promoting Christian values of compassion and service. Founder and CEO is business administration student Stepan Smoldovskii.

Each team was aided by a mentor in preparing their pitches and initiatives. This year, 25 experienced industry mentors and Biola alumni volunteered their time to aid students in preparing for the competition.

The first place team will receive the winning prize of $10,000 and legal mentorship by Rose Bowlus Law. The second and third place teams will receive $5,000 and $3,000. However, for second and third place, the allocation of the cash prize is subject to the judges' discretion.

The judges for the startup competition include Allison Long Pettine, founder & partner of Crescent Ridge Partners and co-founder and partner of Ad Astra Ventures; Jack Chao, partnerships executive, Ardius, acquired by Gusto; Andrew Feng, director of research and strategic partnerships, Faith Driven Investor & Indigitous; Charity McCloud, city director for Resource Global Los Angeles & founder of ABC Connect Logistics; and Fadi Hindi, founder of Operate co. & Angel Investor.

The final presentations will be held on April 19 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Crowell School of Business, room 109, Moats Lecture Hall. The public is welcome to attend with pre-event registration. Registrants will receive a free box lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A. An award ceremony will conclude the pitch day.

The Biola Startup Competition, hosted by Crowell School of Business, is a faith-based business competition designed to help Biola students and alumni launch innovative, kingdom-minded businesses and nonprofits that have the potential to significantly impact the world for Christ. The competition is generously funded by friends of Biola and the Crowell School of Business - a direct investment in Christ centered young innovators.

For more information, contact [email protected].