Marketing Copywriter at 1871
1871’s BLKtech Pitch Competition returns to highlight and support Black founders and their startups with pitching opportunities to win funding, resources, and support as they continue to build their businesses. This 3-round pitch competition is open to Black early-stage founders who are founding and leading tech startups across the globe.
For the first time, the top 5 finalists will pitch during 1871’s 2024 Juneteenth celebratory event. This momentous occasion not only marks a significant milestone for the pitch competitions and community, but underscores our community’s commitment to amplifying Black entrepreneurship and innovation in the tech industry!
With 70+ round 1 applications and 20 extraordinary semi-finalists, 1871 is excited to announce the top 5 finalists who will be moving forward and pitching their startups at our final event on 6.20.24!
Cash prizes and equity funding from our VC partners, totalling $20,000, will be awarded amongst the finalists. 6-months of 1871 membership — a $2,000 value and Aloa developer credits, totaling a value of $20,000 will also be awarded.
Thank you to our investment partners OCA Ventures, Wintrust Ventures, and Google For Startups and our 2024 sponsors Aloa and Molson Coors for your contributions to this event.
Top 5 Finalists & Startups of the BLKtech Pitch Competition 2024
CPRWrap Inc., pitched by Founder & President Felicia Jackson
CPRWrap is dedicated to revolutionizing the way individuals perform CPR in emergency situations. With their innovative product, also named CPRWrap, they provide a simple yet effective solution that guides users through the critical steps of CPR, ensuring proper technique and potentially saving lives. By empowering individuals with confidence and clarity during high-stress situations, they aim to make CPR accessible to everyone and improve survival rates for cardiac arrest victims.
Industry focus areas: Business Products & Services (industry agnostic), E-Commerce, Brand, RetailTech, HealthCare, MedTech, Pharma, Wellness, and Social Impact
Plait, pitched by Founder & CEO Makini Allwood
Despite Black hair being a multi-billion dollar industry, the retail experience is highly fragmented, meaning many Black consumers have to shop at multiple stores to get everything they need. plait is an online marketplace and delivery solution that will partner with Black beauty retailers whose inventories are 100% dedicated to Black hair and beauty. From their website, plait customers can order all the hair products, extensions, and styling tools they need. Then, full-time delivery drivers will collect ordered items from their network of inventory partners, repackage the items into custom orders at a small fulfillment facility, and then deliver the orders to its customers as early as the next day.
Industry focus areas: Logistics, Supply Chain, Transportation, Mobility, E-Commerce, Brand, and RetailTech
Tinted Health, pitched by Founder Dr. Rebecca Cesar
Tinted Health is a curated digital health platform that provides access to minority providers skilled in cultural literacy. They are focused on educating providers to specifically address minority health needs through shared learning. They make it easy for minority patients to access and book minority providers in real-time through its site, addressing the health gap and the trust gap.
Industry focus areas: HealthCare, MedTech, Pharma, Wellness, Social Impact, Artificial Intelligence
Tuverl, pitched by Founder & CEO Hope Ndhlovu
Tuverl seeks to revolutionize public transport in Africa by offering zero-collateral financing for climate-friendly vehicles and innovative digital solutions. Its platform optimizes public transport operations, enabling operators to improve routes, increase revenue, and enhance efficiency. Through its app, commuters can live track buses and minibusses, book trips, hail taxis, and pay digitally. Tuverl’s approach supports sustainable urban development and climate action, making travel safer, more reliable, and affordable for millions across the continent.
Industry focus areas: Mobility, FinTech, Financial services, Energy & Sustainability, and Social Impact
Ujamaa.Financial, pitched by Founder Dana Fry
Ujamaa.Financial is a mission-driven fintech empowering communities often overlooked in mainstream finance – Black, Brown, and first-generation college students and graduates. Through a gamified app, it delivers culturally contextualized financial education, facilitates accelerated debt repayment via round-up payments, and builds credit profiles – all while fostering a supportive community. Ujamaa.Financial aims to boost financial literacy, speed up generational wealth creation, and provide inclusive financial services tailored to the unique challenges these demographics face. With novel approaches like fractional asset rewards, the company represents the next wave of fintechs focused on democratizing financial progress.
Industry focus areas: FinTech, Financial services, EdTech, InsureTech, Real Estate Tech, Social Impact
About BLKtech Pitch Competition
The BLKtech Pitch Competition is a part of 1871’s Black tech entrepreneur initiative, designed to support and amplify Black early-stage founders and leaders through immersive programming, tailored resources, mentorship, and community networking opportunities. Similar affinity initiatives include BLKtech Founders, Tech Leaders, and BLKtech Voices.
Historically, Black entrepreneurs have faced systemic barriers and challenges in accessing resources and opportunities. We are so honored to bring together our full community of early, growth, late-stage and corporate members, VC partners, and allies as we highlight and celebrate well deserving Black-led startups!
Join us in spotlighting these talented individuals and their innovative ventures as we aim to continue challenging these barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech ecosystem. Attend the event, either in person or virtually from 3:00 – 4:30 PM CST, followed by the Juneteenth celebration from 4:30 – 8:00 PM CST.
Join as an 1871 Early Stage Member.
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