Coming out on top is a dope feeling; these entrepreneurs know the vibe.
Previously, AfroTech reported that Kwame Egerton II and Ackeem Kipp, co-founders of The Black Currency, hosted a virtual pitch competition in partnership with Neotribe. The competition awarded $6,000 in prize money to the selected winners.
The pitch competition occurred via Zoom on July 27, intending to provide a space that recognized growth and offered an opportunity for Black business owners to raise funding.
While there were only three spots for winners, four businesses were ultimately selected as there was a tie for third place. The first-place winner received $3,000, while the remaining total prize amount was dispersed among the second and third-place winners.
You can check out the competition winners and their businesses below.
TJL Collection – 1st Place Winner
Tiffany Lewis founded the TJL Collection, a women’s fashion brand exclusively for taller women. The brand caters to women 5’9″ and taller, specializing in jumpsuits, pants, and floor-length dresses.
A post shared by TJL | Tall Girl Clothing (@tjl_collection)
Secure U – 2nd Place Winner
Sholomi Farrell founded Secure U. He’s a military and law enforcement veteran who created the mobile and desktop app that provides superior security solutions for property, events, and people while decreasing human, business, and residential security risks.
A post shared by SecureU LLC (@secureu_)
Nkenne and Scent & Fire – 3rd Place Winners
Want to learn how to speak African languages? Then, Nkenne is the app for you. Micheal Odokara-Okigbo designed the app as an easy and fun way for the African diaspora and the rest of the world to learn African languages via a tested and proven approach.
A post shared by NKENNE (@nkenneapp)
Candles are a vibe and Monisha Edwards, the founder of Scent & Fire, understands this too well. Her company manufactures eco-luxury scented candles and other fragrant consumables made from domestically sourced raw and recycled materials. Edwards utilizes technology to enhance aromatic experiences through curated music playlists and online community building.
A post shared by Scent & Fire®️ (@scentandfire)
Congrats to all the winners, and best of luck in your future endeavors.
Lover of Culture. Curator of Motivation. Advocate for Equity. Josh Rodgers is a writer and content creator originally from Memphis, TN. Along with AfroTech, Josh's work can be seen on Blavity News, Travel Noir, Shadow & Act, and Buzzfeed. When he isn't writing, he can be found on the mic as the co-host and founder of The Jigsaw Podcast - a platform dedicated to helping Black millennials attempt to navigate the craziest puzzle piece ever created, life.
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