On Tuesday, June 10, the Mississippi Gulf Coast got a front-row seat to innovation in action as the inaugural StartUp Gulf Coast Pitch Competition brought together a dynamic group of entrepreneurs, judges, partners, and community leaders at MGCCC’s Hospitality Resort Management Center in Biloxi.
This full-day event, hosted by the Gulf Coast Business Council and powered by key regional partners Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center (SBDC), showcased 9 emerging businesses from across the Gulf South—each ready to pitch their big ideas in either the Tech or Main Street category for a chance at funding and support.
STARTUP GC marquee letters by Alpha Lit MS Gulf Coast.
After a welcome from GCBC President & CEO Jamie Miller, the morning began with the Tech pitch round, emceed by Geneva Dummer. The lineup featured forward-thinking companies like Altude, Defense Cybersecurity Group, Verified Solutions, ChurchCore, S.T.E.W.A.R.D. offering solutions in blockchain, cybersecurity, church management, and non-profit support. Judges included financial and business development professionals Ronnie Emile, Dennis Tynes, Lauren Drummond-Dale, and Jamey Warr.
Andrew Mocol, a Marine Corps veteran and founder of Altude—a Gulf Coast startup building the next-generation developer platform for blockchain—presenting his pitch.
Then, the Main Street pitch round, featuring consumer-facing businesses focused on community, gaming, and essential services. With a new panel of judges—Adam Krisko, Shyra Galloway, Moises Guevara Espinal, and Derrick Jackson—and support from the SBDC’s LaShaundra McCarty, companies including Angkor Goods, Main Street Collective, Warden Technologies, and L. Harper Healthcare & Transportation Services took the stage with compelling visions for scalable, Gulf Coast-rooted growth.
Attendees enjoying lunch provided by Eat Drink Love catering.
In between rounds, attendees networked over local coffee from Greenhouse Biloxi and enjoyed a delicious lunch by Eat Drink Love Catering, served during a keynote address by Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson. Watson spoke about the role of entrepreneurship in advancing economic resilience and community development, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting small businesses at every level.
Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson delivering a keynote address over lunch.
After a round of deliberation and public voting, GCBC wrapped the program by announcing the winners:
Tech Winners
- 1st Place ($4,000): Defense Cybersecurity Group
- 2nd Place ($2,500): Altude
- 3rd Place ($1,000): ChurchCore
Main Street Winners
- 1st Place ($4,000): Angkor Goods
- 2nd Place ($2,500): Main Street Collective
- 3rd Place ($1,000): L. Harper Healthcare & Transportation Services
Kevin Thai, founder of Angkor Goods, celebrates his 1st place win in the Main Street category for his modular display cases designed for trading card games.
All participants received a trophy of recognition, with winners awarded oversized checks and applause from an energized crowd.
Marquee letters by Alpha Lit Gulf Coast and photography by Derek Fountain added a celebratory feel to this landmark event.
Seven of the nine participating businesses pose for a group photo after pitching their ideas at the inaugural StartUp Gulf Coast Pitch Competition.
From blockchain to handmade goods, mental health innovation to Main Street revitalization, the StartUp Gulf Coast Pitch Competition made one thing clear: the future of business on the Coast is bright, bold, and just getting started.
Stay tuned for more events and opportunities from StartUp Gulf Coast as we continue to champion innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth across the region.
