Get to Know the Winners of the 2023 Austin Pitch Competition

Aniya Cheri shares the story behind the establishment of Mountain Gaming, a video game company focusing on creating rebellious video games that are based on Black history. She created a user persona named Duke to represent the target audience of Mountain Gaming, developing an insubordinate time Rebel video game that empowers players to protect Black people from violence.

Cheri noticed a gap between the average Black person in her academic research and found it challenging to get her cousin and siblings interested in reading research articles.

The game aims to inspire personal growth, foster empathy, and drive positive social change. The company has achieved global reach and surpassed its metrics, with Sheree seeking funding to develop Mountain Gaming for PlayStation.

​Saria Hawkins-Bada, the founder of Manifest Your Purpose, discusses the crucial need for representation across various societal realms, particularly emphasizing its impact on Black women in the stationery industry. Drawing from her personal struggle to find products that reflected her identity in East Texas, Hawkins-Bada established her company in 2020.

Manifest Your Purpose has seen significant success over the past two years, with a substantial 275% increase in revenue and an impressive gross profit margin of 52%. This success underscores a clear demand for self-representation in stationery products. Hawkins-Bada passionately articulates her company’s mission to celebrate the existence of Black women and actively seeks a $300,000 investment to drive further growth and continue affirming that Black women deserve to be celebrated for simply being themselves.

Austin Pitch Competition Winners: Oatmeal & Company

Darian Washington, the founder of Oatmeal & Company, shares the story that inspired her business, explaining how her son’s love for oatmeal led her to create a simple and delicious breakfast option. Oatmeal & Company offers five unique oatmeal flavors made with organic oats, naturally dried fruits, and carefully selected spices, while keeping a low sugar content.

With the global oatmeal market valued at over $5.3 billion and expected to reach $10.8 billion by 2023, with North America accounting for a significant portion of sales, Oatmeal & Company has already sold over 25,000 bags, generating a substantial six-figure revenue, all handcrafted with care.

To expand their business, the company has formed strategic partnerships with a co-packer and is in early discussions with grocery stores. Currently, they are seeking $500,000 in funding to increase production and distribution capacity, introduce new products, and build a skilled team.

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