Press release from StartUp Humboldt:


StartUp Humboldt has
selected ten finalists from 108 applicants to advance to the final
round of its inaugural Competition. These founders will take the
stage on April 23rd at The Eureka Theater to pitch their ventures for
access to up to $200,000 in milestone-based funding.


Six
ventures have advanced as finalists in the competition’s Scale
Venture track, competing for access to $175,000 in milestone-based
funding. Together, they reflect both the evolution of Humboldt’s
longstanding industries and a new wave of ambitious ventures that
build on regional strengths while broadening what the North Coast is
known for.



DERA
Analytics — a software platform that helps organizations maximize
the value of clean energy assets like solar, batteries, and EV
fleets.

GridIQ
— smart power line monitoring systems designed to reduce wildfire
risk and improve grid reliability.

Jersey
Scoops — a pasture-to-pint, lactose-free ice cream producer
scaling value-added dairy production.

Pepper
Inflatable Technologies — next-generation inflatable rescue craft
built on patent-protected technology.

Rhizome
Wellness Collective — an LGBTQ2S+-focused mental health collective
increasing access to affirming care while training and employing
local clinicians.

Sunken
Seaweed — regenerative seaweed farming and processing advancing
ocean-based food production.


Four
ventures have advanced as finalists in the competition’s
microventure track, competing for two awards totaling $25,000 in
milestone-based funding and focused on building sustainable,
locally-rooted businesses with clear pathways for community impact:



ForestScapes
— a wildfire mitigation and forest health company reducing
hazardous vegetation and lowering wildfire risk across the region.

GroundedAI
— an advisory and strategy firm helping small businesses adopt AI
in practical, responsible ways.

LAF
Systems — a modular system converting organic food waste into
nutrient-rich soil products, supporting a local circular economy.

Throat
Punch Ice Cream — a bold craft ice cream brand building a
distinctive retail presence through creative flavors and local
partnerships.


Finalists
will be evaluated on desirability, feasibility, and viability, along
with community impact and storytelling during their final
presentations. Each finalist has completed an intensive education and
mentorship phase, receiving expert instruction in financial modeling,
business model iteration, pitch development and target market
analysis. Through one-on-one advising with the North Coast SBDC, Lost
Coast Ventures, BlueTechValley, and the Institute for
Entrepreneurship Education, founders have strengthened their
readiness to grow, create jobs and attract investment.


The
Final Pitch Event on Thursday, April 23rd will serve as both a
competition and a community celebration of regional entrepreneurship.
Finalists will present before a distinguished panel of judges and a
live audience for access to $200,000 in milestone-based funding.
Award recipients will be announced that evening.


The
judging panel represents business expertise, entrepreneurship, and
regional economic development, and includes, among others, Clair
Whitmer, Deputy Director of CalOSBA; Matt Welton, former Senior
Director of Talent Acquisition at Adidas; Jason Ramos, Tribal
Chairperson of Blue Lake Rancheria; AJ Herrera, VP of Corporate
Marketing at Cloudflare; and Jennifer Budwig, Senior Vice President
and COO of Redwood Capital Bank.


In
addition to live pitches from finalists, attendees will have the
opportunity to engage with semifinalists and select applicants
through a curated vendor fair showcasing local ventures. The evening
will also feature appetizers from Lost Coast Catering and Cypress
Grove, and a signature cocktail in partnership
with Humboldt Distillery.


“What
stands out most is the quality, commitment, and diversity of these
founders. This cohort represents a powerful reflection of what’s
possible in this region. They’re not just innovating—they’re
building companies with real potential to shape the region’s
future,” said Dan Phillips, Humboldt local, former CTO of
Hulu, and co-founder of Lost Coast Ventures, a partner in this
initiative. “This is going to be an exciting finale and a
celebration of what’s possible when the North Coast invests in its
own people and ideas.”


The
free public event begins at 5:30pm at the historic Eureka Theater.
Coast Central Credit Union is the Titan Sponsor of the program.
Community members are encouraged to attend, support local founders,
and be part of an evening that highlights the future of innovation in
far Northern California. 

To
learn more about the event and reserve your
seat at this link.