{"id":586703,"date":"2026-04-16T00:10:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T00:10:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/586703\/"},"modified":"2026-04-16T00:10:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T00:10:09","slug":"here-are-your-startup-humboldt-finalists-watch-them-battle-it-out-for-200000-shark-tank-style-at-the-eureka-theater-next-week-if-you-like-lost-coast-outpost","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/586703\/","title":{"rendered":"Here Are Your STARTUP HUMBOLDT Finalists! Watch Them Battle It Out for $200,000, Shark Tank-Style, at the Eureka Theater Next Week, If You Like | Lost Coast Outpost"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n
\n
\n
\n
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Press release from StartUp Humboldt<\/a>:<\/p>\n


\nStartUp\u00a0Humboldt\u00a0has
\nselected ten finalists from 108 applicants to advance to the final
\nround of its inaugural Competition. These founders will take the
\nstage on April 23rd at The Eureka Theater to pitch their ventures for
\naccess to\u00a0up\u00a0to $200,000 in milestone-based funding.<\/p>\n


\nSix
\nventures have advanced as finalists in the competition\u2019s Scale
\nVenture track, competing for access to $175,000 in milestone-based
\nfunding. Together, they reflect both the evolution of\u00a0Humboldt\u2019s
\nlongstanding industries and a new wave of ambitious ventures that
\nbuild on regional strengths while broadening what the North Coast is
\nknown for.<\/p>\n


\n\t
\n\tDERA
\n\tAnalytics \u2014 a software platform that helps organizations maximize
\n\tthe value of clean energy assets like solar, batteries, and EV
\n\tfleets.
\n\t
\n\tGridIQ
\n\t\u2014 smart power line monitoring systems designed to reduce wildfire
\n\trisk and improve grid reliability.
\n\t
\n\tJersey
\n\tScoops \u2014 a pasture-to-pint, lactose-free ice cream producer
\n\tscaling value-added dairy production.
\n\t
\n\tPepper
\n\tInflatable Technologies \u2014 next-generation inflatable rescue craft
\n\tbuilt on patent-protected technology.
\n\t
\n\tRhizome
\n\tWellness Collective \u2014 an LGBTQ2S+-focused mental health collective
\n\tincreasing access to affirming care while training and employing
\n\tlocal clinicians.
\n\t
\n\tSunken
\n\tSeaweed \u2014 regenerative seaweed farming and processing advancing
\n\tocean-based food production.<\/p>\n


\nFour
\nventures have advanced as finalists in the competition\u2019s
\nmicroventure track, competing for two awards totaling $25,000 in
\nmilestone-based funding and focused on building sustainable,
\nlocally-rooted businesses with clear pathways for community impact:<\/p>\n


\n\t
\n\tForestScapes
\n\t\u2014 a wildfire mitigation and forest health company reducing
\n\thazardous vegetation and lowering wildfire risk across the region.
\n\t
\n\tGroundedAI
\n\t\u2014 an advisory and strategy firm helping small businesses adopt AI
\n\tin practical, responsible ways.
\n\t
\n\tLAF
\n\tSystems \u2014 a modular system converting organic food waste into
\n\tnutrient-rich soil products, supporting a local circular economy.
\n\t
\n\tThroat
\n\tPunch Ice Cream \u2014 a bold craft ice cream brand building a
\n\tdistinctive retail presence through creative flavors and local
\n\tpartnerships.<\/p>\n


\nFinalists
\nwill be evaluated on desirability, feasibility, and viability, along
\nwith community impact and storytelling during their final
\npresentations. Each finalist has completed an intensive education and
\nmentorship phase, receiving expert instruction in financial modeling,
\nbusiness model iteration, pitch development and target market
\nanalysis. Through one-on-one advising with the North Coast SBDC, Lost
\nCoast Ventures, BlueTechValley, and the Institute for
\nEntrepreneurship Education, founders have strengthened their
\nreadiness to grow, create jobs and attract investment.<\/p>\n


\nThe
\nFinal Pitch Event on Thursday, April 23rd will serve as both a
\ncompetition and a community celebration of regional entrepreneurship.
\nFinalists will present before a distinguished panel of judges and a
\nlive audience for access to $200,000 in milestone-based funding.
\nAward recipients will be announced that evening.<\/p>\n


\nThe
\njudging panel represents business expertise, entrepreneurship, and
\nregional economic development, and includes, among others, Clair
\nWhitmer, Deputy Director of CalOSBA; Matt Welton, former Senior
\nDirector of Talent Acquisition at Adidas; Jason Ramos, Tribal
\nChairperson of Blue Lake Rancheria; AJ Herrera, VP of Corporate
\nMarketing at Cloudflare; and Jennifer Budwig, Senior Vice President
\nand COO of Redwood Capital Bank.<\/p>\n


\nIn
\naddition to live pitches from finalists, attendees will have the
\nopportunity to engage with semifinalists and select applicants
\nthrough a curated vendor fair showcasing local ventures. The evening
\nwill also feature appetizers from Lost Coast Catering and Cypress
\nGrove, and a signature cocktail in partnership
\nwith\u00a0Humboldt\u00a0Distillery.<\/p>\n


\n\u201cWhat
\nstands out most is the quality, commitment, and diversity of these
\nfounders. This cohort represents a powerful reflection of what\u2019s
\npossible in this region. They\u2019re not just innovating\u2014they\u2019re
\nbuilding companies with real potential to shape the region\u2019s
\nfuture,\u201d said Dan Phillips,\u00a0Humboldt\u00a0local, former CTO of
\nHulu, and co-founder of Lost Coast Ventures, a partner in this
\ninitiative. \u201cThis is going to be an exciting finale and a
\ncelebration of what\u2019s possible when the North Coast invests in its
\nown people and ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n


\nThe
\nfree public event begins at 5:30pm at the historic Eureka Theater.
\nCoast Central Credit Union is the Titan Sponsor of the program.
\nCommunity members are encouraged to attend, support local founders,
\nand be part of an evening that highlights the future of innovation in
\nfar Northern California.\u00a0<\/p>\n

To
\nlearn more about the event and reserve your
\nseat\u00a0at this link.<\/a><\/p>\n


\n
\n
\n
\n
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