Four Utah Startups Take the Court at All-Star Weekend

Four Utah-based startups took the stage in the first ever NBA Foundation Pitch Competition.

In partnership with the Utah Black Chamber, four of Utah's Black-owned businesses competed for the chance to win an equity-free investment of $50,000 if their startup was selected.

Over 200 people packed room 150A at the Salt Palace Convention Center and prepared to hear a cohort of experienced, Black Entrepreneurs pitch their startups. Eight total startups took the stage to present and pitch their various startups; four of which were home-grown, Utah based startups.

Four Utah-Based Startups

• Kandi Tesen - Eats Bakery
• Gladymir Philippe - Kado
• Jenna White - Empire Body Waxing
• Morgan Williams, M.Ed. - Blendyd Studios

Jenna White, Owner of Empire Body Waxing took home first place and $50,000 of equity-free prize money.

The judging panel was comprised of local and global leaders:

• Steve Stoute, CEO of United Masters
• Ryan Sweeney, Minority Owner of Utah Jazz
• Kimmy Paluch, Managing Partner of Beta Boom
• Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer American Express

The Utah Black Chamber partnered with the NBA and the NBA Foundation to host the NBA Foundation Pitch Competition as part of this year's NBA All-Star Week hosted in Salt Lake City.