It was an electrifying atmosphere back in 2016 when Pitch Black first opened its doors to a cohort of ambitious Black entrepreneurs. Since then, many have navigated their paths to success, contributing significantly to their communities and industries. Recently, Portland Business Journal featured an inspiring update on several Pitch Black alumni, shedding light on their journeys since participating in the startup competition.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurial Spirit
Nearly a decade later, the spirit of Pitch Black is as vibrant as ever, with its alumni thriving across various sectors. From tech innovators to social entrepreneurs, these individuals have not only advanced their ventures but also uplifted Portland's status as a hub for diverse and sustainable business practices. The recent "Where Are They Now" event, hosted in partnership with Built Oregon, PIE, and Latino Founders, was a testament to this enduring legacy. The gathering revisited the achievements of these entrepreneurs, celebrating their growth and the profound impact they continue to make.
Highlights from the Event
The event was a heartwarming reunion of minds and ideas, featuring stories that span from overcoming challenges to scaling new heights. For instance, Paige Hendrix Buckner, CEO of All Raise and Pitch Black 2016 participant, spoke about how the competition helped her land a major customer which significantly refined her business model at ClientJoy before she transitioned to lead a national nonprofit. Herbert Beauclere, co-founder of Sneaker Week PDX, shared how Pitch Black propelled him from a creative into a full-fledged entrepreneur, expanding his abilities into finance and strategy.
Impactful Stories and Advice
Each story shared at the event was unique, yet all were united by a common thread of resilience and innovation. Alicia Kirkland, a security operations engineer, reflected on her technical contributions that began with a friend’s pitch at Pitch Black, leading her to a consulting career that helps startups launch their minimum viable products. And then there's Lestarya Molloy, CEO of Fridie Outdoors, who has used her Pitch Black experience to fuel a business that makes the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for all.
Watch and Learn from Their Experiences
For those who missed the event, there’s a wonderful opportunity to catch the highlights and dive deep into these inspiring journeys. Portland Business Journal has shared a video capturing the essence of the event, which you can watch here. It’s not just a showcase of achievements but a source of motivation and a blueprint for budding entrepreneurs.
A Continued Commitment to Growth
As we move forward, Vanport Studio remains committed to supporting and celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of all our community members. Seeing where our alumni are now reaffirms the impact of platforms like Pitch Black and the importance of continued support for diverse entrepreneurship.
Check out the feature in the Portland Business Journal.
