All Star Pitch Competition
The 2026 All-Star Pitch Competition will provide entrepreneurs with funding for their ventures and the opportunity to gain valuable input from influential business leaders across the NBA Family. This year’s theme—Game Changers: Creators Building the Future—spotlights LA based entrepreneurs driving social and economic mobility.
Join us on December 2nd at Intuit Dome to witness 10 LA entrepreneurs get one step closer to 2026 All-Star Week!
Empowering entrepreneurs
Investing in local economies
The NBA and the NBA Foundation are passionately dedicated to empowering the next generation of cutting-edge entrepreneurs. Amidst the backdrop of the NBA All-Star Game, the NBA Foundation seeks to arm aspiring innovators with essential tools, resources, and financial support to entrepreneurs in service of increasing access to funding opportunities.
Since 2022, the NBA Foundation has provided nearly $500,000 to emerging entrepreneurs in NBA markets.
2025 Pitch Competition Semi-Finalists
Check out our 2025 Semi-Finalists!
Anwar Douglas
Anwar Douglas is the founder of Imperium Care , a company that is committed to transforming eldercare by harnessing the innovative spirit of the next generation to advanced capabilities of AI to provide unparalleled, compassionate care.
Candace Walker
Candace Walker is the founder of Generation Connect, a social impact community bringing together teens with seasoned adults for engagement, enhancement, and entertainment services.
Erin Norman
Erin Norman is the founder of Share, a company built by filmmakers, for filmmakers with mission is to give creators full control over their projects.
Hamilton Perkins
Hamilton Perkins is the founder of HPC, a company dedicated to crafting unique and beautiful bags, but also about making a positive impact on the planet and communities.
Kristina Wilson
Kristina Wilson is the founder of UR Prospects, a company that was created with the purpose of giving student athletes broader opportunities to display their talents to colleges and universities that they may not have had opportunities to otherwise.
Kyle Gordon
Kyle Gordon is the founder of (HE)ALTH, amen’s digital health app with a mission to help men fall in love with taking care of their health.
Loryn Carter
Loryn Carter is the founder of CountedCare , a company that helps family caregivers capture receipts, mileage, and medical expenses — then maps them to IRS Publication 502 so you can see progress toward the 7.5% AGI threshold.
Manju Dawkins
Manju Dawkins is the founder of Thimble, a Needle Care System™, the safe and effective way to ease needle procedures—without messy prescription creams or potential side effects from oral medication.
Mayowa Arogyndade
Mayowa Arogyndade is the founder of Equal IQ, an AI Deal Orchestrator for Contracts & Payments.
Yosh Miller
Yosh Miller is the founder of Hadley.Hadley helps families find and fund their most beneficial way to save for school, so parents can quickly link their 529 plan to their Hadley account and make it easy for others to contribute.
Get Involved
Ready to take your startup to the next level?
The Pitch Competition is your chance to showcase your business, connect with industry leaders, and compete for resources to help your company grow. We’re looking for ambitious, early-stage entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles area who are ready to make an impact.
The Future of Innovation
Pitch Competition Winners
Discover the inspiring stories of our Pitch Competition winners throughout the years.
2025
Jodi Anderson is the founder of Rézme. The startup helps formerly incarcerated people find job opportunities.
2024
Katara McCarty is the founder of Exhale, a mental health app that is an emotional well-being app designed for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color.
2023
Jenna White is the owner of Empire Body Waxing, a membership-based waxing salon that does more than just waxing by supporting causes that they find essential.
2022
HBCU entrepreneurs Daa’iyah Fogle and Malcolm Lee Earn $10K prize at NBA Foundation’s first-ever Pitch Competition with Black Girl Ventures.
I felt like a superstar. The NBA put contestants in commercials, and that made the people I know proud. The whole process was encouraging for entrepreneurs, and the support I received from the NBA staff, fellow contestants, and sponsors will last long after the competition. The ongoing work of the NBA Foundation and American Express is an example of the change they’re creating in the world.
LeAndrew Robison
Community All-Star Award Winner