Student Entrepreneurs Encouraged to Apply for Pitch Competition - Holy City Sinner
2026-11-12 · Charleston
College of Charleston
Catalyst by Beemok offers student and early-stage founders tied to the Charleston region a shot at two million dollars in investment funding at the College of Charleston.
Catalyst by Beemok is a major pitch competition offering $2 million in investment funding for student founders and early-stage businesses with roots in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties. Selected finalists advance to the live event on Nov. 12, 2026, to pitch in front of investors and a live audience. The page also details preparatory campus visits by Billy Barlia.
Founder brief
Who should attend
Early-stage and student founders with ties to Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester counties should target this opportunity. Pre-seed and seed teams across any sector are eligible to apply before the August 31, 2026 deadline to secure a finalist spot.
What happens
Leading up to the finale, informational sessions run across campus, including briefings on competition tiers and guest talks. Selected finalists then present live on November 12, 2026, pitching directly on stage to an audience and panel for substantial funding.
Who's in the room
Attendees will encounter Beemok Capital analyst Billy Barlia, alongside speakers Ryan Eleuteri, Owen Smith, and Will Sadowski. Investors, local collegiate entrepreneurs, and an attentive community audience gather to evaluate the pitches.
How to prepare
Draft a concise narrative that highlights regional traction and clearly explains how your venture intends to deploy institutional capital. Practice responding quickly to rigorous investment inquiries, ensuring unit economics and market assumptions hold up under scrutiny from professional asset managers.
Organizer: Beemok Capital
At a glance
- Who can apply
- Student founders and early-stage businesses with roots in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester counties.
- Prizes
- $2 million in total investment funding; previous student prize noted as $25,000.
- Stage
- Pre seed, Seed
- Sectors
- Agnostic
Agenda
- Monday, Aug. 24 · Billy Barlia Talk to Founders Club — Walking members through the competition’s structure, prize tiers and tips for a compelling submission.
- Tuesday, Aug. 25 · Billy Barlia Session in HONS 265 Intentional AI and Storytelling Course — Sharing the story behind his own entrepreneurial path as a case study.
- Thursday, Aug. 27 · Billy Barlia Address to ENTR 200 Sections — Briefing students on how and why to apply, preceding a guest talk from Ryan Eleuteri.
Speakers, judges and hosts
- Billy Barlia — Analyst, Beemok Capital (Speaker)
- Owen Smith — Clarity (Speaker)
- Ryan Eleuteri (Speaker)
- Will Sadowski — Clarity (Speaker)