Meet the 2026 Catalyst by Beemok Finalists
From innovative consumer brands to emerging technologies, 12 Charleston-area companies are ready to take the Catalyst stage.
Twelve entrepreneurs and founding teams have been selected as finalists for the 2026 Catalyst by Beemok Live Pitch Competition, representing some of the most promising businesses and innovative ideas emerging from the Lowcountry.
On Thursday, November 12, nine professional finalists and three student finalists will take the stage at Union Pier Terminal in Charleston to pitch their businesses before a panel of experienced investors and business leaders. They’ll compete for a share of up to $2 million in potential investment from Beemok.
Now in its second year, Catalyst by Beemok continues to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to support the growth of companies in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties.
This year’s finalists represent a diverse range of industries, including consumer products, food and beverage, technology, health care, energy and artificial intelligence. Some are preparing to bring new technologies to market, while others are already generating revenue and expanding nationally.
2026 Professional Finalists
CompanAIn | Michelle Wiltse and Sam Sheppard
Inspired by their experience navigating health concerns with their own dog, Ralston, Michelle and Sam created CompanAIn to help pet owners make more informed decisions about their animals’ health. The platform brings veterinary records, lab results and other health information together, giving pet owners and veterinarians a more complete picture of an animal’s health.
DealerCopilot | Michael Bor, Evan Berney, Todd Caputo and Boone Neligan
Developed by a team with firsthand experience operating automotive dealerships, DealerCopilot uses artificial intelligence to help service advisors prepare for customer visits. By bringing vehicle information together and generating personalized maintenance recommendations, the technology helps dealerships improve efficiency and create a better service experience.
Dino Bars | Jessi Saultz and Gray Anderson
What began with a mother’s search for a better snack for her children has grown into a Charleston-based food manufacturing business. Dino Bars makes USDA Organic fruit and vegetable bars with no added sugar, wrapped in edible wafer paper that eliminates the mess of traditional snack bars. With interest from major retailers, the company is working to expand production and reach more families.
GoodUnited | Nick Black and Jeremy Berman
GoodUnited helps nonprofits turn social media engagement into meaningful relationships with supporters. Using personalized messaging and artificial intelligence, its technology helps organizations identify and engage potential donors, build relationships and increase fundraising. The Charleston-based company works with nationally recognized nonprofits, including the American Heart Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
HealthyCell | Douglas Giampapa
HealthyCell is changing how people take nutritional supplements with a patented gel delivery system designed to improve absorption and eliminate the need to swallow multiple pills. Inspired by the structure of human breast milk, the technology has demonstrated greater absorption than traditional tablets. The company is preparing to expand into national retail distribution.
Juiced Fuel | Korey and Caroline McDavid
Founded in Charleston by husband-and-wife team Korey and Caroline McDavid, Juiced Fuel brings the gas station directly to its customers. The company delivers fuel to vehicles, boats, commercial fleets and job sites, saving time for individuals and businesses. What began as a family business has grown into a franchise operation with 40 territories sold across the country.
OncoBLAZE | Dieter Haemmerich
OncoBLAZE is developing a new approach to cancer treatment that uses heat-sensitive particles to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to targeted tissue. By combining specialized drug delivery with precision heating, the technology aims to improve treatment effectiveness while limiting exposure to healthy tissue. The company is working toward clinical trials at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Q-Density | Daniel and Blair Dorneanu
Drawing on experience as engineers and contractors, Daniel and Blair Dorneanu developed Q-Density to address a challenge in residential construction: accurately measuring insulation quality. The company’s technology provides a standardized, independent way to evaluate insulation performance, helping builders construct more energy-efficient homes.
RIGWA LIFE | Zac and Jericha Jordan
Inspired by their five children, whose names are reflected in the RIGWA brand, Zac and Jericha Jordan created a line of stainless steel food containers designed for busy families and active lifestyles. Built around durability, functionality and thoughtful design, RIGWA LIFE is expanding its national retail presence through Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market.
2026 Student Finalists
Advocate | Alexander Leporati
Inspired by his family’s experience caring for his brother, who lives with schizophrenia, Alexander Leporati created Advocate to improve communication between caregivers and mental health professionals. The AI-powered platform helps families document their observations and share meaningful information with clinicians, supporting more informed treatment decisions.
CuffWay | Shrihan Ganesh Babu
CuffWay is developing an automated device to monitor and adjust the pressure inside breathing-tube cuffs, a task that currently requires frequent manual checks by health care professionals. The technology aims to reduce the risk of patient injury while easing the workload of clinical teams. The student-led company is advancing its prototype toward additional testing and eventual clinical use.
P.S. | Ian Haddad and Halle Keefer
Calling their creation the “antisocial network,” Ian Haddad and Halle Keefer are bringing a personal touch back to staying connected. P.S. makes it easy to create, personalize and mail physical greeting cards directly from a phone. By turning digital reminders into real-world gestures, the founders hope to help people strengthen their most meaningful relationships.
Come Support Charleston’s Entrepreneurs
The Catalyst by Beemok Live Pitch Competition is more than an opportunity to secure funding. It’s a chance for entrepreneurs to share their ideas, connect with investors and experienced business leaders, and build relationships that can help their companies grow.
The event will also feature an Investor Insights Panel, networking opportunities and live investment announcements.
Last year’s inaugural competition welcomed more than 400 attendees and resulted in more than $2.6 million in funding for participating businesses.
Tickets are $25, including lunch. All ticket proceeds benefit Meeting Street Schools.
Thursday, November 12, 2026, 196 Concord Street, Charleston, SC