Hampton Roads entrepreneurs took center stage on Wednesday, September 17, as Start Peninsula hosted its third Micro Pitch of the season. Ten local startups pitched their ideas for the chance to win funding, mentorship, and a path toward building sustainable businesses.

Judges Amber Hamilton (Redwood Rise), Joseph D’Amelio (757 Collab), and Dan Girouard (Cycling Virginia) evaluated the pitches, selecting three winners who each received $500 and advanced to the finals in November, where they’ll compete for $5,000.

The Winners

  • Cargoyle – A “cargo gargoyle,” Cargoyle manufactures locking hasps that secure shipping containers and railroad boxcars, addressing global shipping security concerns.

  • Loyalty Technologies – An advanced materials R&D company that converts agricultural waste into high-value carbon nanomaterials for energy storage, water purification, sensors, and composites—creating sustainable, cost-competitive alternatives to mined graphite.

  • Southern Belle Fungus – A community-focused business teaching mushroom identification, cultivation, and benefits while selling and growing mushrooms locally.

Founder Tia Henderson of Southern Belle Fungus reflected on the night:

“I came in nervous, but I left proud. The nerves reminded me how much this matters and once I started, I knew I was right where I needed to be!!”

The Finalists

The full roster of pitching companies showcased the creativity and grit of Hampton Roads founders:

  • Altiora Systems LLC – Modernizing the Caribbean tradition of shipping barrels through its BarrelLink marketplace.

  • Augmented Solar Power – Increasing solar efficiency with a clear material layer that harvests ambient radiation.

  • Dawn of Aging – Providing compassionate death doula services and end-of-life planning.

  • GlobeKin – Creating a virtual playground for children without access to enrichment opportunities.

  • MechaStructure – Developing robotic systems that build and actuate large structures in extreme environments.

  • StewTech – Designing a tool that measures and catalogs screws to simplify sourcing.

  • Zector Technology – Robotics for automating gardening, from planting to soil monitoring.

A Region of Rising Innovators

Judge Amber Hamilton praised the quality of innovation emerging from the region:

“Standing in front of strangers with just a few minutes to communicate the purpose and impact your company can make should be an Olympic sport. Pitching is incredibly hard to do really well and requires an admirable level of courage & clarity. Well done to each of the founders who pitched this evening! I continue to be amazed at the innovation here in Hampton Roads and am proud to be part of such an incredible community.”

Start Peninsula’s Micro Pitch series highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Hampton Roads forward, offering a platform for early-stage businesses to validate ideas, build networks, and access resources.

Looking Ahead

The momentum continues with Micro Pitch #4 on October 8 at 6 PM. Founders are encouraged to apply now for their chance to take the stage. To prepare, Pitch Perfect will be held on September 24 at 6 PM via Zoom, providing free coaching and pitch practice.

Innovate Hampton Roads celebrates the startups and founders shaping the region’s economic future—proving once again that big ideas begin right here in the 757.

Learn more about Start Peninsula and it’s alumni here.

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