Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies®

The 2024 Most Fundable Companies competition is now open.

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Most Fundable Companies

Pepperdine Graziadio identifies and connects promising early-stage companies with resources they need through our Most Fundable Companies surveys. Our program is not limited to Pepperdine student and alumni startups, and is not a pitch competition. Participants are provided with a comprehensive assessment of their fundability and how they will be viewed by potential investors during due diligence. Companies are evaluated based on the viability of their business model, size of addressable market, management team expertise, board of advisors, and competitive advantage in their market. Every participating company experiences a transformative process as they gain valuable insight and identify how they can better appeal to future investors. Based upon survey results, top companies selected for the annual Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies list receive national recognition, a feature at our annual showcase event in Malibu, CA, and exclusive brand exposure to potential strategic partners, investors, customers, and new hires. In addition to our annual list and showcase event, our program exists to educate and enlighten founders on what constitutes a fundable company, as well as support relevant distinctive research in identifying characteristics of successful startups.

Our Process and Methodology

In 2023, over 3,000 startups across all 50 US states were screened into the nation’s top startups selected for the annual Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies list. Companies across all industries are evaluated using Pepperdine's proprietary methodology, which focuses on investor due diligence, and has been utilized to review thousands of startups. The first round Pre-Screen only takes about eight minutes to complete. Every company that submits a Quarter-Finals Survey receives a Quarter-Finals Report that contains objective and customized feedback to improve readiness for funding. Companies are invited to proceed to later rounds in order to be selected for the annual list. Winners are announced at our annual gala showcase event in Malibu, CA. Start with a brief Pre-Screen today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can any company participate?

The Most Fundable Companies program is not limited to Pepperdine affiliated startups. All startups characterized by the following are invited to participate:

US-based privately held businesses
Original founder(s) is actively involved and is on the executive team
Pre-revenue through prior 12-month revenue up to $10M

Companies we cannot support at this time include:

Companies based outside of the United States
Franchise businesses (either franchisors or franchisees)
Nonprofits
Any business engaged in products or services not consistent with the goals or mission of Pepperdine University

Startups are about community. Share the program with your network.

2. Is there a cost?

No. Pepperdine is pleased to offer the surveys and feedback report at no cost to you. Your time to complete the surveys will be rewarded with private actionable feedback specific to your company for your use, plus consideration to be featured on the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies list and its related benefits.

3. How does the competition work?

Companies across all industries are evaluated using Pepperdine's proprietary methodology, which focuses on investor due diligence, and has been utilized to review thousands of startups. The first round Pre-Screen only takes about eight minutes to complete. Every company that submits a Quarter-Finals Survey receives a Quarter-Finals Report that contains objective and customized feedback to improve readiness for funding. Companies are invited to proceed to later rounds in order to be selected for the annual list. For key dates and additional information visit our main website.

4. Who will be featured on the Most Fundable Companies List?

List winners will be selected from the set of companies who complete the Finals round. Each year approximately 15-20 startups are featured on the Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies list. Winners are announced publicly for the first time at our annual gala showcase event held on our campus in Malibu, CA.

5. If I don't make this year's list, can I resubmit next year?

Yes! Many companies compete multiple years. A goal of the Most Fundable Companies program is to provide you with constructive information to generate favorable results for your business and a better position next time. Plus, a lot can happen during a year in the life of a startup, therefore you will need to resubmit your company each year.

6. Are survey responses kept private?

The information you provide will be used to evaluate your eligibility for various programs and opportunities. Pepperdine University may disclose some or all of the contact information you provide to third parties, such as sponsors or strategic partners. Please carefully review the Terms and Conditions before you begin the Quarter-Finals Survey.

7. What if I am not looking for funding?

Insights from the Quarter-Finals Report are valuable to any company. They offer a critical view of your business that you can utilize to help your company grow and thrive. For any company that is invited to proceed to the Semi-Finals round, consider the alignment of your future fundraising plans with timing of the gala showcase event and list winners announcement as well as the subsequent national exposure provided by making the list.

8. Can I nominate a company?

Yes! Share with your network or portfolio of companies. We understand that advertising and PR are expensive and startup resources are limited. The value of potential brand exposure outweighs the time it takes to participate. Plus, every company that submits a Quarter-Finals Survey receives a Quarter-Finals Report that contains objective and customized feedback to improve readiness for funding.

9. What if I still have questions?

For key dates and additional information visit our main website or contact us at mostfundablecos@pepperdine.edu.

The Winners

Congratulations to the 2023 Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies! In our sixth year, more than 3,000 early-stage US startups from across all 50 states vied for a space on the list. All 17 winners are worthy of serious investor consideration based on several company variables including financial projections, market opportunity, intellectual property, competitive advantage, and management-team expertise. Company highlights are included in the event stream replay and in the list winner profiles below.

Featuring Most Fundable Companies by category
See all 2023 Semi-Finalist startups
Special thanks to our event sponsors

Disclaimers: Pepperdine University, in its sole discretion, may choose not to publish a company for any reason it deems appropriate. The Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies List does not represent an offer to sell securities. It does not constitute investment advice, nor is it an endorsement of any particular product or service. Pepperdine University is not a broker-dealer and does not perform services provided by a broker-dealer, including but not limited to any financial or investment advising.