Philadelphia’s Visionaries: Meet the Winners of BGV’s 2025 Pitch Competition

Philadelphia has always been known for its grit and heart, and this event embodied both.

These Black women founders didn’t just pitch ideas. They pitched lived experiences, purpose, and the kind of innovation that closes gaps in real communities.

Their ventures may look different on the surface, but each began with the same spark, a desire to solve a real problem and make life better for others.

These winners embody the spirit of creativity, resilience, and equity that drives BGV forward.

Lauren Palimore Fleming - 1st Place

Founder of The Factor Formula

The Factor Formula is rewriting the rules of skincare with biotin-free solutions designed for real results.

When Lauren hit her thirties, she faced unexpected breakouts and hair loss. After discovering that biotin, a common ingredient in many hair and skin supplements, was the culprit, she decided to create something new.

In 2019, she launched The Factor Formula Skin Hair Nourishment System, pairing biotin-free vitamins with aloe-based topicals. The results speak for themselves: a 58% repeat purchase rate, hundreds of happy customers, and sales across Shopify, Amazon, Instagram, and TikTok.

With her marketing director Daisy Moreno, Lauren has bootstrapped the company from day one and is now raising $1 million to scale influencer partnerships, SEO, retail expansion, and infrastructure development.

Her motto says it all: “Stop doing what works for others and discover what works for you.”

Learn more at thefactorformula.com or follow on Instagram @thefactorformula

Martice Sutton - 2nd Place

Founder of Girls Going Global

Girls Going Global is proving that where you’re from doesn’t determine where you can go.

Martice’s first job out of college took her 10,000 miles from West Philadelphia to Hyderabad, India.

As a first-generation college graduate and Spelman alumna, she realized how life-changing global exposure could be. “I wanted girls in West Philly to know that there was more to the world than what they see every day,” she said.

Only 1% of U.S. college students study abroad, and of the 33% of Black and Latino students enrolled, just 18% travel internationally. Girls Going Global is changing that narrative.

Through Passport to the World workshops, international travel camps, and passport scholarships, the organization provides safe, affordable, and transformative experiences for girls of color.

The results: 500+ passports sponsored, $100,000+ in scholarships, 5,000+ girls served, and 10 international destinations explored. Backed by partners like Expedia, Google, TripAdvisor, and Chick-fil-A, GGG is scaling fast.

Martice is now raising $500,000 to expand programming, hire staff, and strengthen digital infrastructure. Up next, The Fill-A-Plane Initiative, which will take 100 girls to Ghana in July 2026.

Learn more at girlsgoingglobal.org or follow on Instagram @girlsgoingglobal

Kady Meite 3rd Place

Founder of Veilstreet

Veilstreet is answering a question 800 million women have been asking: Where’s the modest athleisure?

As a second-time founder and college student, Kady was tired of “bad hijab days.” She wanted clothing that looked good, felt comfortable, and aligned with her values.

Her solution, the hoodjab, blends a hoodie and hijab into one seamless, breathable design that looks effortless.

In the $375 billion global modest fashion market, Veilstreet is carving out a new category. Their products retail between $90–$100, and without a single paid ad, the brand has already built a loyal audience through storytelling and authentic representation.

With patents secured and a Philadelphia-based team in place, Kady is raising $500,000 to grow production, expand her team, and scale globally. “Muslim women are multifaceted beings,” she said. “Veilstreet celebrates that truth.”

Learn more at veilstreet.com or follow on Instagram @veilstreet

The Next Chapter of Entrepreneurship

Each one reflects BGV’s commitment to investing in entrepreneurs who center equity, community impact, and generational wealth in their work.

At Black Girl Ventures, we believe in the power of capital, capacity, and community. That’s why we continue to invest in founders who are transforming their industries and leading with vision.

Join us in celebrating, supporting, and funding their journey. Because at BGV, we know, community is capital.

Subscribe to the Digital Orange Juice for juicy ideas and the people who fund them. You can find out about our next pitch competitions here. Also, be sure to join our new community BGV Connect!