We’re investing up to $1,000,000 in startups based in the Charleston
tri-county area.
Apply to Pitch
Applications close September 30 Eligibility Requirements
Limited sales
$0 – $5M in lifetime sales
Local Roots
Founder must reside and operate business in the tri-county area (Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester)
Early-Stage Ventures
<$100k raised from non-friends & family
Funding Amount
Seeking up to a $500k investment
Recent Graduate or Current Student?
Catalyst by Beemok also includes a separate Student & Recent Graduate Showcase with its own awards.
About Catalyst
Catalyst is a competition for local entrepreneurs to gain startup funding. We are powered by Beemok Capital—the family office of entrepreneurs Ben & Kelly Navarro.
We are on a mission to back bold early-stage companies in the tri-county area.
Timeline
Key program milestones — from applying to finalizing investments.
June 15
Application Opens
September 30
Application Close
October
Pitch Day
Q1 2026
Deals Close
Speakers // Judges
Discover insights, stories, and lessons from founders, investors, and industry leaders who are shaping the startup world.
Tim Spence
President & CEO of Fifth Third Bank. Former Oliver Wyman partner focused on innovation, tech, and community development in banking.
Ben Navarro
Founder of Beemok Capital and CEO of Sherman Financial Group. He’s led initiatives across education, wellness, and hospitality to create life-changing opportunities in South Carolina.
Austin McCombs
Founder & CEO of Gnosis Freight. Logistics innovator using no-code tools and machine learning to improve global supply chains.
Bud Watts
Senior Advisor, former Carlyle executive. Citadel alum and Air Force veteran now active in private equity and philanthropic leadership.
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Jane Doe
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