The Pelican Cup, one of Louisiana’s largest business competitions, proved to be a crucial turning point for Automatic in 2024. The competition saw 16 finalists, each tasked with creating a comprehensive business plan and delivering a 15-minute pitch to a panel of judges. Automatic, although not securing the win, made significant strides in the process. The team’s participation not only pushed them to improve their business acumen but also helped them make important connections with investors and advisors. These relationships have continued to play a role in Automatic’s growth, providing valuable guidance and support for the next steps in their business journey.

Automatic’s presence in the Pelican Cup gave them exposure on a large scale and allowed them to refine their pitch and product vision. It was an experience that highlighted the importance of networking and persistence in the world of entrepreneurship, proving that even participation in such competitions can lay the groundwork for future opportunities.

Automatic continued to build momentum in the Spring of 2024 by participating in the Gillespie Pitch Competition. In this competition, they were among the top 6 finalists out of 65 teams. The challenge for Automatic was to develop a pitch focused on growth, particularly emphasizing usage and retention within their app’s Version 1.

By diving deep into their app’s analytics and user engagement data, Automatic was able to highlight the improvements and changes they had made to increase customer retention and engagement. Their solid understanding of business metrics and their ability to adapt and pivot their product to meet user needs helped them stand out. This competition helped them refine their growth strategy and highlighted the importance of understanding data to make informed business decisions.

In June 2024, Automatic took their business to the next level by participating in Co-Builders, an industry-level pitch competition hosted by Innovate MS. This was the first industry-specific competition the team entered, and they were the only student entry among the applicants. Automatic placed second in the competition, earning $3,000 in prize money.

This win not only provided them with funds but also helped them gain insight into the needs of industry professionals and potential investors. They used the prize money to invest in a summer AI internship, which would contribute to refining their product and furthering their business goals. By working with AI experts, Automatic was able to enhance their app’s capabilities, improving its user experience and solidifying its position in the market.

With each competition, Automatic not only refined their product and business model but also built the relationships and skills that will continue to fuel their entrepreneurial journey. The future looked promising for Julien, Andrew, and their growing company.