One of the first major steps in Automatic AI's entrepreneurial journey came in October 2023 when Julien and Andrew participated in the Rebel Student Venture Fund (RSVF) pitch competition. The RSVF is a group of successful Ole Miss alumni who established a fund to support student startups. The fund helps college entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses by awarding grants to promising ventures.

Julien and Andrew pitched Automatic AI to the RSVF panel, showcasing the potential of their app. Their efforts were met with recognition, and the duo was awarded $2,000 to further their business growth. This win not only provided them with the initial capital to fuel their ambitions but also validated their business model and product in the eyes of seasoned entrepreneurs and investors. The $2,000 from the RSVF helped them refine their marketing strategies and scale their early operations, marking a pivotal moment in their entrepreneurial journey.

In November of 2023, following their success with the RSVF, Julien went on to compete solo in one of the University of Mississippi’s largest and most prestigious student startup competitions—the Servin' the South Business Model Competition (BMC). Hosted by the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Mississippi, the BMC attracts some of the top student entrepreneurs. This competition evaluates the business plans and potential of startups, with the goal of recognizing the most promising ventures.

Julien’s solo pitch of Automatic AI impressed the judges, and the company was awarded the grand prize of $10,000. Additionally, Julien secured $4,500 for winning the Best Tech Prize and $500 for their creative Landshark video pitch. This remarkable achievement not only validated their business model but also further solidified the product's market potential.

With the winnings from the BMC competition, Automatic AI was able to enhance its marketing budget, which played a crucial role in growing their user base. The ability to scale their marketing efforts allowed them to engage more customers, build awareness, and gather valuable feedback for continued product development.

The success at both the Rebel Student Venture Fund pitch and the BMC competition demonstrates the entrepreneurial acumen and perseverance of Julien and Andrew. What started as an idea—born out of a passion for technology and sports training—has transformed into a rapidly growing business with real potential for market impact. These wins are not just about the financial rewards, but also the opportunities to learn from mentors, gain exposure to investors, and grow as entrepreneurs.

Both competitions provided Julien and Andrew with invaluable feedback, networking opportunities, and a chance to refine their business strategies. As they continued to scale Automatic AI, these experiences played a key role in guiding the company through its next stages of growth.

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