Most Fundable Companies Competition at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Celebrates Another Year of Innovation

Fourteen winning startup companies were selected from more than 2,100 applicants at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School’s eagerly-awaited ninth annual Most Fundable Companies competition showcase on September 23, 2026. Held at the University’s Malibu campus, entrepreneurs, investors, and educators from across all 50 states participated in the event, with winners selected by a distinguished panel of investors, venture advisors, and Pepperdine faculty. 

The 2026 Most Fundable Companies represent emerging ventures across the healthcare, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, transportation, consumer products, and advanced technology industries. For the first time, the showcase fully integrated the Startup World Cup Los Angeles Regional competition, providing all 14 Most Fundable Companies with an opportunity to compete before a live panel of judges and advance to an international stage.

Craig Everett addressing attendees

“Being named a Most Fundable Company is a significant achievement, because these companies have been evaluated against many of the same fundamentals that professional investors consider when assessing opportunities,” said Craig Everett, finance professor, and executive director of the Most Fundable Companies program and the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project. “This year’s winners have demonstrated the strength of their business models, leadership teams, and potential traction for long-term growth. We’re proud to recognize their accomplishments and help connect them with opportunities to take their companies even further.”

Enexor Energy, LLC, which provides renewable energy solutions to divert organic waste from landfills, was selected to advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where startups from around the world compete for a $1 million investment prize. The collaboration builds on a successful history between the two programs. EarthGrid, a 2022 Most Fundable Companies winner, went on to win the 2024 Startup World Cup Grand Finale World Championship. AcQumen Medical, Tiny Sprouts Foods, and SetaTech USA were also selected as the 2026 Most Fundable Companies Fan Favorites.

The showcase featured a keynote address from Pepperdine alumnus Brett M. Johnson (MBA ’05, PKE 113), founder and CEO of Benevolent Capital, a family office investing in professional sports, real estate, private equity, and venture capital.

Most Fundable Companies 2026

“Building a company that is positioned for long-term growth takes more than a great idea,” said Johnson. “It requires disciplined execution, strong leadership, and the ability to turn a compelling vision into a sustainable business. This year’s Most Fundable Companies have demonstrated those qualities, and I’m excited to celebrate these entrepreneurs as they take the next steps in growing their companies.”-

The showcase was once again sponsored by the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship, which will produce another installment of Building the Dream, featuring select founders from this year’s showcase.

“The Most Fundable Companies showcase is an important aspect of the Singleton Foundation’s mission, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said Geoff Howard, CEO of the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship. “By sponsoring the event, we celebrate incredible entrepreneurs and their emerging enterprises while also recognizing that everyone benefits from the power of entrepreneurial thinking.”

Learn more about Pepperdine’s Most Fundable Companies and how to apply for 2027–28.