Building the Future: Meet the Visionary Founders of IDEAfuel 2024
IDEAfuel: Empowering BIPOC Founders to Thrive
At The Idea Village, entrepreneurship is about more than just creating business ventures—it’s a tool for empowerment, innovation, and meaningful change in people’s lives. Through the IDEAfuel accelerator, we work to scale startups by underrepresented founders, equipping them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. These entrepreneurs aren’t just building companies; they’re addressing real-world challenges with ingenuity, creativity, and heart.
IDEAfuel is a 12-week accelerator designed to empower BIPOC founders with the tools, connections, and resources needed to scale their ventures. Participants receive mentorship, customized workshops, access to industry networks, and $15,000 in non-dilutive funding thanks to the generous support of the Regions Foundation.
Uniquely, the IDEAfuel cohort is composed exclusively of alumni from IDEAinstitute, a foundational accelerator that nurtures early-stage entrepreneurs. This connection ensures that participants are prepared for growth challenges and supported by a robust network of peers and mentors. Through IDEAfuel, founders are transforming personal passion and expertise into scalable solutions, driving meaningful impact in the Gulf South and beyond.
Innovating for Impact
“This IDEAfuel cohort is tackling problems close to their hearts and areas of expertise, bringing innovation to address them, while building scalable businesses with substantial market potential.”
— Rhenita Brade, Programs Manager, The Idea Village
The IDEAfuel program is more than just an accelerator—it’s a network of resources, a community, and a way to empower founders onwards to the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey. Focused on empowering BIPOC founders, it provides tailored mentorship, industry connections, and resources designed to level the playing field. Access to these opportunities can be transformative for many entrepreneurs, enabling them to scale their bold ideas into thriving, high-growth businesses.
“This IDEAfuel cohort is tackling problems close to their hearts and areas of expertise, bringing genuine innovation to address them, while building scalable businesses with substantial market potential,” says Rhenita Brade, Programs Manager at The Idea Village, “I foresee their impacts not only directly benefitting the Gulf South, but markets far beyond the Gulf South as well.”
Each founder in the 2024 cohort brings a unique perspective shaped by their personal experiences. From education and healthcare to sustainability and technology, their ventures reflect the diverse challenges and opportunities of our time, for the Greater New Orleans market and beyond.
Programs like IDEAfuel aren’t just about supporting startups—they’re about building a more inclusive, equitable future.
Meet the IDEAfuel 2024 Cohort:
Anirudh Aditya & Ryan Hopson | Moonbase
The traditional tools for corporate training and communication felt outdated to Anirudh Aditya and Ryan Hopson. As part of the TikTok generation, they knew that quick, engaging content could transform how employees learn and retain information. That’s why they created Moonbase, an AI-powered platform that turns short-form videos into immersive training guides.
“Companies spend so much time and money on training that doesn’t stick,” Anirudh says. “We’re changing that by meeting teams where they are.” Moonbase makes onboarding, training, and retention seamless and scalable for modern workplaces.
Ashley-Nicole Grosse | Tahda Baby
As a Black woman navigating the complexities of birthing and fertility care, Ashley-Nicole Grosse, best selling author of “Birthing Bare: Homebirth”, saw firsthand how a lack of cultural understanding could create barriers for families. Determined to make a difference, she launched Tahda Baby, a platform connecting families with practitioners who provide personalized, culturally sensitive care.
“Our goal is to create a space where every family feels seen and supported,” Ashley-Nicole shares.
Tahda Baby goes beyond service—it fosters connection, community, and trust.
Chimadika Okoye | OGA Street Tech
For Chimadika Okoye, innovation is rooted in sustainability. With over 10 years of experience working on urban infrastructure, he didn’t just see potholes—he saw an opportunity to rethink how materials are used.
His company, OGA Street Tech, developed SustainaStone, a groundbreaking reusable concrete.
“Our cities deserve solutions that last,” Chimadika explains. “We’re not just fixing roads; we’re reimagining the materials we use to build them.” With products like the Pothole Pillow, OGA Street Tech is paving the way for greener, more efficient urban solutions.
Roy Scott | Healthy Hip Hop
Growing up, Roy Scott saw how music could inspire and uplift. As a father, he recognized a gap in the market for kid-safe, culturally relevant content that could educate while entertaining. Enter Healthy Hip Hop—a platform that merges beats, rhymes, and lessons to create an engaging learning experience for children.
Roy’s vision is deeply personal. “As a parent, I wanted something that reflects the culture I love while making learning fun and accessible,” he says. Healthy Hip Hop isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a movement to empower educators and parents with innovative tools.
Shay Claiborne | Mommyfluent
For Shay Claiborne, entrepreneurship began as a way to delight parents and children with high-quality toys. But as she listened to her community, Shay noticed an alarming trend—developmental delays in young children were becoming more common. This realization initiated a shift in her company’s focus, transforming Mommyfluent from a toy brand into a comprehensive early childhood development platform.
“I’ve seen firsthand how small interventions can make a big difference in a child’s future,” Shay explains. Her new app, designed to empower parents with tools and insights, bridges the gap between play and purposeful development. “This is more than a business—it’s a way to help families thrive.”
Temika Dixon & CJ Chidozie | Impact Connections
The healthcare system can feel like a maze, especially for marginalized communities. Temika Dixon and CJ Chidozie have lived through these challenges as social work practitioners, and their experiences inspired them to create Impact Connections. This platform revolutionizes case management by streamlining communication and collaboration among providers, caregivers, and patients.
“Our mission is to make care more effective and compassionate,” Temika explains. By addressing systemic inefficiencies, Impact Connections helps families receive the support they need without the added stress of navigating complex systems.
Meet the Founders at Pitch The Halls
Pitch The Halls – this year’s featured pitch showcase for the IDEAfuel 2024 cohort – is the culmination of months of hard work, mentorship, and growth. On December 19, these founders will share their stories and showcase their visions. It’s an invitation to the public to witness innovation in action and support the next generation of diverse changemakers.
Join us in celebrating their journeys.
📅 Pitch The Halls
🕒 December 19, 2024
📍 The Nieux