VILLAGEx 2025 Kicks Off: Meet the Gulf South Startups Ready to Scale
VILLAGEx 2025 Kicks Off: Meet the Gulf South Startups Ready to Scale
The Idea Village is proud to introduce the eight startups selected for the 2025 VILLAGEx accelerator!
This premier 16-week program is designed to equip high-growth, scalable companies with the resources, mentorship, and network they need to thrive—further strengthening the Gulf South’s dynamic startup ecosystem.
A Cohort of Visionary Startups
The 2025 VILLAGEx cohort showcases the ingenuity and diversity of the Gulf South, tackling challenges across AI, consumer packaged goods (CPG), inclusivity, and more. Each company will benefit from tailored mentorship and access to a curated advisory network to accelerate their growth.
Chosen from a competitive pool of over 50 applicants, these eight startups stood out based on their market potential, growth trajectory, industry relevance, product stage, team readiness, and traction. The selection panel, which included senior members of The Idea Village team, identified the companies best positioned to scale successfully.
“The eight startups in the cohort each offer innovative solutions that showcase the region’s entrepreneurial strengths. All eight of these ventures are poised for rapid growth and VILLAGEx will help them get there.”
— Andrew Albert, Programs Director
The VILLAGEx Experience
Over the next four months, each startup will collaborate with an Entrepreneur-In-Residence (EIR) for intensive mentorship. They will also work alongside an Advisory Board, an Investor-In-Residence, and an extensive network of mentors within The Idea Village ecosystem. In addition to one-on-one support, the startups will participate in cohort-wide events designed to refine their business strategies, optimize operations, and prepare for fundraising.
Meet the VILLAGEx 2025 Cohort:
The VILLAGEx 2025 cohort is a diverse group of innovative startups poised to scale their businesses and make a lasting impact in their respective industries. Each of these eight companies brings a unique vision, a strong team, and a commitment to solving real-world challenges.
CampusKnot – Powering Engaged Learning with AI
Education is evolving, and CampusKnot is at the forefront of this transformation. Their SaaS platform enhances active learning by equipping educators with AI-powered tools that foster real-time engagement in classrooms. Whether in-person or virtual, CampusKnot empowers teachers and students with seamless interaction, collaboration, and feedback features, making learning more dynamic and personalized.
Custom AI – Intelligent Software for Industry-Specific Challenges
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for tech giants—Custom AI is making it accessible to businesses across industries. By developing tailored AI-driven software solutions, they help companies address niche operational challenges, automate workflows, and improve efficiency. Their seamless integration ensures businesses can leverage AI without disrupting their existing systems.
Healthy Hip Hop – The "Urban Disney" for a New Generation
Blending hip-hop culture with education, Healthy Hip Hop is transforming the way children learn through culturally relevant music and digital content. Often referred to as the "Urban Disney," this innovative platform makes learning fun, engaging, and inclusive by using music as a vehicle for social and educational development.
Hello Gravel – Reinventing Construction Material Procurement
Ordering bulk aggregates like gravel, sand, and stone has traditionally been a complex and outdated process. Hello Gravel simplifies it with a seamless, customer-friendly platform. By streamlining sourcing, logistics, and delivery, Hello Gravel is modernizing an essential but often overlooked sector.
Louie Louie – A Fresh Take on Cannabis Beverages
As the demand for alternative cannabis products grows, Louie Louie is leading the way with a premium hemp-based beverage that reimagines how consumers experience cannabis. Crafted with high-quality ingredients and designed for both relaxation and social enjoyment, Louie Louie is setting a new standard for infused beverages in the market.
OCD Solutions – Digitizing Powersports & Marine Dealerships
Running a dealership for powersports and marine vehicles involves complex operations, from inventory management to customer service. OCD Solutions provides a digital platform that streamlines these processes, improving efficiency and enhancing the customer experience. Their technology helps dealerships run smarter, not harder.
P3 Technology – Advancing Disability Research & Accessibility
Innovation should be inclusive, and P3 Technology harnesses AI to unlock insights from individuals with disabilities through scalable research, helping businesses innovate faster, build better products, and tap into new market opportunities.
QMS2GO – AI-Powered Quality Management for Manufacturers
Manufacturing companies must adhere to strict quality and compliance standards, but the process can be time-consuming and complex. QMS2GO simplifies quality management with an AI-powered assistant that automates compliance tracking, reporting, and audits, helping manufacturers stay efficient and compliant with ease.
Momentum Fund: Connecting Capital x Startups
This year’s cohort also benefits from the recent launch of The Idea Village’s Momentum Fund, which has secured an initial close of $6.7 million. The fund provides investment opportunities for select VILLAGEx alumni, further cementing The Idea Village’s role as a funded accelerator.
"Momentum Fund lays additional groundwork for sustainable, long-term support for our mission. It’s about building a foundation that supports our current entrepreneurs and fuels the next generation of innovators," said Jon Atkinson, CEO of The Idea Village.
Join the Movement
The Idea Village is committed to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a thriving innovation ecosystem in the Gulf South. Stay tuned as the VILLAGEx 2025 cohort embarks on this transformative journey.