Yareli Esteban
CEO & President  
BBA 1999, McCombs School of Business  

Strategar is an award-winning, minority and woman-owned advertising agency helping brands connect with communities. Their sweet spot lies in creating solutions that span sustainable food systems, agriculture, education and multicultural marketing.  

Chad Hanak
Founder & President  
BS 2003, MS 2005, PHD 2009, Life Member, Cockrell School of Engineering  

Superior QC applies aerospace guidance, navigation, and control algorithms to the process of automatically and precisely placing 3-to-5-mile wellbores within oil, gas, and geothermal reservoirs. Their accuracy and precision reduces energy costs and enabling a higher standard of living for consumers.  

Kyndel Bennett
CEO
BA 1996, Life Member, College of Liberal Arts

Matthew Long
President
BBA 1997, Life Member, McCombs School of Business

Cayetano empowers hard working Texans to own their own home. They develop and offer financing on affordable single-family communities in the major employment areas of Texas.

Susan Shaw
Founder & Designer  
BS 1970, College of Education  

Susan Shaw creates high-quality, American-made products and timeless jewelry designs inspired by her Texas roots and world travels. Her jewelry can be found in all 50 states and in 14 countries.  

Tri Vo
Founder
BBA 2007, McCombs School of Business

CarbonBetter assists companies in meeting their energy and decarbonization needs.
2023 Returning Winner

Katy Mimari
Founder & CEO
BS 2001, Moody College of Communication

Caden Lane is a DTC premium brand of lifestyle baby products for newborns, new moms, and gift-givers. Founded in 2005 by Katy Mimari while pregnant with her firstborn, her mission has always been to place the needs of the mom at the core of all that they do and create.

Trey Wier
Founder & CEO
BA 2012, College of Liberal Arts

BURLEBO is an outdoor apparel brand located here in Austin, Texas. They design extremely comfortable outdoor wear that will keep you looking and feeling great! From the duck blind to a night out on the town, their brand has you covered!
2023 Returning Winner

Justin Fenchel
Co-Founder & CEO
MBA 2013, McCombs School of Business

Aimy Steadman
Co-Founder & COO
BS 2008, Moody College of Communication; MBA 2013, McCombs School of Business

BeatBox is the “Original Party Punch,” offering fun and nostalgic flavors in a sustainable and resealable package. With a deep passion for live music, our community of super fans, and creating fun, BeatBox has become the brand that’s bringing the party to the alcohol industry.
2023 Returning Winner

Blanca Lesmes
Co-Founder & CEO
MBA 2011, McCombs School of Business

Diana Ferguson
Chief People Officer
BA 2004, College of Liberal Arts

BB Imaging offers full-service onsite support as well as telesonography® support through their proprietary FDA-cleared technology, TeleScan®. BB Imaging serves patients in a variety of settings and circumstances, including urban and rural locations across the U.S. BB Imaging’s mission is to improve health outcomes by making high-quality ultrasound services accessible. 

Kevin Smith
Managing Partner 
BBA 2004, McCombs School of Business

Cash flow planning, tax strategy, asset protection, and asset management for professionals, retirees, and business owners. Platform services for independent RIAs.