(Black PR Wire) Miami, FL - Music mogul and entrepreneur Ted Lucas, in partnership with The Source and Charles Schwab Bank, is bringing the spotlight to South Florida’s innovation scene with SPARC 2025 (Startup Pitch Accelerator Regional Competition). The three-day event, taking place August 21–23, 2025, will give Black founders and regional tech startups the chance to compete for a $1 million grand prize through the prestigious Startup World Cup Qualifier. 

SPARC 2025 isn’t just a competition—it’s a movement to bridge entrepreneurship, investment, and inclusion. Backed by major financial and community partners, the event will gather venture capitalists, angel investors, corporate leaders, and tech innovators to fuel South Florida’s growing startup ecosystem. 

Event Highlights 

Sunsets & Startups VIP Reception – August 21 at The Gale Hotel & Residences, hosted by Ted Lucas and presented by Charles Schwab Bank, bringing together top founders, investors, and community leaders for an evening of cocktails, music, and high-powered networking. 

SPARC 2025 Demo Day – August 22, showcasing semifinalists’ pitches to media, investors, and innovation stakeholders. 

Startup World Cup Qualifier – August 23, where the winning team advances to the global finale for a shot at $1 million in funding. 

 “SPARC 2025 is about creating opportunity where talent meets investment,” said Ted Lucas, founder of Slip-N-Slide Records and tech investor. “We’re giving underrepresented founders a stage to compete, connect, and secure the capital they need to scale globally.” 

Adding local leadership to the conversation, Commissioner Daniela Jean of North Miami Beach shared:

“Events like SPARC 2025 showcase the power of South Florida as a hub for innovation, diversity, and economic growth. Supporting Black founders and entrepreneurs ensures our region thrives with creativity, inclusion, and new opportunities for generations to come.” 

Representing the investment and business growth side, Hillmon Sorey, venture partner and innovation strategist, stated:

“When capital meets diverse talent, innovation accelerates. SPARC 2025 creates the perfect environment for startups to connect with investors who can help them scale nationally and globally.” 

Presented by The Source and in partnership with Charles Schwab Bank and Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA), SPARC 2025 will position Miami as a hub for Black entrepreneurship, technology, and venture funding.

Key Details

Dates: August 21–23, 2025

Locations: The Gale Hotel & Residences, Miami, FL 

Prize: $1,000,000 grand prize at the global Startup World Cup finale 

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