Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Announces 2026 Most Fundable Companies®

14 U.S. startups selected for investor readiness and growth potential

MALIBU, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has announced the winners of its ninth annual Most Fundable Companies® List—14 startups chosen from more than 2,100 applicants representing all 50 states. These companies represent promising ventures across healthcare, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, clean energy, transportation, consumer products, and advanced technology.

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“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, PhD, executive director of the Most Fundable Companies program and the Pepperdine Private Capital Markets Project. “Selected from more than 2,100 applicants nationwide, 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.”

Launched in 2018, the Most Fundable Companies program evaluates U.S.-based startups using a proprietary methodology designed to mirror the diligence process of angel investors and venture capitalists. Each company is evaluated based on financial projections, market opportunity, competitive positioning, intellectual property, and management team strength. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of investors, venture advisors, and Pepperdine faculty over multiple rounds.

2026 Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies®:

-AcQumen Medical, Inc. (Minneapolis, MN)

-Cerebrum Sensor Technologies, Inc. (Burbank, CA)

-Data Squared USA, Inc. (Wilmington, DE)

-Elysium Therapeutics, Inc. (Hendersonville, TN)

-Emerging Technology Ventures, Inc. (Las Cruces, NM)

-Enexor Energy, LLC (Franklin, TN)

-Modal Motors, Inc. (Farmington Hills, MI)

-NeuroQure, Inc. (Irvine, CA)

-Notey, Inc. (Columbia, SC)

-SetaTech USA, Inc. (Huntsville, AL)

-The 4Jacks Group, Inc. (Yonkers, NY)

-The Crease Beast, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA)

-Tiny Sprouts Foods, Inc. (Glenview, IL)

-Vivifi Medical, Inc. (Houston, TX)

The winners were celebrated at the 2026 Most Fundable Companies Showcase on September 23 at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. The event featured a keynote address from Pepperdine alumnus Brett M. Johnson, founder and CEO of Benevolent Capital, a family office investing in professional sports, real estate, private equity, and venture capital.

“Building a company that is positioned for long-term growth takes more than a great idea. 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,” said Johnson.

For the first time, the Showcase fully integrated the Startup World Cup Los Angeles Regional competition, creating a new opportunity for Most Fundable Companies winners to compete on a global stage. All 14 winners competed before a live panel of judges, with Enexor Energy, LLC 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 proven track record of success. EarthGrid, a winner in the 2022 Most Fundable Companies competition, went on to win the 2024 Startup World Cup Grand Finale World Championship.

AcQumen Medical, Inc., Tiny Sprouts Foods, Inc., and SetaTech USA, Inc. were also selected as the 2026 Most Fundable Companies Fan Favorites.

Once again, the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship is sponsoring the MFC showcase and will shoot another series of "Building the Dream,” featuring select founders from this year’s showcase with influencer host Dean Indot (MBA ‘05). This series is produced for Money Confidence Project’s Million Stories platform, and distributed by Fuse Media, reaching millions across digital channels.

"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," says 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.”

To learn more about the winners, visit the 2026 Most Fundable Companies webpage.

Disclaimers: The Pepperdine Graziadio Most Fundable Companies List does not represent an offer to sell securities. It does not constitute investment advice, nor is it an endorsement of any product or service. Pepperdine University is not a broker-dealer and does not perform services provided by a broker-dealer, including but not limited to any financial or investment advising.

About Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School

For more than 50 years, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has challenged individuals to think boldly and drive meaningful change within their industries and communities. Offering a comprehensive range of BSM, MBA, MS, executive, and doctoral degree programs grounded in integrity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Graziadio School advances experiential learning through small classes with distinguished faculty that stimulate critical thinking and meaningful connection. Students and working professionals are inspired to realize their greatest potential as values-centered leaders. Follow Pepperdine Graziadio on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.