A new wave of financial technology is reshaping how communities raise capital and build wealth. At the center of this movement is EquityShare, a crowdfunding and tokenization platform founded by Vernon Jay, which has just been named one of the Top 10 startups at SPARC South Florida, one of the region’s most competitive startup accelerator and pitch programs.
From Hundreds of Applicants to Top 10
The SPARC program, short for Startup Pitch Accelerator Regional Competition, drew hundreds of applications from ambitious entrepreneurs across industries. Out of this highly competitive field, only 40 were chosen as semifinalists, and just 10 advanced to the final stage. EquityShare’s inclusion in the Top 10 is a major milestone that underscores both its innovative model and its potential impact.
SPARC is known for providing founders with world-class mentorship, coaching, and investor access, culminating in a three-day in-person accelerator program that includes a VIP reception, a Demo Day, and a high-stakes Pitch Day finale. The regional champion will advance to compete in the Startup World Cup, a global stage offering up to $1 million in funding.
EquityShare’s Vision
EquityShare is not just another fintech platform. Its mission is to democratize access to capital for real estate developers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have traditionally been overlooked by mainstream financial systems. By combining SEC-compliant crowdfunding with blockchain-based tokenization, EquityShare makes it possible for everyday people to invest in local developments and businesses, creating shared wealth and ownership opportunities.
Founder and CEO Vernon Jay describes this vision as building the Sharing Equity Economy. “SPARC provides exactly what we need at this stage: world-class coaching, access to investors, and the chance to showcase our vision for a more equitable future,” said Jay. “This recognition validates our work to build a platform that empowers communities to raise capital and share in the value they help create.”
Momentum and Milestones
Over the past three years, EquityShare has built a growing investor community of more than 115 members. The company is also preparing to launch an Angel Investment round in Q4 2025, positioning itself for rapid growth toward a projected $1 billion valuation.
By winning a spot in the SPARC Top 10, EquityShare is gaining not only visibility but also the strategic tools needed to scale. The mentorship and investor access provided through the accelerator are expected to fuel the platform’s expansion and help it reach its ambitious goal of channeling $1 billion into underserved communities by 2030.
Why It Matters
The recognition of EquityShare at SPARC South Florida signals a broader shift in how innovation, community, and capital intersect. In a world where underserved neighborhoods often lack access to traditional financing, platforms like EquityShare are pioneering a new path that blends financial technology with social impact.
For communities across the United States, this means more than just investment returns. It represents an opportunity to build generational wealth by creating ownership in local developments and businesses that strengthen neighborhoods from within.
