Okkanti won the Doyenne Group’s annual 5x5x5 pitch event, held in a hybrid format Wednesday during Forward Festival, and received a $5,000 seed grant.

The company was founded by Karen Laing, who created a platform for doula caregivers. It is designed to empower and serve those who are building maternal health equity and to build generational health. The funds will be used to help with Okkanti’s go-to-market strategies.

Mid Mod Midwest and Super User Index were the other competitors.

Similar to past years, per the contest rules, all entrants were Wisconsin-based ventures that are majority-owned by a woman or women.

Beyond Words Productions won the 2022 contest.