Naples, FL – March 19, 2025 – Optima CEO Adam Mangana has been named the winner of the 2025 Capital One Catapult pitch competition, a prestigious program designed to accelerate the growth of the most bankable businesses. In its 12-year history, Mangana is the first African American male to win this esteemed competition, marking a historic milestone in the program’s commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. The announcement was made during the in-person competition and graduation ceremony held on March 13, 2025, in partnership with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and Capital One Bank.
The Capital One Catapult program is a six-month intensive development initiative focused on equipping the most bankable business leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive innovation, create jobs, and enhance their companies’ long-term success. Participants undergo strategic workshops and mentorship sessions covering key business topics such as team building, operational efficiency, customer retention, and growth planning. The program culminates in a high-stakes pitch competition, where business leaders present their innovative solutions to a panel of industry experts.
As the winning pitch, Mangana showcased Optima’s pioneering efforts in leveraging immersive virtual reality (VR) education to transform learning experiences. His vision for integrating VR into education to enhance student engagement and retention set Optima apart from the competition, demonstrating both technological innovation and a strong business growth strategy.
“We are honored to be recognized by the Capital One Catapult program,” Mangana said. “This opportunity has reinforced our mission to revolutionize education through immersive learning, and we are excited to expand our impact with the support of this program.”
Optima, a leader in virtual reality education, continues to push the boundaries of digital learning by offering VR-based curricula that provide students with interactive, immersive educational experiences. The company’s success in the Capital One Catapult pitch competition further validates its commitment to shaping the future of education.
Bridgette Hudak
