HBCU Founders Accelerator Spring 2025 Cohort Spotlight: Meet Kameron Seabrook and Justin Fields from Obai

This Spring, we launched the fourth cohort of the HBCU Founders Accelerator Program. Over the next several weeks, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the remarkable founders and their entrepreneurial journeys. Meet Kameron Seabrook and Justin Fields from Obai!

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?

Kameron - Sure, I had a crappy car and wanted to help others when they dealt with unfortunate car damage/issues. Outside of that, I love the intersectionality of tech, people, and business. 

Justin - My background and entrepreneurial journey started with my father teaching me how to fix cars starting at the age of 7, and it turned into a passion for problem-solving and creative thinking. As I became more proficient at the skill, it unlocked characteristics that would develop throughout high school and college, enabling me to understand and grow into being a startup founder. Serving clients through Open Bay Autos while in college proved that I was ready to scale a business, so me and the co-founder started Obai.

What problem is your startup solving and what inspired you to tackle this issue?

Kameron - We simplify the insurance claim process. What inspired me is being a field appraiser after major hail storms.

Justin - We are solving the problem of manual, time-consuming, and costly claim processes and workflows. Starting as catastrophic appraisers, we experienced this problem firsthand by flying from Ohio to Colorado to appraise hail-damaged vehicles. After completing the standard process of appraisals, we were inspired to create a conjoined and universal platform that could execute the job more precisely and efficiently. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced while building your startup, and how did you overcome them?

Kameron - Working with others. I had to learn how to be a better leader, put systems into place, and understand human psychology better.

Justin - The biggest challenges we have faced while building this startup are fundraising, team building and chemistry, and industry adoption. These challenges all stem from the beginning phase of learning, adjusting, and executing. As we continue to grow and gain experience, we are bringing results right behind it that show we have learned to do better. Overcoming these for us is an everyday journey because we actively continue to push for our goals.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Kameron - When we made our first dollar through our software. That was an awesome moment. 

Justin - My proudest moment so far is having the service agreement with our first customer signed. With the signing of this customer, it made me extremely proud to know that our idea and solution truly hold value to others, and it showed me that this should be the main focus.

Where do you see your company in 5 years and how do you see it impacting your community?

Kameron - I see us being the standard for insurance claims after major storms. This will impact the community because the time from damage to claim settlement will be shorter. Now, when people deal with unforeseen situations, our software will be a support in those times.

Justin - In 5 years, I see my company being an industry standard platform for claim processing. At this point, we would be generating $100M+ ARR and looking to be acquired. We see our platform impacting the community by providing a transparent and efficient claims platform to help families receive repairs or replacement as quickly as possible for losses during catastrophic events, and enabling insurance companies to become more autonomous to save money and time in critical areas, allowing them to serve policyholders better.

What led you to become interested in Nex Cubed? What resources do you believe will be most helpful?

Kameron - Nex Cubed isn't like other accelerators; they put an emphasis on what the business needs to succeed. It isn't just okay, here is how you raise money… now go dilute your company. It's more of what are the barriers you are facing and how can we help remove those barriers.

Justin - I was referred to the Nex Cubed HBCU program by former employees and alumni who elaborated on the amazing community and program that was being offered to HBCU alumni founders. I believe that the accelerator program will be most helpful in scaling my startup. Through community support and access to resources, I am able to move myself agile with my strategies.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a startup founder so far?

Kameron - Running a start-up requires one thing. Focus. You have to be ruthless with your focus and understand why you are focusing on what, when. It seems easy, but it has taken me a lot of time to master that skill. 

Justin - “When they say no, I say next. Every no leads to a bigger yes.” Taking every no as a learning lesson to better in the next similar situation has been the most profound lesson I’ve learned so far. Adaptability and application through every opportunity until succession. 

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark in the industry?

Kameron - Just get started, fail spectacularly, learn fast, and don't be afraid to pivot when things aren’t working. Entrepreneurs are the world's greatest unknown scientists. You have to constantly test things, be creative, and adjust based on your findings.

Justin - When you start and stay consistent, then the results you desire will follow. It must be your passion because the dedication and determination it will require must become effortlessly, or it will be almost unbearable. Continuously work towards bringing your full idea to life because with enough preparation and execution, it will be successful. 

What advice would you give to other HBCU entrepreneurs around fundraising?

Kameron - Calendar Density. Hire a designer who can make changes to your deck quickly, and try to book 100-300 meetings with investors who care about your vertical. You'll change your life forever in about 3-6 months.

Justin - Connect back to the enthusiasm and determination that propelled you to graduate from your HBCU, and use that to pitch towards investors! Investors will love founders who love their mission! Continuously put effort into finding investors that not only align with your company, but you as well. It must be a relationship beyond a financial investment because they will be right beside you to help you succeed and learn through the journey.

What is one word to describe your journey so far?

Kameron - Transformative

Justin - Divine

Where can readers/listeners/viewers learn more about your business? 

Website - www.obai.app

LinkedIn - Obai: Overview | LinkedIn

YouTube - Obai - YouTube

Kameron Seabrook LinkedIn - Kameron Seabrook | LinkedIn

Justin Fields LinkedIn - Justin Fields | LinkedIn