The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) announced on Friday that six early-stage companies have advanced to the Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition Finale, which will take place in Fort Payne on November 14.
In a press release, EDPA vice president Angela Wier said, “In keeping with EDPA’s commitment to bring innovation to all parts of Alabama, we are very happy to partner with DeKalb County Economic Development Authority (DCEDA) to bring the fourth quarter Alabama Launchpad pitch competition to this region of the state. Often, we see entrepreneurs from an area apply to the competition after attending the finale in their region. We look forward to networking with entrepreneurs in northeast Alabama. Innovation can thrive in every corner of Alabama and EDPA is committed to outreach and celebration of innovation.”
Startups are competing in one of two tracks – “concept stage,” which is for entrepreneurs launching businesses, and “seed stage,” which is comprised of businesses accelerating growth.
At the finale event, which you can register to attend here, the judges will select a concept startup to receive up to $50,000 cash investment and a seed startup to receive up to a $100,000 cash investment.
The finalists as follows:
Concept stage:
- AerBetic (Birmingham): has developed a non-invasive, wearable alert sensor for managing diabetes.
- Jeri (Alexander City): is a care planning software for family caregivers.
- LEVELD (Mobile): is an app-based marketplace providing individuals access to tools and equipment rentals via peer to peer transactions.
Seed stage:
- CigarClub (Mobile): is a tailored monthly subscription service of premium cigars.
- Domestique (Birmingham): is a coffee roasting and beverage company providing high quality, ready-to-drink products.
- TriAltus Bioscience (Birmingham): offers services for life scientists who work with genetically engineered proteins.
Alabama Launchpad, which was started in 2006, helps high-growth companies “Start, Stay and Grow in Alabama.” It is the state’s largest virtual accelerator and early seed investor and fosters innovation and job growth through startup competitions and ongoing mentoring for launching and growing businesses in Alabama. Since its inception, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $4.2 million in companies that have created more than 500 jobs and gone on to raise $76 million in combined revenue and follow-on funding.
Five experienced individuals serve as competition judges. Their individual experience is in entrepreneurship, investment, and/or business sector executive management. The judges serve through all phases of the competition and “are able to determine which entrepreneurs listen, evolve and incorporate feedback,” according to EDPA’s press release.
Judges for this competition round are:
- David Gibson, Bell Media (formerly of Zeekee), Birmingham
- Spencer Lacey, Jemison Investment Company, Birmingham
- Emilie Dover, Rocket City Digital, Huntsville
- James Barnett, People’s Bank, Birmingham
- Mart Marasco, BFC Global Services, Birmingham
Now in its 28th year, the non-profit EDPA represents the private sector’s contribution to economic development in Alabama. EDPA is supported by more than 60 partners from across the state and works to attract, retain and grow jobs, while also encouraging innovation through its Alabama Launchpad program.
Read more about the EDPA and its important efforts here.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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