Alabama Launchpad Awards $150,000 at Tuskegee Event

(Birmingham, Alabama, May 10, 2019) Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, is proud to announce its Cycle 2 Concept and Early Seed winners from the historic Tuskegee pitch competition event.

Earning the $50,000 award for Concept Stage was Scottsboro-based Kenzie’s Creations. McKenzie Wilbanks is a high school senior who started her custom and original jewelry business as a sophomore. She sells her jewelry online and wholesale to retailers nationwide, and she is supported by the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce. As a testament to her drive, her workday ends at 4am each day making jewelry, after school and homework. She plans on going into her business full-time after she graduates.

Winning the $100,000 Early Seed Stage prize was Birmingham-based Quantalytix, a financial technology company that got its start in the first cohort of the Velocity Accelerator. Founders Will Bryant and Chris Aliotta will use the funds partially to hire developers, bringing high-paying jobs to Birmingham. Their product offers a comprehensive data solution for non-traditional mortgage lenders to mitigate lending risks.

“Having this competition take place at Tuskegee University, where George Washington Carver became Alabama’s most prodigious innovator and inventor was inspirational. Alabama Launchpad is committed to cultivating Alabama’s future economy through its most innovative and talented startups, and we’re excited to see where Quantalytix and Kenzie’s Creations go from here,” said Steve Spencer, President of the EDPA.

Please follow the future of Alabama Launchpad startup pitch competitions, specialized events, and how to become involved at www.alabamalaunchpad.com.