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Alabama Launchpad names 12 finalists for latest cycle

Alabama Launchpad has chosen 12 finalists to participate in its first pitch competition of the year. Six of those finalists are in the concept stage – usually pre-revenue – and the other half are in the early seed stage, looking to accelerate the growth of their existing business. Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, has funded 100 startups, investing more than $5.6 million and generating 700 jobs across the state. The finalists in Cycle 1 2021 include entrepreneurs from Birmingham, Auburn, and Fairhope. “We are encouraged by the competitive applicant pool interested in Alabama Launchpad’s first cycle of the year. With the largest number of applications in Launchpad’s 15-year history, it’s clear that innovation and entrepreneurship are continuing to develop and grow here in Alabama,” says Miller Girvin, EDPA executive vice president of innovation and entrepreneurship. “The finalists competing in this cycle of Alabama Launchpad are representatives of our state’s commitment to innovation, and we are grateful to our Launch Advisors for providing their expertise to strengthen these promising companies.” To read more of the story, go to: https://businessalabama.com/alabama-launchpad-names-12-finalists-for-latest-cycle/

More About Alabama Launchpad

Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad is Alabama’s most active, early-stage seed fund investor, driving innovation and job growth through startup competitions and ongoing mentoring for Alabama entrepreneurs. Alabama Launchpad is made possible by the generous support from Innovate Alabama, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Department of Commerce, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Caring Foundation, Truist Bank, The University of Alabama, Auburn University, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, the Daniel Corporation Foundation. It is the state’s longest running business plan and pitch competition. Over the past 16 years, Alabama Launchpad has invested over $6 million into 116 Alabama startups. The winning startup companies have generated over 1,300 jobs for the state and have a combined post-money valuation of over $1 billion.

More About Our Partner, Innovate Alabama

Innovate Alabama is Alabama’s first statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship, technology and innovation with a mission to help innovators grow roots here in Alabama. Innovate Alabama was established to implement the initiatives and recommendations set forth in the Alabama Innovation Commission’s report, including smart policy solutions that will create a more resilient, inclusive and robust economy to remain competitive in a 21st-century world. With founding CEO Cynthia Crutchfield leading the charge, Innovate Alabama is also made up of a board of 11 innovation leaders appointed by Gov. Ivey, collaborating across sectors to advance industries, drive technology and facilitate an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. Learn more about Innovate Alabama at www.innovatealabama.org.