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Moxie and Field Culture Compost Win Alabama Launchpad’s Virtual Finale for Cycle 2 2020

Two startup companies won a combined $150,000 in nondilutive funding in Alabama Launchpad’s recent 2020 Cycle 2 competition held on June 11. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) held its Alabama Launchpad Finale online, streaming on Facebook Live and alabamalaunchpad.com. MOXIE, a startup that produces end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for industrial companies, earned the $100,000 award in the seed stage. Led by CEO Ross Wesson, Moxie plans to use the funding to recruit expertise needed to fill roles critical to the company’s continued growth. Field Culture Compost, founded by Matt Nesbitt and Alex Thompson, is poised to become Alabama’s first commercial compost producer, thus reducing the waste that goes into landfills. The startup came away with the $50,000 concept stage award. “Though we greatly missed our planned live event in Mobile, we were thrilled to showcase these Alabama entrepreneurs with viewers around the state,” said EDPA Innovation Consultant Dennis Leonard. “These are two startups with high-growth potential who also offer innovative solutions in their respective sectors,” “During this challenging economic period, it’s now more important than ever to support dynamic startups who can grow and create jobs in Alabama.” The panel of four judges for Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 covered a range of experience, from corporate to startup, and offered valuable feedback and advice throughout the pitch competition. These judges were: Shella Sylla, founder and President of SisterGolf; Hobie King, Validation Manager in Model Risk Management and Validation at Regions Bank; Ryan Robinett, former VP at CTS/CGI and founder of Multiply, and John Strada, the Senior Data Analyst for the City of Mobile’s Innovation Team. The following companies competed in the Virtual Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 2020 Finale: Concept Stage:
  • Field Culture Compost: a company aiming to be Alabama’s first permitted commercial compost producer
  • LawFit: a SaaS business aiming to disrupt the law firm recruiting industry
  • MatchFIT: a workplace software connecting employees and companies that have shared values and culture fits Seed Stage:
  • MOXIE: a company offering end-to-end Industrial IoT solutions
  • Purilan: a device offering healthy, convenient hydration without the plastic pollution
  • Sweeple: an on-demand cleaning service employing college students as cleaners
Now in its 14th year of providing non-dilutive funding for startups throughout Alabama, Alabama Launchpad has now awarded $5.7 million in nondilutive funding to 94 startups, has generated over 700 jobs, with a combined post-money valuation of more than $325 million.

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.

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