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Alabama Launchpad, in Partnership with Innovate Alabama, Announces Cycle 3 2024 Finalists

Alabama Launchpad Logomark BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 8, 2024) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama, proudly announces the selection of nine finalists for Cycle 3 2024. These entrepreneurs, representing a range of innovative industries, will compete for a combined $75,000 in a finale showcase scheduled for December 10, 2024, in Birmingham, AL.    Alabama Launchpad supports startups at two key stages of development: concept stage, typically pre-revenue businesses, and seed stage, where companies are seeking to accelerate growth. According to Pitchbook, Alabama Launchpad is the state’s most active early-stage funding source.    “Cycle 3 2024 is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to showcasing some of the brightest startups across Alabama,” said Miller Girvin, Chief Operating Officer at EDPA. “We’re proud to connect these talented founders with investors and mentors who can help them take their ideas to the next level, and we’re excited to see how their businesses will grow and further contribute to Alabama’s entrepreneurial and economic landscape.”    To date, Alabama Launchpad has funded 121 startups, awarding over $6.3 million in non-dilutive funding. The companies it has supported have collectively reached a post-money valuation exceeding $1 billion and created over 1,400 jobs across the state.    The following nine finalists, selected from a competitive field of applicants, represent five cities across Alabama:    Concept Stage Finalists Competing for $25,000: 
  • Nyad (Birmingham, AL) – Software Reducing pollution in wastewater treatment by advancing how we monitor and manage microbes through real-time sampling, analysis, and remedial action software. 
  • CLEO Education, LLC (Hoover, AL) – Software Offering a web app that helps healthcare students practice interpreting diagnostic tests like X-rays, improving their clinical skills and confidence. 
  • Homepoint (Birmingham, AL) – Software Empowering home buyers and sellers with a platform that reduces high commissions and enhances transparency in the real estate process. 
  • ConekPro (Birmingham, AL) – Software A platform that streamlines project management, networking, and vendor vetting for service-based businesses, enhancing efficiency and communication. 
  • Forsee, LLC (Prattville, AL) – Consumer Product Improving fire-resistant materials with afro fibers to increase heat resistance in plastics, allowing for more time during evacuations and improved fire safety. 
  Seed Stage Finalists Competing for $50,000: 
  • HUM Concierge: A Lifestyle Management Agency (Birmingham, AL) – Consumer Product Helping busy professionals and families manage life’s details with personalized, relationship-driven services that reduce stress and reclaim time. 
  • Ethar, Inc. (Huntsville, AL) – Software A smart platform leveraging AR and AI to attach digital content to people, places, and things, driving customer engagement in a new dimension. 
  • Huntsville Magazine (Huntsville, AL) – Consumer Product The premier guide to a city’s culture and growth, offering rich content across print and digital platforms for residents and visitors alike. 
  • Student Seats LLC (Pelham, AL) – Software A secure platform for college students to trade student section sports tickets with verified email addresses and escrow payment protection. 

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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