Alabama Launchpad of EDPA, in Partnership with Innovate Alabama, Chooses Finalists for Cycle 1 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (February 29, 2024) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce that Launch Advisors have selected nine finalists to participate in Cycle 1 2024. The finalists will compete for a combined $75,000 at a public finale scheduled to take place April 18, 2024, in the Shoals region.   Alabama Launchpad features entrepreneurs in two stages of development: those in the concept stage, which are usually pre-revenue, and those in the early seed stage, looking to accelerate the growth of their existing businesses. According to Pitchbook, Alabama Launchpad is the state’s most active early seed funding source.   “We’re really looking forward to seeing these nine companies grow with the support of our Launch Advisors as they prepare for the in-person pitch event in April,” shared Miller Girvin, Executive Vice President of Innovation & Talent at EDPA. “Alabama Launchpad is all about providing not just financial backing but also valuable mentorship to help turn ideas and early-stage companies into thriving businesses right here in our state.”   To date, Alabama Launchpad has funded 117 startups and invested over $6.2 million in nondilutive funding. Its winning companies have a combined post-money valuation of over $1 billion and have generated over 1,400 jobs across the state.   The following nine finalists were selected from a competitive field of applicants and represent four cities across the state.   The five concept stage companies competing for $25,000 are:   Moxi (Birmingham, AL) will offer flexible childcare, booked on demand, offering full-time and on-demand care for children 0-5 years of age in thoughtfully designed centers operated by highly trained and nurturing caregivers.   SymbyAI (Huntsville, AL) leverages AI to streamline the research lifecycle by providing tools to automate scientific replication, academic reviews, and real-time research trend analysis.   OMA Health, Co. (Birmingham, AL) offers personalized care, educational resources and a network of culturally competent providers – all dedicated to ensuring Black women’s health concerns are heard, valued and expertly addressed.   Shan Latris LLC (Tuscaloosa, AL) specializes in providing women with height-inclusive clothing solutions, tailored to enhance confidence and comfort. Notably, its collection includes designs with longer sleeve lengths, addressing unique needs often overlooked by mainstream retailers.   Kimmie Stylz (Birmingham, AL) is a women-owned business based in Birmingham, Alabama. It specializes in creating natural hair care products that are designed to detangle, moisturize and hydrate natural, kinky, and curly hair for manageable and healthy hair.   The four companies in the early seed stage, which will be competing for $50,000, are:   Equip (Birmingham, AL) empowers independence for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities with features to support daily routines, mood regulation, quick access to vital information and reporting to track progress of essential milestones on their path to meaningful employment.   Brightpay (Birmingham, AL) provides freelancers with easy access to doctors offering transparent pricing and a rewards program that encourages preventative health actions, addressing the healthcare needs of the uninsured.   Dayrol (Birmingham, AL) offers a comprehensive platform that integrates financial literacy education, practical personal finance management tools, and organizational programming tools to maximize the impact of those seeking to bridge the financial literacy gap.   Pathways K12 (Huntsville, AL) improves the way students explore college and career paths by making dual enrollment a breeze. Their platform connects students, parents, schools, colleges and industries, and they aim to eventually embrace diverse college and career pathways, such as internships and co-op positions.   Alabama Launchpad’s Cycle 1 2024 finale will take place on Thursday, April 18, in the Shoals region, with the exact location to be confirmed shortly.   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, Appalachian Regional Commission, Truist, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Caring Foundation, Wells Fargo, Alabama Power Foundation and the Daniel Corporation Foundation. It is the state’s longest running business plan and pitch competition. To learn more about Alabama Launchpad, please visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.   About 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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