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Homepoint Wins $75,000 in Alabama Launchpad: Technology

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 27, 2025) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce Homepoint as the winner of $75,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Technology (Hardware & Software) Track.  Caroline and Trey McMeans, co-founders of Homepoint, will receive $75,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as access to follow-on mentorship and exposure to Alabama’s growing network of investors and innovation partners. Homepoint is a tech-forward real estate brokerage platform enhancing transparency and efficiency in home buying and selling.   The company was selected from a competitive group of five tech-focused finalists, which also included: 
  • Druid Agriculture (Huntsville, Alabama) — Building AI-enabled camera systems that transform precision agriculture and optimize farming operations. 
  • LUDS LLC (Vestavia Hills, Alabama) — Establishing a zero-tolerance waste level that optimizes framing efficiency within the residential home building sector, while significantly reducing the amount of dimensional lumber waste produced at job sites. 
  • M&S Analytics, LLC (Birmingham, Alabama) — A high-touch, personal bookkeeping software platform (Cloè) built for firms managing multiple clients. Designed to streamline data collection, bill pay and reporting, Cloé is a first mover in a rapidly growing market. 
  • Tag! Fundraising (Huntsville, Alabama) — Tag! Fundraising helps student-athletes raise money without selling anything. With one link, they share their story and get real support from fans, friends, and community—fueling their goals through direct donations. 
Each of these companies brought innovative solutions to the table—from rapid prototyping and digital identity to AI-powered food safety and community-building technology.  “Winning Alabama Launchpad is going to help propel Homepoint to meet our 2026 goals by providing working capital to kickstart our marketing strategy,” said Caroline. “This win helps validate our company and will continue to open doors for us. Our vision is to grow Homepoint into a nationwide tech-forward real estate company that helps millions of Americans achieve their homeownership dreams.”  The finalists pitched their ventures behind closed doors to a panel of seasoned judges:  Jeremy Skinner, director of software engineering at O3 Solutions; Todd Greer, executive director of Innovation Portal; and Virginia Overstreet, founder and chief executive officer of Zeus Research & Technology.   “Judging this year’s ALP pitch competition was a privilege,” said Overstreet. “All of the companies were incredibly impressive. I can’t wait to see how each company competing – and the winners – will grow and bring innovation to Alabama.”  Cycle 2 2025 marked the second round under Alabama Launchpad’s newly restructured format, which includes three industry-specific tracks, $2,500 upfront funding for each finalist, and a 12-week mentorship program designed to better support Alabama’s most promising startups.  The Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 Consumer Goods finalists will compete for $50,000 in non-dilutive funding on October 28, and the Life Sciences finalists will compete for $100,000 in non-dilutive funding on November 5.   For more information on Alabama Launchpad and Cycle 2 2025, please visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.  

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. . It is the state’s longest-running business plan and pitch competition. Over the past 19 years, Alabama Launchpad has invested more than $6.6 million in 124 Alabama startups. The winning startup companies have generated more than 1,600 jobs for the state and have a combined post-money valuation of more than $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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