BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 30, 2025) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the
Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with
Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce VRobotics as the winner of
$50,000 in non-dilutive funding in the
Consumer Goods Track.
Stephane Lee, founder of VRobotics, will receive $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as access to follow-on mentorship and exposure to Alabama’s growing network of investors and innovation partners. VRobotics produces VizBack – a smart LED backpack that enhances visibility, safety and personal expression for motorcycle riders.
The company was selected from a competitive group of three consumer-goods-focused finalists, which also included:
- Coop’s Maintenance (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) — Offers turnover services, from cleaning to drywall repair and everything in between, for multi-family properties and real estate.
- Maison Mariann (Mobile, Alabama) — Beginning with a modern take on the timeless charm bracelet, Maison Mariann creates heirloom jewelry by blending timeless artistry with contemporary design.
Chosen for its innovative blend of technology and design, VRobotics impressed judges with its mission to make roads safer for motorcyclists while advancing Alabama’s growing hardware and consumer product landscape.
“Winning Alabama Launchpad is a surreal milestone for VRobotics and for the vision behind VizBack,” said Lee. “This validation means a lot as it shows that innovation, safety, and design can start right here in Alabama and reach riders everywhere. With this win, we are focused on finalizing production and creating a product that saves lives by making riders more visible on the road.”
The finalists pitched their ventures behind closed doors to a panel of seasoned judges:
Nina McKinney, chief business officer at Oats Overnight; Thomas Bernstein, advisor with UBS Composition Group; and Pam Cook, corporate director of community and stakeholder engagement at Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, Inc.
“It was an honor to serve as a panelist for the EDPA Alabama Launchpad competition,” said McKinney. “The energy, vision, and passion from each finalist were truly remarkable. Collaborating with fellow judges to recognize and uplift local entrepreneurs reminded me just how much innovation is thriving right here in Alabama. Programs like this play a vital role in moving our state forward and fostering the kind of idea creation that drives long-term economic growth.”
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
Tech Track awarded
Caroline and Trey McMeans, founders of
Homepoint, $70,000 on October 26, 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.
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About Alabama Launchpad
Established in 2006, Alabama Launchpad is the state’s most active early-stage seed fund investor, dedicated to driving innovation and job growth through startup competitions and ongoing mentorship for Alabama entrepreneurs. The program has invested more than
$6.6 million to over
120 startups, resulting in
more than 1,600 jobs created and over
$1B in estimated valuation.
