Startup Atlanta Announces Awards Finalists and Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Published by Zara Shepherd-Brierley at September 6, 2023

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Startup Atlanta Lifetime Achievement Honorees

Startup Atlanta has announced its Awards Finalists and Lifetime Achievement Honorees.

The dynamic individuals and companies will be officially recognized at the Atlanta Startup Awards on Thursday, October 5th, 2023 at Lee + White’s Monday Night Garage.

Finalists were selected by an external panel of judges, from nine categories, including ‘Best B2B Startup’ and ‘Community Builder’. For the first time, a new award category ‘Best Female-Founded Startup’, will see one of the founders of Atlanta-based companies Illoominus, My Panda, SoloPulse and Travelist, walk away with the title.

“To be considered a finalist for the best female-led startup in Atlanta is an amazing honor,” said Veronica Woodruff, CEO and founder of Travelsist. “Our innovative spirit and rich company culture at Travelsist, have always led us down the right path to success. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to fostering a strong ecosystem in Atlanta.”

Startup Atlanta, a community non-profit focused on connecting and growing the local startup ecosystem, has been bolstering the creation of jobs, companies and wealth in the greater Atlanta region since 2009.

Atlanta is now well established as a vibrant ecosystem teeming with billion-dollar, or “unicorn” tech companies. With a diverse talent pool and strong education system, the city’s venture scene is thriving.

“Since moving from California to Atlanta five years ago, I’ve watched our community channel resources and focus towards addressing the inequities in startup resources and funding,” said Kristin Slink, CEO & Founder of Tech AF Founder Academy “Being named a finalist in the “Equity Champion” category is an immense honor, and my heart is overflowing with gratitude for this incredible ecosystem.

Board Member and Awards Chair of Startup Atlanta, Lexie Newhouse, recognized this stiff competition. “This year’s selection process was extremely competitive…the achievements of these finalists perfectly embody our event theme, ‘ATL Onward,’ marking their continued resilience and growth following the pandemic and year of economic uncertainties” said Newhouse.

Rising stars and industry veterans alike will be recognized. Receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards this year, Startup Atlanta’s highest honor, are Jay Bailey, President and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Bill Connors, President of Xfinity for Comcast Cable and Visionary of Comcast NBCUniversal The Farm, and David Cummings, Founder and CEO of Atlanta Ventures and Founder of Atlanta Tech Village.

“Startup Atlanta is honored to recognize Jay Bailey, Bill Connors, and David Cummings,” said Evan Jarecki, Co-Founder of Gimme and Board Chair at Startup Atlanta. “Their unique successes and contributions highlight Atlanta’s collaborative approach to its local startup ecosystem, drawing on the support of entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, and corporations.”

This year’s awards are sponsored by Invest Atlanta and Dell Technology, as well as Lee+White. Tickets and table pricing for the Atlanta Startup Awards can be purchased here. Check out the finalists and Lifetime Achievement Honorees below.

Art of the Pivot
Metric Mate
PlayerZero
Presso
YANY Beauty

Best B2B Startup
Ask Me Your MD, Inc.
Art Pharmacy
Carpool Logistics
PorterLogic

Best B2C Startup
Any Distance
Koope
Roots Investment Community
ServeScape

Best Female-Founded Startup
Illoominus
My Panda
SoloPulse
Travelsist

Best Growth Stage Startup
Cloverly
Grayscale Labs, Inc.
SemiCab, Inc
The Labz.

Best Social Impact Startup
Ambitious Labs
Healthcare Equity Solutions
MapHabit
Retaaza

Community Builder
Justin McLeod
Raioni Madison
Rohit Malhotra

Equity Champion
Aarti Sahgal
Kristin Slink
Recha Reid

Scrappiest Startup
ArtzyBella
Esco Eats
Vaila Shoes
WORKOPTI by Content Economy Co.