Asheville’s startup scene is continuing on the up and up — and last night, the community took a beat to celebrate its victories at the Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors ceremony. For those who may have missed out on the party, here’s the highlight reel.
The big picture 🗺️
The 15 startups listed below have earned a combined annual revenue of $83 million and a lifetime revenue of over $183 million. These businesses employ almost 300 people and collectively plan to create 100 new jobs in 2023.
Also noteworthy: Grind made history as the first Black-owned business to be recognized at the Venture 15, notching a win as the number one fastest-growing startup in Asheville. And over 50% of all the startups recognized are led by women.
Startup stars 🌟
Ecobot, a cloud-based platform for environmental permitting and data, won big with the “Best Startup to Work For” award (which comes with a $5,000 grant courtesy of Pratt & Whitney) and the number 11 fastest-growing startup ranking. Other winners include:
- Entrepreneur of the Year | Adam Charnack
- Vanguard Award | Charlie Ball
- Mentor of the Year | Patrick Szewczyk
- Investor of the Year | JACS Capital
- Ecosystem Support Organization of the Year | AVL Digital Nomads
- Shining Rock Award | Courteney Lowe & Laura Jorgensen
The fifteen fastest 🔥
These rankings are based on the company’s Compounded Annual Growth Rate, aka the rate of speed a company or revenue is growing.
1. Grind | Coffee shop, BIPOC incubator + coworking space
Founders: J Hackett, Bruce Waller, Masica Jordan, Carlton Dugger
CAGR: 194.31%
2. Rx Redefined | Medical supply distributor
Founders: Brandon Boots, Erik Smith
CAGR: 154.76%
3. SDV Office Systems | Interior design and project management
Founders: Dan Whisnant, Tyler Whisnant
CAGR: 128.85%
4. Nomadic Software | Full-service digital marketing + software agency
Founders: Nathan Silsbee, Brian Hennessy, Michael Burgin
CAGR: 110.44%
5. Pirani Life | Maker of reusable, insulated tumbler cups
Founders: Daniel Del Sordo, Brandegee Pierce
CAGR: 107.04%
6. Lantern Health | Membership-based healthcare
Founder: Ben Aiken
CAGR: 81.93%
7. Asheville Tea Company | Farm-to-cup tea business
Founder: Jessie Dean
CAGR: 81.68%
8. Asheville Adventure Company | Guided adventure business
Founders: Devin DeHoll, Ryan Lansche, Jared Shirley
CAGR: 74.91%
9. Sauna House | Modern bathhouse + social wellness space
Founders: Andrew Nehlig, Jen Richter
CAGR: 73.81%
10. Range Urgent Care, PLLC | Membership-based health clinic
Founders: Mathew Trowbridge, Stephanie Trowbridge
CAGR: 72.57%
11. Ecobot | Environmental consulting + enterprise software development
Founders: Lee Lance, Jeremy Schewe, Emmet McGovern
CAGR: 63.10%
12. LOLO | Curated business gift subscription service
Founders: Clark Harris, Matthew Simpson
CAGR: 55.64%
13. Devils Foot Beverage | Craft soda manufacturer
Founders: Benjamin Colvin, Jacob Baumann, Vashti Colvin, Aaron Wilson, Carly Reese
CAGR: 53.21%
14. Legally Addictive Foods | Cookie manufacturer
Founders: Laura Shafferman, Seth Eisman
CAGR: 48.43%
15. Fuel Your Phenomenal Productions | Subscription boxes for endurance athletes
Founders: Laura Jorgensen, Courteney Lowe
CAGR: 48.10%