Asheville’s startup economy means serious business. Venture Asheville, the entrepreneurship initiative of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County and the Asheville Chamber of Commerce, recognized the contributions and successes of the area’s top startup players during the Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors ceremony.
The party may have passed, but we’re still celebrating these momentous metrics.
Let’s get down to business
The Venture 15 earned a combined annual revenue of more than $23 million, and their combined lifetime revenue is more than $57 million. They employ 296 people, and anticipate hiring 138 more employees in 2026.
So, who are they?
The 15 fastest
These rankings are based on the company’s Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR), which is the rate of speed a company or revenue is growing.
Level | CAGR: 148.44%
The tech company helps IT professionals remotely manage and monitor their Windows, macOS, and Linux endpoints.
Sourhouse | CAGR: 141.33%
Sourdough baking has never been simpler with the help of the brand’s expertly designed tools, like the Goldie, which keeps starter active.
18 Chestnuts | CAGR: 141.01%
Gourmet flavors are packed into each jar of these nourishing, plant-based soups.
Fuel Goods | CAGR: 114.92%
The sports nutrition company delivers curated subscription boxes for athletes, filled with gels, bars, and items tailored to activity.
Pirani Life | CAGR: 84.86%
The company designs insulated stackable tumblers in an effort to help reduce single-use plastic waste — plus a few other fun products.
Home Team Soccer Tournaments | CAGR: 76.05%
These are the folks who bring you Beer City Cup, one of the nation’s premier adult soccer tournaments hosted right here in Asheville.
SOS (Senior Oral-Health Services) | CAGR: 64.12%
The team of registered dental hygienists brings professional oral hygiene services directly to residents in long-term care, assisted living, and memory care communities.
Cultivate Management, Inc. | CAGR: 62.66%
The Cultivate Climbing team currently has two rock climbing gyms, with another slated for next year.
Matcha Nude | CAGR: 51.87%
The company brings organic Japanese matcha powder to the masses.
PIE.ZAA | CAGR: 50.18%
Known in Asheville for 28-inch pies and unbelievably large slices, the pizza shop has expanded into Charlotte.
Asheville Tea Company | CAGR: 48.27%
Additive-free teas with flavors from real botanicals are the center of the shop.
Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. | CAGR: 34.87%
The company’s offerings of organic craft sodas expanded recently to include the Friend of the Devil canned craft cocktails.
French Broad Pastry | CAGR: 34.48%
The artisanal baked goods are a staple at local coffee shops and farmers markets.
Marla Amplification | CAGR: 33.33%
These handwired guitar amps deliver perfect tone and big sound.
Online Training Concepts | CAGR: 19.65%
The company helps businesses improve employee engagement and talent development, whether it’s through onboarding or new program rollout.
And the award goes to...
It’s not just the fastest-growing that get some recognition. Venture Asheville Honors celebrated some of the people, companies, and organizations that are helping the local startup economy thrive.
Entrepreneur of the Year | Jessie Dean, Asheville Tea Co.
The Shining Rock Award | Ann-Marie Miller, SOS (Senior Oral-Health Services)
Ecosystem Support Organization of the Year | Outdoor Business Alliance
Venture Asheville Vanguard Award | Optimist Ventures Donors, Investors, Mentors, Speakers, & Founders
Mentor of the Year | Betty Shotton
Investment Deal of the Year | The Pisgah Fund and Backrs
