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, spent an evening recognizing the contributions and successes of some of the 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 $100 million, and their combined lifetime revenue is more than $286 million. They employ 358 people, created 145 jobs in 2023, and anticipate hiring 192 more employees in 2024.
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.
Rx Redefined, Inc. | CAGR: 137.47%
The company created a medical technology platform for physicians to distribute supplies directly to patients without the extra step of an intermediary.
SDV Office Systems LLC | CAGR: 111.63%
Working with specialty office equipment manufacturers for sales to the Federal Government, the team helps with interior design + project management and provides knowledge on government procurement and processes — all with veterans in mind.
East Perry | CAGR: 95.96%
The interior decor retailer sells sheepskins, Moroccan rugs, cowhides, and other artisan decor items.
Pirani Life | CAGR: 95.51%
The company designs insulated stackable tumblers in an effort to help reduce single-use plastic waste — plus a few other fun products.
Grind LLC | CAGR: 85.17%
The coffee shop, BIPOC incubator, and coworking + event space took the top spot last year, making history as the first Black-owned business to be recognized at the Venture 15.
Nomadic Marketing & Software | CAGR: 76.93%
The team of marketers, designers, and engineers provides digital marketing and software strategy services.
Sauna House | CAGR: 73.01%
The bathhouse with a focus on sustainability offers hot-cold-relax rooms, infrared sauna sessions, and even a drink bar.
PIE.ZAA | CAGR: 63.90%
Known in Asheville for 28-inch pies and unbelievably large slices, the pizza shop recently announced an expansion into Charlotte.
Asheville Adventure Company | CAGR: 60.60%
All the adventures we love in this area — white water rafting, tubing, kayaking, rock climbing, biking — all in one place.
Darë Vegan Cheese | CAGR: 59.16%
Made here in Asheville, the plant-based cheeses come in tons of varieties (plus, it won’t take you long to find them on lots of local menus).
Lantern Health | CAGR: 58.93%
The Direct Primary Care practice has a membership-based payment model, with two Asheville locations and a plan for a third to open in Wiston-Salem next year.
Asheville Tea Company | CAGR: 57.46%
Additive-free teas with flavors from real botanicals are the center of the shop — and you can find scone mixes too.
Devil’s Foot Beverage Company | CAGR: 49.87%
The company’s offerings of organic non-alcoholic craft sodas expanded recently to include the Friend of the Devil canned craft cocktails.
LoLo LLC | CAGR: 45.12%
With a local gift of the month automatically sent out, LoLo aims to help companies keep in touch with clients through a fun touchpoint and to support local businesses.
Legally Addictive Foods | CAGR: 41.23%
Sweet snacks abound — in flavors like peppermint, gingerbread, chai masala, and the chocolatey original.
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. LoLo LLC took home the coveted “Best Startup to Work For” prizes, but they weren’t the only winners:
- Entrepreneur of the Year | Gwendolyn Dare Hageman, Darë Vegan Cheese
- Venture Asheville Vanguard Award | Dawn Walker, Mentor for Elevate
- Mentor of the Year | Kathryn Collings
- Ecosystem Support Organization of the Year | Hatchworks Coworking
- Shining Rock Award | Ilona Kossoff, 18 Chestnuts
