Support Us Button Widget

The state of startups in Asheville, NC

unnamed
Table of Contents

We may be far from Silicon Valley, but that doesn’t mean Asheville is without its own burgeoning startup scene. That’s why we’re excited to kick off the first installment of our State of Startups series, which highlights a selection of the fastest-growing startups that are headquartered right here in Asheville.

Despite the economic challenges that 2020 wrought, 15 of Asheville’s top startups still managed to net a combined revenue of more than $62 million and create 345 jobs, according to data from Venture Asheville.

Let’s take a deeper look at 5 of the fastest-growing Asheville-based startups here:

ProTip: CAGR stands for Compounded Annual Growth Rate, a.k.a., the rate of how fast a company or revenue is growing.

Moonlight Makers

  • CAGR: 59.4%
  • Employees: 16
  • Founders: Claire Watson + Nicole Hairfield
  • Fun fact: This retailer launched its business in a short bus and since then has grown its store + factory into a building on 43 Rankin Ave. that covers nearly an entire block.

No Evil Foods

  • CAGR: 79%
  • Employees: 90+
  • Founders: Michael Wolianski + Sadrah Schadel
  • Fun fact: This punk rock-themed vegan protein company, which began in a home kitchen, has since expanded into a 20,000 sqft facility in Weaverville. Find their products in 5,000+ stores across the county.

SDV Office Systems

Photo courtesy of Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn

Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn

  • CAGR: 79%
  • Employees: 24 full-time, 5 part-time
  • Founder: Ginger Murphy Frank
  • Fun fact: This gourmet popcorn producer just launched three zesty new flavors inspired by the ongoing controversy over regional barbecue techniquesSmoky Texas Barbecue, Spicy Kansas City Barbecue and Tangy Carolina Barbecue.

Nomadic Software

  • CAGR : 281.1%
  • Employees: 12
  • Founders: Nathan Silsbee, Brian Hennessy + Michael Burgin
  • Fun fact: This adventurous marketing + web solutions company is hiring for a Software Product Manager, UI & UX Designer, and Full Stack Developer. View the listings here.
More from AVLtoday
Support local restaurants during two weeks of good eats.
Many publications showed Asheville love in 2024, including these placements on national rankings.
These vegan and vegetarian meals are what dreams are made of.
If you think it’s cold now, imagine Asheville’s coldest day on record when temps dipped to -16°.
Asheville Brewing Company announced on social media that the venue is being rebranded as the Asheville Yards Ampitheater, promising more shows and an ice rink.
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development announced $1.6 billion for Helene recovery in WNC, with $225 million directed to the City of Asheville.
There are plenty of spots around to take a spirit-free sip — from mocktails and nonalcoholic beers to kava and tea.
From the Recreation Park Zoo to the WNC Nature Center, dive into its past and present to commemorate a century of wildlife education.
These 10 drink options are packed with flavor — not alcohol — making it easy to find a zero-proof option while out in Asheville.
From lifting weights, indoor rock climbing, personal training, dance fitness, boxing classes, and martial arts programs — we’ve rounded up 35+ gyms and fitness offerings around Asheville.