This week, startups across the Southeast made headlines for new projects, strategic partnerships, and funding announcements.
Here’s a look at the top stories shaping the region’s entrepreneurial landscape:
Big Stories On Hypepotamus
- Atlanta-based MedTech startup Synaptrix raised a $10 million seed round. Details here.
- Squeez, a Tampa-based platform to help you get last-minute reservations, officially launched in Tampa and Las Vegas. Details here.
Funding New
- Orlando-based OneRail, a Venture Atlanta alumni company, secured $42 million in Series C funding. Details here.
- Atlanta-based cloud inventory and manufacturing software Digit closed a $2.5 million seed round, according to Crunchbase.
Ecosystem Growth
- Johnson City, Tennessee ecosystem hub FoundersForge has been accepted into Village Capital’s Resource III Program for ESO’s. This program was created by Village Capital to help support diverse founders, organizations, and ecosystems across the Southeast.
- CED’s GRO Incubator in North Carolina celebrated the culmination of its 12-week program with a Demo Day. Eight startups showcased innovations ranging from AI solutions to sustainable products, underscoring the Triangle’s strong pipeline of early-stage ventures. Details up on GrepBeat.
- Sani, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer brand and portfolio of the Triangle Tweener Fund, opened its first-ever pop-up store this weekend, marking a milestone for the Atlanta-based company known for its fusion of South Asian heritage and modern design.
- Nourish+Bloom, an Atlanta-based autonomous grocery concept and Techstars Atlanta graduate, celebrated its grand opening. Details up on their LinkedIn.
- Deloitte released its “North America Technology Fast 500™,”an annual ranking of the fastest-growing North American companies in the technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech sectors. Atlanta broke into the top 10 rankings this year, with 16 Atlanta-area companies on this year’s list. Award winners were selected based on fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. The Atlanta companies making the list include (ordered by highest ranking):
- PrizePicks
- Viva Finance, Inc.
- Bakkt Holdings, Inc.
- AdTechNacity, LLC
- Flock Group Inc
- Katalon, Inc
- Relay Payments, Inc.
- Popmenu, Inc.
- Stord Inc.
- Groundfloor Finance, Inc
- PadSplit, Inc.
- 2080 Media Inc. DBA PlayOn Sports
- Cognosos, Inc.
- IRONSCALES
- Kahua, Inc.
- RoadSync, Inc.
Strategic Partnerships
- VECKTA, an Engage graduate, and Wellstar Health System teamed up to deploy energy efficiency upgrades and onsite systems at Wellstar locations.
- Arketi Group, a B2B marketing agency based in Atlanta, announced its partnership with Go Capital and Station Partners to lead a new B2B marketing and communications platform. This move accelerates Arketi’s growth strategy and strengthens its ability to serve technology clients.
Corporate and Policy Announcements
- The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced it is awarding a contract to EnviroSpark Energy Solutions, LLC, a small disadvantaged business in Atlanta, that includes $1.7 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds for the installation of electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) at the Sam Nunn Atlanta Federal Center in Atlanta. More details here.
Key Leadership Changes
- Wolfspeed, a prominent semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Durham, announced CEO Gregg Lowe’s departure. The change comes as Wolfspeed navigates challenging market conditions and refines its growth strategy. Details on Reuters.
