Inaugural Investor Connector Unites Innovators and Investors

Birmingham, Alabama, Feb. 5, 2024 – The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) hosted its highly anticipated inaugural Investor Connector event, bringing together fast-growing startups and out-of-state venture capitalists for two days of speed networking and relationship building.

“We’ve been hoping to put together an event like this for a long time, so we’re excited it’s come together for the first time this year,” said Miller Girvin, EVP of Innovation and Talent at EDPA. “Access to capital is a big piece of the puzzle in helping Alabama’s startup ecosystem and our innovative companies grow and thrive.”

The event served as a platform for companies representing the state’s growing innovation and economy to engage with seasoned investors from around the country, from cities as varied as Boston, Atlanta, Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C.

The Investor Connector was a resounding success, underscoring EDPA’s commitment to economic development from multiple angles – not only attracting new businesses to Alabama, but also supporting the growth of Alabama’s homegrown ventures.

The event began with a reception on January 31, gathering local investors, entrepreneurs, corporate executives and community leaders to celebrate the growth of Alabama’s entrepreneurial scene. It continued through February 1 with a day full of meetings, matching startups with investors aligned with their stage and products.

The participating startups included:

• Acclinate, a company using software and community connections to increase diversity in clinical trials
• Autonoma which develops scalable simulation software for autonomous vehicles and robotics
• Croux, a software company connecting talent to flexible work opportunities in the hospitality industry
• Linq, which creates digital business cards for modern networking and lead capture with QR + NFC technology
• Fishing Chaos, a software platform allowing fishing tournaments, charter captains and anglers to operate more efficiently
• SEQUENSE, purpose-built workflow automation for travel buyers and suppliers
• SmartWiz, a software company with automated solutions for tax professionals
• SCHOOLS, offering digital college test prep with outstanding results at a fraction of the cost

Partners at the Alabama Capital Network, Franklin Advisory, and Endeavor provided programming support and connections to investors, without whom this would have been impossible. Innovate Alabama provided the grant funding that allowed EDPA to commit to organizing this first Investor Connector event.

Several sponsors gave generously to make this event possible, including Protective, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Harmony Venture Labs, Jemison Investment Co., Inc., Jim Kennemer and Timberline Holdings. Food and beverage offerings were provided by Tasty Town, BLUEROOT, Redmont Vodka/Vulcan Gin and Good People Brewing Company. Their support reflects a shared vision for a prosperous future for Alabama and its entrepreneurs.

The success of the inaugural Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Investor Connector underscores the potential for future collaboration, investment and growth within Alabama’s thriving business ecosystem.

For more information about the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and future events, please visit www.edpa.org.

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About EDPA

EDPA is a private, nonprofit organization, supported by more than 60 Corporate Partners. EDPA is governed by a board of directors, comprised of the state’s top business leaders, committed to the economic growth of Alabama. It supports economic development research, workforce development, talent retention and attraction, innovation and entrepreneurship, policy, lead generation and emerging businesses and community development initiatives. EDPA is the private sector’s means for contributing to Alabama’s economic development success. Its unique structure allows it to work closely with state, regional, corporate and local organizations. In addition, it helps innovative startups and entrepreneurs Start, Stay and Grow in Alabama through Alabama Launchpad, which is a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama Foundation. Other programming includes ALEX: The Alabama Experience and FuelAL.

Media Contact: Audrey Ferguson

Phone: 812.760.1343

Email: aferguson@edpa.org