Ryan Kennedy, co-founder and CEO of Atom Power, is pictured in the company's office in Huntersville.
Melissa Key/CBJ
Editor's note: This profile is part of Charlotte Inno's special report on The Fire Awards, a celebration of the region's leaders in innovation. Winners in each of six categories were revealed during a Feb. 15 awards event. Atom Power is the Energy category winner.
Atom Power, co-founded by Ryan Kennedy in 2014, is a networked energy company that aims to support and amplify the electrification of everything, starting with electric-vehicle charging. The Huntersville-based company raised a $111.2 million funding round in August 2022 from SK Inc. and SK Energy to expand. Last year, it was awarded incentives by Mecklenburg County for its plans to invest $4.2 million and add 205 jobs by 2026.
What is Atom Power’s perspective of Charlotte’s startup ecosystem? Charlotte is a growing clean-energy and technology hub. As a Charlotte native, I’m proud that Atom Power is a part of the city’s innovative startup ecosystem. We’re in good company with other emerging leaders, as well as long-standing companies who are setting new standards for corporate sustainability.
The city of Charlotte has laid the groundwork for companies like ours to thrive with its Strategic Energy Action Plan, which includes a communitywide goal for Charlotte to become a low-carbon city by 2050.
How would Atom Power describe its biggest success in 2023? This year, we expanded our charging footprint across the country and even internationally. In March 2023, we completed our first international installation at two SK Inc. facilities in Seoul, South Korea. We also partnered with L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district that hosts the Oscars, to install 48 Atom electric-vehicle charging ports on their campus. This partnership more than tripled the number of EV chargers available at L.A. LIVE and set a new standard for EV charging across the industry.
Locally, we teamed up with Mecklenburg Paint Co., a local, woman-owned commercial paint contractor, to help transition their fleet to EVs. We partnered with Frito-Lay to help establish the company’s first 100% electric fleet at their Charlotte distribution site, with additional projects slated at other sites this year.
How is the company planning to grow in 2024? I co-founded Atom Power 10 years ago with the vision to create a unified platform for superior protection, visibility and control of electricity at the point of consumption. That vision remains our company’s driving force. The patented Atom Switch digital solid-state circuit breaker that we created and evolved over the years is the focal point of Atom Power’s innovation and has made a significant impact on the EV charging landscape.
We’re looking forward to working with more government agencies as they electrify their fleets and deploy public charging. Our goal is to help businesses thrive with cost-effective EV fleets, empower companies to provide reliable charging for employees, and enable apartments and entertainment venues to offer EV charging as an amenity.
The Fire Awards: Celebrating Charlotte's leaders in innovation
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The Fire Awards program is Charlotte Inno’s celebration of the best of the region’s startup and technology community. Here's a look at the 2024 winners and finalists.
Charlotte Business Journal
Social Venture Partners Charlotte is a collaborative nonprofit focused on investing financial, social and human capital into the nonprofit sector. The organization has been supporting grassroots nonprofits since 2005. SVP Charlotte is fueled by community-minded individuals and companies who share business acumen, professional networks and technical expertise to strengthen nonprofits working on social and economic inequality. Over its history, SVP Charlotte has invested nearly $2 million in grants.
SEED20 is a program that provides coaching to a selected group of ten innovative nonprofits on how to deliver a compelling, three-minute pitch to an audience of community members. This night of pitch presentations, called SEED20 OnStage, is like a cross between “Shark Tank” and “American Idol.” Nonprofit leaders learn to tell their story in a concise and compelling way to expand their support.
SEED20 is a program that provides coaching to a selected group of ten innovative nonprofits on how to deliver a compelling, three-minute pitch to an audience of community members. This night of pitch presentations, called SEED20 OnStage, is like a cross between “Shark Tank” and “American Idol.” Nonprofit leaders learn to tell their story in a concise and compelling way to expand their support.
Charlotte Business Journal
Apparo is a Charlotte-based nonprofit that helps other nonprofits optimize their business processes and use of technology. In the past year, Apparo collaborated with 200-plus corporations to elevate the mission and effectiveness of more than 300 nonprofits, delivering an estimated $4.4 million in value. This was a 29% increase over the previous year. Apparo organized 153 corporate volunteers – many with IT expertise – to deliver more than 2,000 hours of pro bono consulting to 57 nonprofits to solve technology issues.
This year, the organization will deliver a total of $520,000 in value of hardware as well as $5,000 technology grants to each nonprofit along with technology education and consulting support services.
In addition, Apparo has broadened its reach through new cohort partnerships with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Lending Tree. These partnerships build on a collaboration already in place with Lowe’s Cos. Inc.
This year, the organization will deliver a total of $520,000 in value of hardware as well as $5,000 technology grants to each nonprofit along with technology education and consulting support services.
In addition, Apparo has broadened its reach through new cohort partnerships with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Lending Tree. These partnerships build on a collaboration already in place with Lowe’s Cos. Inc.
Charlotte Business Journal
Civility Localized is a community engagement consulting firm founded in 2018. The firm created the Public Sector Pay Day training program, a trademarked product that guides small, minority-owned businesses toward becoming certified and winning government contracts. The program is currently being licensed by Central Piedmont Community College’s Small Business Center through the $100 million Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund. Founder Christine Edwards is the instructor.
The program has completed its sixth cohort, which accounts for over 100 Charlotte-based businesses becoming certified as a Historically Underutilized Businesses, or HUB. For its efforts, Civility Localized was awarded the Minority Business Enterprise of the Year by the city and county government.
Civility Localized doubled in size in the past year and counts among its clients some of the largest urban communities in the state, including the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, city of Asheville and the city of Rocky Mount. Work has resulted in groundbreaking solutions such as a $5.1 million reparations-style program in Asheville, which was featured in Fast Company magazine’s World Changing Ideas Awards Issue.
The program has completed its sixth cohort, which accounts for over 100 Charlotte-based businesses becoming certified as a Historically Underutilized Businesses, or HUB. For its efforts, Civility Localized was awarded the Minority Business Enterprise of the Year by the city and county government.
Civility Localized doubled in size in the past year and counts among its clients some of the largest urban communities in the state, including the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, city of Asheville and the city of Rocky Mount. Work has resulted in groundbreaking solutions such as a $5.1 million reparations-style program in Asheville, which was featured in Fast Company magazine’s World Changing Ideas Awards Issue.
Charlotte Business Journal
The Dottie Rose Foundation provides girls with skills and knowledge to succeed in the fast-changing tech industry. The mission is to eliminate the gender gap that exists in computer science by overcoming stereotypes about girls’ abilities in STEM fields and introducing them to female role models in the tech industry. A full 95% of Dottie Rose volunteers are women and 76% represent minority groups, which provides girls with authentic insights and networking opportunities.
In the past year, the foundation brought its Binary Bling lessons and kits to 700 girls locally and regionally. The foundation worked with 10 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and over 75 volunteers. In the classes, girls learn how to write binary code, the base language of the computer. In 2023, the foundation secured three large grants to expand programming, including a second hub in Greenville, South Carolina.
This year, the foundation will share its programs across the U.S. and internationally, connecting girls and computer science across the world.
In the past year, the foundation brought its Binary Bling lessons and kits to 700 girls locally and regionally. The foundation worked with 10 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and over 75 volunteers. In the classes, girls learn how to write binary code, the base language of the computer. In 2023, the foundation secured three large grants to expand programming, including a second hub in Greenville, South Carolina.
This year, the foundation will share its programs across the U.S. and internationally, connecting girls and computer science across the world.
Charlotte Business Journal
Home furnishings retailer Ikea Charlotte demonstrated how a global retailer can make a difference locally. The store initiated a zero-landfill initiative with in-store waste. A sorting area for recycling was created. Raw materials from the waste stream, including paper, plastic, glass and ceramics, were donated to UNC Charlotte’s Arts and Architecture School and to local, woman-owned Upcycle Arts. Thousands of pounds of materials have been diverted from landfills and redirected to education and economic development.
With the success of the Charlotte store’s efforts, Ikea added a sustainability specialist role in the United States to lead corporate sustainability. The local store partnered with UNC Charlotte to support community gardens for the food insecure. Ikea Charlotte is collecting plastic bags, which will be diverted from the landfill and molded to create public benches.
Ikea Charlotte was recognized this year as the No. 1 Ikea store in the country, chosen not just for its community impact but for employee engagement and sales.
With the success of the Charlotte store’s efforts, Ikea added a sustainability specialist role in the United States to lead corporate sustainability. The local store partnered with UNC Charlotte to support community gardens for the food insecure. Ikea Charlotte is collecting plastic bags, which will be diverted from the landfill and molded to create public benches.
Ikea Charlotte was recognized this year as the No. 1 Ikea store in the country, chosen not just for its community impact but for employee engagement and sales.
Charlotte Business Journal
Mecklenburg County government continued to build upon its successful MeckPathways summer internship program in 2023. In its second year, the program saw a 63% increase in participants to 70 high-school juniors and seniors. The program offers an eight-week internship where students are paid $15 per hour to work 20 to 40 hours a week in county government. The students gain work experience in the daily operations of 22 different county departments, from public health to parks and recreation to information technology.
MeckPathways builds a talent pipeline for the county to fill future positions. Particular emphasis is placed on selecting interns from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Title 1 schools, which serve low-income students. The program won state and national awards for county excellence.
In 2024, MeckPathways will expand to include students from local colleges and universities.
MeckPathways builds a talent pipeline for the county to fill future positions. Particular emphasis is placed on selecting interns from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Title 1 schools, which serve low-income students. The program won state and national awards for county excellence.
In 2024, MeckPathways will expand to include students from local colleges and universities.
Charlotte Business Journal
Atom Power is a company on a mission to power the intelligent electrification of everything, starting with best-in-class electric-vehicle charging infrastructure. In 2022, Atom Power closed a $100 million growth round from SK Inc. and SK Energy, leading global investors in transformative energy technologies. This investment allowed Atom Power to expand the reach of its EV charging solution, which provides the highest levels of reliability, scalability, security and affordability available in the market. The funding fueled partnerships with Geotab and Carolina Cat Power System and allowed Atom Power to deploy EV charging installations across the U.S. as well as in Seoul, South Korea.
In May 2023, Atom Power announced the expansion of its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Mecklenburg County, resulting in over 200 new jobs. The company was one of two selected by the city of Charlotte to provide EV chargers for its own vehicles and the public.
In May 2023, Atom Power announced the expansion of its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Mecklenburg County, resulting in over 200 new jobs. The company was one of two selected by the city of Charlotte to provide EV chargers for its own vehicles and the public.
Charlotte Business Journal
Margik is the world’s first fully recyclable, flexible organic light emitting diode provider. The Charlotte startup delivers OLEDs based on novel, sustainable materials. Where traditional LEDs use scarce and toxic materials, Margik’s OLEDs are not harmful to humans or the environment. Margik’s OLEDs decrease power consumption by 23% and reduce greenhouse emissions by 66%. And where many LEDs are not recycled, OLEDs are fully recyclable.
Margik is a woman-owned startup. In 2023, the company raised $1.24 million in government funding and $100,000 from a private investor. The company began sales of its first products in 2023, selling to an electric motorcycle company and a packaging company.
Margik is a woman-owned startup. In 2023, the company raised $1.24 million in government funding and $100,000 from a private investor. The company began sales of its first products in 2023, selling to an electric motorcycle company and a packaging company.
Charlotte Business Journal
Passport is a leading mobility software and payments company that works with cities, towns, universities and agencies to revolutionize the parking industry, providing expanded payment options and streamlined enforcement processes. Cities such as Austin, Buffalo, Atlanta and New Orleans participated in innovations in 2023 that allow motorists to pay for on-street parking via text and for law enforcement to manage towing and citations. Cities can also use Passport tools to compare their parking operations with peer cities.
Members of Passport’s talent acquisition team volunteered to distribute 20,000 laptop computers across Charlotte to households that lack home broadband. The team also hosted STEAM activities for Digi-Bridge, a nonprofit providing resources to kids to be equipped for learning.
Members of Passport’s talent acquisition team volunteered to distribute 20,000 laptop computers across Charlotte to households that lack home broadband. The team also hosted STEAM activities for Digi-Bridge, a nonprofit providing resources to kids to be equipped for learning.
Charlotte Business Journal
LenDRgroup Consulting connects health-care professionals with financing and other services for private practice. The company was founded in 2019 and has roughly 500 lenders on its platform to provide finance and business consulting services to independent dentists, physicians and veterinarians. LenDRgroup is expanding nationally with LendEsy, which will extend to professionals from all industries, providing access to specialized financial services.
LenDRgroup grew funding volume to $250 million in 2023, an increase from $120 million the year before.
The company is a minority-owned partner establishment, contributing to inclusivity within the business landscape and for professionals from marginalized backgrounds to access resources needed for their success.
LenDRgroup grew funding volume to $250 million in 2023, an increase from $120 million the year before.
The company is a minority-owned partner establishment, contributing to inclusivity within the business landscape and for professionals from marginalized backgrounds to access resources needed for their success.
Charlotte Business Journal
QC Capital is real estate company investing in multifamily projects. The firm acquires large multifamily assets and partners with accredited investors. QC Capital, which locates deals in target markets and underwrites assets, was founded in 2019 and has a successful track record of acquisitions and dispositions of multifamily properties across the Sun Belt. So far, QC Capital has assets in six Southern states with more than 550 investors and has raised more than $35 million.
Next, QC Capital is raising funds to invest in the automatic car-wash industry with plans to develop new facilities in the Charlotte area. Founder Chris Salerno started out as a real estate broker for single-family real estate.
Next, QC Capital is raising funds to invest in the automatic car-wash industry with plans to develop new facilities in the Charlotte area. Founder Chris Salerno started out as a real estate broker for single-family real estate.
Charlotte Business Journal
Thirty Capital is a vertically integrated, midmarket, commercial real estate advisory and investment firm. The company has over two decades of expertise at the intersection of real estate, capital markets and technology, pioneering customer-centric software and data solutions within commercial real estate. Founder and CEO Rob Finlay wrote a best-selling book called “Beyond the Building” that serves as a guide to innovation in real estate. He teaches operators how to think like technology companies.
Thirty Capital has launched a number of data-driven initiatives to improve real estate operations. Lobby CRE, a Thirty Capital company, introduced the I/E IQ Benchmark in 2022. It’s a nationwide, real-time property benchmark that digitally transforms a manual process, creating a detailed data set. Another product, the Debt Management Platform, enables clients to optimize and manage their debt, including loan data inputs, forward rate curves and exit cost projections. A 2023 State of Multifamily Operating Performance Chartbook provides information to project performance and budgets.
Thirty Capital has launched a number of data-driven initiatives to improve real estate operations. Lobby CRE, a Thirty Capital company, introduced the I/E IQ Benchmark in 2022. It’s a nationwide, real-time property benchmark that digitally transforms a manual process, creating a detailed data set. Another product, the Debt Management Platform, enables clients to optimize and manage their debt, including loan data inputs, forward rate curves and exit cost projections. A 2023 State of Multifamily Operating Performance Chartbook provides information to project performance and budgets.
Charlotte Business Journal
PINC AI is the data, analytics and research division of Premier Inc., a health-care improvement company based in Charlotte. Premier has more than 20 years of cost, quality and operational data gleaned from 45% of U.S. hospital discharges, 2.7 billion hospital outpatient and clinic encounters and 177 million physician office visits. This data powers the PINC AI platform for actionable intelligence to help improve outcomes, support improved financial performance and enable alternative payment models.
In the last year, PINC AI Applied Sciences had enabled advancements in oncology research for lung cancer and advanced health equity by including underrepresented groups in data analysis who are often not part of clinical trials.
In addition, PINC AI Applied Sciences created the Healthcare Innovators Collaborative, which brings health systems and life sciences organizations together to advance health equity.
In the last year, PINC AI Applied Sciences had enabled advancements in oncology research for lung cancer and advanced health equity by including underrepresented groups in data analysis who are often not part of clinical trials.
In addition, PINC AI Applied Sciences created the Healthcare Innovators Collaborative, which brings health systems and life sciences organizations together to advance health equity.
Charlotte Business Journal
Amissa Health collects real-world, patient-generated health data to discover digital biomarkers for early detection, prediction and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The company builds assistive, wearable technology to enhance safety and well-being for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
Research shows dementia may be slowed or prevented by modifying behaviors such as sleep, exercise, socialization and diet. Amissa quantifies the results to help prevent disease. Amissa Health’s team grew by 33% in 2023 and intends to double in 2024.
Research shows dementia may be slowed or prevented by modifying behaviors such as sleep, exercise, socialization and diet. Amissa quantifies the results to help prevent disease. Amissa Health’s team grew by 33% in 2023 and intends to double in 2024.
Charlotte Business Journal
Audibel Hearing Center is a family-owned and -operated company run by Charlotte natives Daniel and Makenzie Pearce. The business opened in 2011 in south Charlotte and provides hearing-aid technologies to patients, along with hearing exams and hearing-aid fittings. During the Covid pandemic, the Pearces were able to provide in-home hearing care to area senior-living communities. Offering on-site services enabled the business to grow while maintaining the level of care quality.
Audibel has grown by 100% in the last two years. Direct marketing and new business ideas have enabled the growth.
Audibel has grown by 100% in the last two years. Direct marketing and new business ideas have enabled the growth.
Charlotte Business Journal
RXO provides managed transportation and last-mile logistics. The publicly traded company spun off from Charlotte-based XPO Inc. in 2022 with 7,400 employees. At launch, RXO was already the United States’ fourth-largest full-truckload broker with more than 250 of the Fortune 500 companies as clients. RXO has brought technology to freight forwarding, last-mile delivery, managed transportation and warehousing.
The company’s mobile app for truck drivers and carriers surpassed 1 million downloads in March. The app helps drivers find freight, negotiate rates, plan routes and book loads, allowing them to pick the routes that work best for their schedules and eliminate empty miles for which they do not get paid. The company’s shipper-focused app connects 10,000 customers to a network of more than 100,000 carriers, making it easy for customers to find reliable truck drivers to handle their shipments efficiently.
In 2023, RXO opened a cross-border facility in Laredo, Texas, a key location for transporting goods to and from Mexico. A new, 127,000-square-foot location saves customers time and money.
The company’s mobile app for truck drivers and carriers surpassed 1 million downloads in March. The app helps drivers find freight, negotiate rates, plan routes and book loads, allowing them to pick the routes that work best for their schedules and eliminate empty miles for which they do not get paid. The company’s shipper-focused app connects 10,000 customers to a network of more than 100,000 carriers, making it easy for customers to find reliable truck drivers to handle their shipments efficiently.
In 2023, RXO opened a cross-border facility in Laredo, Texas, a key location for transporting goods to and from Mexico. A new, 127,000-square-foot location saves customers time and money.
Charlotte Business Journal
Creative Talent Endeavors is an executive search firm that introduces clients to talent for specialized, high-level positions. The firm’s advisory services extend beyond conventional consulting to offer solutions ranging from leadership development to functional overhauls. In 2023, Creative Talent Endeavors introduced Fairantee, an AI-powered pricing tool that disrupts the traditional fee structure of placement by using data-driven factors to create a fair and transparent pricing model. The approach has the potential to transform the way search firms interact with clients by tying cost directly to value.
In 2023, Creative Talent Endeavors made the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year and placed fourth in Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50. The company is a Black-owned startup serving multiple industries.
In 2023, Creative Talent Endeavors made the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year and placed fourth in Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50. The company is a Black-owned startup serving multiple industries.
Charlotte Business Journal
Designbar is a commercial interior design firm founded in 2009 by Monika Nessbach. The firm focuses on elevating the client experience by bringing spaces to life and telling a company’s story. Designbar has three client focuses: multifamily and hotels, hospitality, and corporate offices. Nessbach is an active participant in industry events, working to absorb and shape new trends in the commercial design. That involvement allows Designbar to refine its craft and offer clients more than just design solutions but a vision for their space.
Recent assignments include Continental Tire’s headquarters and Dilworth Tasting Room. Designbar endeavors to go beyond typical design processes to create expressive interiors that share the clients’ stories.
Recent assignments include Continental Tire’s headquarters and Dilworth Tasting Room. Designbar endeavors to go beyond typical design processes to create expressive interiors that share the clients’ stories.
Charlotte Business Journal
FiltersFast.com is an online retailer providing filters for refrigerators and pools as well as air filters. The company has experienced exponential growth of its Home Filter Club, a subscription service that has more than 110,000 subscribers. FiltersFast introduced innovative products like the Airfree Babyair, which provides safety features such a soothing night light and maintenance-free design. For health-conscious families, the Pentair Freshpoint GRO-575B offers a five-stage reverse osmosis system that ensures the removal of contaminants.
FiltersFast recently implemented a third-party software solution aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the efficiency of purchase order submissions, translating to improved workflows. FiltersFast’s E-Comm initiative positioned the company as a leading e-commerce entity. The company grew its headcount by 18% in 2023 as it scales operations and serves customers worldwide.
FiltersFast recently implemented a third-party software solution aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing the efficiency of purchase order submissions, translating to improved workflows. FiltersFast’s E-Comm initiative positioned the company as a leading e-commerce entity. The company grew its headcount by 18% in 2023 as it scales operations and serves customers worldwide.
Charlotte Business Journal
PetScreening serves the rental housing industry by allowing operators to offer pet-inclusive environments, effectively track pet populations, generate more opportunities for pet-related revenue and efficiently process reasonable accommodation requests for assistance animals. PetScreening serves more than 4.5 million apartments and rental homes. Clients include Greystar, Lincoln Property Co., Equity Residential and ZRS Management. The company estimates it has helped owners and operators capture more than $72 million in pet-related revenue that otherwise would have been lost. It has generated over 1.4 million user profiles and completed more than 500,000 assistance animal reviews.
PetScreening has launched a one-of-a-kind Amber Alert-like service for dogs (FidoAlert) and cats (TabbyAlert) and purchased a veterinarian-driven content asset, BetterPet.com. The new products have allowed PetScreening to add over 600,000 new customers into its database while also attracting over 300,000 unique visitors to its website.
To accommodate its growth, in 2023 the company moved into a new office featuring 10,000 square feet of modern, pet-friendly space.
PetScreening has launched a one-of-a-kind Amber Alert-like service for dogs (FidoAlert) and cats (TabbyAlert) and purchased a veterinarian-driven content asset, BetterPet.com. The new products have allowed PetScreening to add over 600,000 new customers into its database while also attracting over 300,000 unique visitors to its website.
To accommodate its growth, in 2023 the company moved into a new office featuring 10,000 square feet of modern, pet-friendly space.
Charlotte Business Journal
CivicEye provides cloud software to law enforcement, prosecution and court professionals to enhance daily workflows. The company began in 2007 providing management software to police departments in New York. The company has worked to digitize and democratize public data related to arrests and court involvement, changing how public safety officials share data across jurisdictions. CivicEye has deployed its software to over 95 public safety and criminal justice agencies and clients in 14 states.
The company has grown to 31 employees, doubling in the last two years. Its CEO is Khristian Gutierrez, who co-founded Passport.
CivicEye raised $12.4 million in 2022 and has expanded into new states and added staff. It rebranded in 2022, expanding from a Southeast focus to become the platform of choice, coast to coast. The company relocated its headquarters to Charlotte while maintaining a data center in Tennessee.
The company has grown to 31 employees, doubling in the last two years. Its CEO is Khristian Gutierrez, who co-founded Passport.
CivicEye raised $12.4 million in 2022 and has expanded into new states and added staff. It rebranded in 2022, expanding from a Southeast focus to become the platform of choice, coast to coast. The company relocated its headquarters to Charlotte while maintaining a data center in Tennessee.
Charlotte Business Journal
Dualboot Partners provides on-demand product design and software engineering with the agility to start small or scale fast. The company has ranked in the top 10 in the Charlotte Business Journal’s Fast 50 the last two years and earned similar honors for growth from Inc. magazine.
Dualboot Partners is the entrepreneur behind the entrepreneur. The company provides software engineering for a number of fast-growing Charlotte startups, including PetScreening, MyWorkChoice, DebtBook, and Undergrads.
In five years, the company has grown to almost 400 team members. The firm is led by partners Todd Buelow, Daniel DelaCruz and Ben Gilman.
Dualboot Partners is the entrepreneur behind the entrepreneur. The company provides software engineering for a number of fast-growing Charlotte startups, including PetScreening, MyWorkChoice, DebtBook, and Undergrads.
In five years, the company has grown to almost 400 team members. The firm is led by partners Todd Buelow, Daniel DelaCruz and Ben Gilman.
Charlotte Business Journal
Kingsmen Software builds custom software to solve business problems. The firm has been a frontrunner in the field of generative AI. Clients include tech firms such as Passport and AvidXchange as well as leading financial services provides like Bank of America, Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank.
In 2023, Kingsmen Software opened a brand-new, custom-designed office in Camp North End as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. The firm closed out the year by hosting Charlotte’s first AI Expo, growing more deeply involved with the city’s entrepreneurial community.
Kingsmen’s new office is hub of creativity and collaboration, featuring a large gathering space, a commanding, 16-foot jumbotron for dynamic presentations, a state-of-the-art podcast studio and a pub for discussions and networking. Over the past year, it has become a prominent venue for hosting groups and events, developing into one of the city’s marquee spaces for the exchange of ideas, particularly within the tech and startup sectors.
In 2023, Kingsmen Software opened a brand-new, custom-designed office in Camp North End as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. The firm closed out the year by hosting Charlotte’s first AI Expo, growing more deeply involved with the city’s entrepreneurial community.
Kingsmen’s new office is hub of creativity and collaboration, featuring a large gathering space, a commanding, 16-foot jumbotron for dynamic presentations, a state-of-the-art podcast studio and a pub for discussions and networking. Over the past year, it has become a prominent venue for hosting groups and events, developing into one of the city’s marquee spaces for the exchange of ideas, particularly within the tech and startup sectors.
Charlotte Business Journal
Leantime is an open-source project management system for non-project managers. The software simplifies project management and uses behavioral science and AI to boost dopamine and motivation. The software is built for the diffaerent ways brains process the world, including those with ADHD and neurodivergence.
Leantime launched its cloud SaaS offering in December 2022 with 4,000 installations tracked in the open-source space. A year later, the company had over 24,300 installations across open source and SaaS platforms.
In 2023, Leantime signed its first enterprise customer, a large bank wanting to roll out the system to 5,000 employees. Leantime received an NC IDEA micro-grant and was selected as one of 20 companies for the AWS Impact Accelerator’s Latino founders cohort.
Leantime launched its cloud SaaS offering in December 2022 with 4,000 installations tracked in the open-source space. A year later, the company had over 24,300 installations across open source and SaaS platforms.
In 2023, Leantime signed its first enterprise customer, a large bank wanting to roll out the system to 5,000 employees. Leantime received an NC IDEA micro-grant and was selected as one of 20 companies for the AWS Impact Accelerator’s Latino founders cohort.
Charlotte Business Journal
