For the second time in the program’s history, Launch Greensboro’s semi-annual Demo Day ended in a tie, with two local startups in very different industries taking home the top prize.
Smarter Risk, founded by John Morlan, and GreensboroBLACK, founded by Jackie White, were both awarded guaranteed spots in the 2024 Capital Connects, Launch Greensboro’s annual pitch competition.
An insurance software platform, Smarter Risk automates the assessment, reporting and development of risk control and safety programs. The platform is designed for small and mid-sized businesses to get better insurance rates.
GreensboroBLACK is an advertising firm that connects customers to local Black-owned businesses through its website. White has been managing partner for African Art & More in Greensboro for the last 21 years. She received a bachelor's degree from Guilford College and an MBA from High Point University.
Twelve companies from Launch Greensboro’s 14-week accelerator program, LaunchLab Growth, presented 4-minute pitches on Monday. The pitches, marking the culmination of the accelerator program, were assessed by a panel of local judges. The startups also tabled following their presentations for the judges and attendees to learn more about their businesses.
The other startups that presented included:
- Beadee Beads by Amma, which creates handmade jewelry;
- CUSTOMish, which uses modern manufacturing methods to make unique accessories for vehicles;
- Edgar Gallegos Construction, a local residential construction company;
- Find Your Flow Fitness & Wellness, a studio in downtown Greensboro that offers fitness classes, guided meditations and other wellness workshops;
- My Brother’s Cookies, a small-batch baker that uses organic, fair-trade or non-GMO ingredients and that ships nationally;
- Riot Golf, which offers golf accessories, including pop-on kilties, for women;
- Square of Truth, which provides self-defense training and other health and wellness resources;
- Takeoff Total Branding, a creative advertisement agency that focuses on marketability and consistency in branding for startups and nonprofits;
- TFKongo Grill, a Congolese and African restaurant and catering company located in The City Kitch that offers a new walk-in menu every Saturday;
- Ultra Brite, a residential and commercial cleaning company with a focus on deep cleaning.
