STARTUP FINALISTS
Brandwood Global, Inc.
Stephanie Weier & Todd Bulgarino
Brandwood Global, Inc. is the company behind Brandingo, a proprietary technology that uses a “silent audio QR watermark” to transform how brands engage with consumers across broadcast, digital, and connected TV. The platform enables advertisers and media to deliver personalized, direct offers to fans—quietly and seamlessly—through SDK integrations with client apps.
After early demos with partners like LA Fashion Week, Porsche, and Guitar Center, the company relaunched in Tennessee following the pandemic and industry setbacks. Now part of the Project FinTech Accelerator at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Brandwood is preparing to bring Brandingo to market at scale, positioning itself at the forefront of interactive media and consumer micro-marketing.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Completed successful pilots with LA Fashion Week, Porsche, and Hollywood Music Awards
- Raised $650K to launch SaaS system and reached beta with early revenue
- Recognized with a Red Herring Award for the Brandwood Marketplace SaaS platform
- Accepted into the Project FinTech Accelerator at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center
- Raised $500K toward a $1M SAFE round to support the August 2025 Brandingo launch with YouTube influencers
GIGGS
Nikki Sanz
Giggs is redefining how the live event industry hires, finally giving the behind-the-scenes workforce the professional home they deserve. In a sector powered by freelancers and crew but plagued by group texts and spreadsheets, Giggs offers the first dedicated career platform for lighting designers, tour managers, AV techs, merch sellers, and more.
Employers including Live Nation, AEG, Warner Music Group, and PRG use Giggs to post vetted jobs, search a curated database of professionals, and streamline hiring. For crew, Giggs provides a platform to showcase experience, apply to private listings, and connect with a growing community. By modernizing hiring in live events, Giggs is building the infrastructure, visibility, and dignity that the industry’s workforce has long deserved.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Scaled to 30,000+ vetted professionals, 1,500+ employers, and 1,000+ jobs filled through the platform
- Grew to $200K annual recurring revenue in under a year of monetization
- Raised $712K from angels and LaunchTN, bringing total funding to $1.2M
- Launched the Giggs Directory and secured sponsorships generating consistent five-figure monthly ad revenue
- Reached millions through viral content and expanded brand presence with The Giggs Podcast
Nashville Adventures
Paul Whitten
Nashville Adventures is a veteran- and locally-owned tour company dedicated to delivering unforgettable experiences that showcase the city’s history, culture, and landmarks. Founded by Paul Whitten after his military service, the company grew from his passion for storytelling and community into one of Nashville’s top-rated tour operators.
Offering history tours, ghost tours, pub crawls, private events, and corporate experiences, Nashville Adventures has built a reputation for high-quality, personalized tours that go beyond the script. With 1% of all revenue donated to veteran-focused charities and active participation in local volunteer initiatives, the company is as committed to giving back as it is to entertaining guests.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Achieved 1,200% growth in tour bookings year-over-year through targeted marketing and word-of-mouth momentum
- Expanded annual revenue to $600K with 50% profit margins, including significant growth in corporate events
- Recognized as General Manager of the Year and Nashville Hitmaker of the Year (2025) by the Greater Nashville Hospitality Association and Visit Music City
- Earned over 500 five-star reviews across Google, TripAdvisor, and Viator, ranking among the highest-rated tour companies in the city
- Launched an e-commerce line of Nashville-themed merchandise, creating a new revenue stream beyond in-person tours
GROWTH FINALISTS
Bandwagon Music & Repair
Linden Lantz & Jennifer Lantz
Bandwagon Music & Repair is a full-service music store in Nashville specializing in wind instruments, repair, rentals, and private lessons. Founded in 2016 by former music educators Linden and Jennifer Lantz, the company was built on a mission to make high-quality musical experiences accessible to every player—from a student’s first note to a professional’s career.
With a focus on education-first service, Bandwagon helps musicians and families understand their purchases and repairs, building confidence and trust at every step. Today, the store serves school programs, professional musicians, and the broader Nashville community through four key areas: retail, repair, rentals, and lessons. Recognized multiple times as a NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide, Bandwagon continues to grow by keeping relationships and craftsmanship at the center of everything it does.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Served more than 90 middle and high schools across Middle Tennessee
- Sustained 28% year-over-year growth since opening in 2016
- Expanded team from 4 to 26 employees since 2021
- Named a NAMM Top 100 Dealer five times, recognized among the best music stores globally
- Partnered with local educators & nonprofits to support student musicians with affordable rentals & reliable repairs
CmdShft
Jarrod Cooper & Ryan Findley
CmdShft is an invite-only boutique music distribution, technology, and label services company built to give artists and labels true independence. Founded by Jarrod Cooper and Ryan Findley, the company was created as an artist-friendly alternative to the restrictive deals common in the major label system. With no long-term contracts and a commitment to transparency, CmdShft offers global distribution alongside services in publishing, sync, merchandise, and more.
At the core of its model is proprietary technology designed to cut time and costs in music delivery, content management, and analytics—tools that allow independent creators to run their businesses effectively and efficiently. By combining artist-first values with scalable tech, CmdShft is reshaping the standard for what music distribution can be.
RECENT MILESTONES
- On track for best year yet in 2025, with projected revenue growth of 25% over 2024
- Reduced costs and increased efficiency by integrating AI into proprietary music delivery and content systems
- Expanded services to include publishing administration, sync placement, and merchandise manufacturing/distribution
- Grew the team with strategic hires and launched an in-house mentorship program for future music industry executives
- Continued philanthropic work with FAM (Family Alliance in Music), CMA Foundation Teachers of Excellence, Second Harvest’s Meet Music Row, and Juneteenth615
mtheory
Cameo Carlson, Nat Pastor, JT Myers, & Jon McMillan
mtheory is a manager and artist services company providing customized support in marketing, finance, and strategy. With offices in Nashville, New York, Los Angeles, and New Orleans, the team partners with managers and artists to deliver the resources and tools needed to build sustainable, independent careers.
Founded with an artist-first approach, mtheory has become a leader in data-driven strategy, artist development, and equitable change in country and Americana music. With a majority-women staff and programs like the Equal Access Development initiative, the company is reshaping what success looks like in today’s music industry—empowering artists and managers to thrive on their own terms.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Achieved double-digit year-over-year revenue growth, closing FY2024 with record profits
- Maintained a client retention rate of over 90%
- Supported 22 artist managers and more than 60 artists worldwide through marketing and strategy services
- Drove global breakthroughs with chart success from artists including Djo, Tyler Childers, Jelly Roll, and Snipe Hunter
- Graduated the 4th Equal Access cohort, supporting underrepresented artists and managers in country music
To see other 2025 finalists, visit our NEXT Awards page or browse news.
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