STARTUP FINALISTS
A ROZE AFFAIR LLC
Joshua Maldonado & Jian Maldonado
A ROZE AFFAIR is a strategic events agency specializing in integrated communications, project management, and event production. Founded by Joshua and Jian Maldonado in 2020, the company was created to solve a common problem for brands: the internal strain and inefficiencies that come from under-resourced large-scale initiatives.
By offering a cohesive, end-to-end solution, A ROZE AFFAIR empowers clients to achieve more than just flawless events—it delivers stronger brand engagement, operational efficiency, and measurable ROI. From global activations to thought-leadership summits, the agency has built a reputation for agility, creativity, and results, helping some of the world’s leading beauty and lifestyle brands bring their visions to life.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Produced the inaugural Potential Has No Age Summit with SHISEIDO and ForbesWomen in New York
- Executed major brand activations across New York, Paris, Shanghai, and Tokyo in 2024
- Signed first retainer client for a yearlong contract beginning in 2025
- Evolved into a three-tiered service model of integrated communications, project management, & event production to deliver greater agility & results
- Launched summer internship program, welcoming a cohort of emerging strategists
Curated Automation LLC
Lee Cage, Christian Cage, & Kip Borgschulte
Curated Automation is a veteran-owned technology consultancy based in Nashville that helps organizations drive efficiency and transformation through smarter systems. Founded in 2023 by Workday-certified experts, the company specializes in strategy, implementation, optimization, data analytics, and custom integrations.
As a Gold Smartsheet Solution Partner and Bronze InvGate Solution Partner, Curated Automation brings deep expertise to industries including professional services, non-profits, education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Guided by the values of its veteran founders, the team focuses on aligning technology with organizational goals—empowering clients to focus on meaningful work rather than operational distractions.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Earned Gold Smartsheet Partner status in 2025 for outstanding performance in implementation and strategy
- Recognized with a Bronze Stevie Award for Best Entrepreneur – Business & Professional Services
- Founder invited to join the Forbes Technology Council as a global thought leader
- Expanded partnerships, including becoming a Silver Partner with Monday.com
- Established a growing client base across professional services, education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors
Daily Crunch
Laurel Orley
Daily Crunch was founded to bring innovation to a category that had gone unchanged for decades. Using a patented sprouting and dehydration process, the company transforms ordinary nuts into snacks that are crunchier, easier to digest, and higher in protein. With clean ingredients and simple recipes, Daily Crunch has built a loyal following among health-conscious consumers looking for snacks that are both satisfying and nutrient-dense.
Based in Nashville, Daily Crunch has grown from a local startup into a nationally recognized brand, with products now found in thousands of stores across the country. The company continues to expand its reach through retail partnerships while staying true to its mission: making better-for-you snacks that meet the needs of today’s consumers.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Ranked on the Inc. 5000 list for the second consecutive year, placing #27 among Tennessee companies
- Secured a $1M investment package from a Top 5 U.S. grocery retailer ($500K cash plus $500K in waived slotting fees)
- Expanded distribution to 7,000+ retail doors nationwide, including a national launch in Whole Foods and 1,500 new Albertsons locations this fall
- Strengthened leadership with a formal board featuring executives from Tate’s Cookies and Tom’s of Maine
- Updated nutritional labeling to reflect 11g protein per serving, reinforcing Daily Crunch’s leadership in protein-rich snacking
GROWTH FINALISTS
Acklen Avenue
Colin Callahan
Acklen Avenue is a Nashville-based software development firm that helps technology leaders and founders turn product ideas into scalable solutions. Founded in 2010, the company has grown from a two-person startup into a global team of nearly 200 employees across more than 20 countries. Acklen specializes in agile product squads and near-shore staff augmentation, serving clients in healthcare, media, fintech, and logistics. With a focus on people, process, and partnership, Acklen delivers software that gets real value into users’ hands quickly while building long-term client relationships.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Expanded to nearly 200 employees across more than 20 countries
- Strengthened leadership with the promotion of Stephanie Johnson to CEO in 2024
- Supported clients in healthcare, media, fintech, and logistics with custom software solutions
- Delivered major cost savings and compliance-critical platforms for clients like Minno and Healthcare Bluebook
- Sustained growth through dual service models: agile product squads and staff augmentation
FortyAU
Logan Buchanan & Duane Arnett
FortyAU is a Nashville-based software, data, and AI development company. Founded in 2012, the firm builds custom websites, mobile apps, data platforms, and AI-enabled solutions for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises. With additional offices in Denver; Dallas; and Asunción, Paraguay, FortyAU has grown to more than 175 employees while maintaining a model where engineers work directly with business stakeholders. Healthcare and financial services make up the majority of its client base, and the company’s name — a reference to Carl Sagan’s Pale Blue Dot — reflects its values of perspective, humility, and empathy.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Hired 35 new employees
- Added 26 new clients
- Grew revenue by 27%
- Achieved a 91% employee retention rate
- 265% YoY revenue growth in data & AI services
protasec
Joshua Harr & Jolie Grace Wareham
Founded in Nashville in 2021, protasec is a cybersecurity company focused on making robust protection accessible to small and mid-sized businesses. With over 15 years of expertise, including service as a U.S. Air Force Cyber Operations Officer and as a Senior Cybersecurity Advisor abroad, founder Joshua Harr built protasec to close the security gaps often overlooked by traditional providers. The company offers advisory services, incident response, vulnerability management, compliance, and security operations—always tailored and scalable to each client’s needs. By prioritizing partnerships over transactions, protasec strengthens both businesses and the communities they serve, ensuring that affordable, high-quality cybersecurity is within reach for all.
RECENT MILESTONES
- Tripled its client base, broadening market impact and strengthening community security
- Achieved profitability in the first year of monetization through strong revenue generation
- Collaborated on two $1M U.S. State Department proposals, expanding government contracting opportunities (decision expected September 2025)
- Became a trusted resource for startups and small businesses in Nashville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Elevated thought leadership through global collaborations, workshops, and presentations on cybersecurity, AI, and regulatory best practices
To see other 2025 finalists, visit our NEXT Awards page or browse news.
About the author
