Growth Entrepreneur of the Year
Kaitlin Feriante has been recognized as the Growth Entrepreneur of 2024. As the founder of Redwood Literacy, Kailtlin has brought top-tier literacy interventions to classrooms that serve students in the bottom 20% of standardized test scores. Her vision and leadership have propelled the company to incredible heights, expanding to four different entities in just six years. Kaitlin’s expertise has been instrumental in launching the new Roberts Academy and Dyslexia Center at Vanderbilt University.
Startup Entrepreneur of the Year
Woody Baum, founder and CEO of Local Infusion, has been awarded Startup Entrepreneur of 2024. His company offers specialized infusion therapy for chronic autoimmune disease patients at affordable, nearby centers. Under Woody’s leadership, Local Infusion has rapidly grown, raising over $14 million and achieving a $40 million run rate in less than 18 months. Based in Middle Tennessee, he aims to create a local talent hub to support and fund future startups and currently mentors early-stage entrepreneurs.
Startup Winners (Companies 5 years or less in business)
MUSIC, SPORTS, GAMEING AND ENTERTAINMENT:
Absolutely Ridiculous, a creative endeavor envisioned by award-winning artist X, reimagines sporting goods as functional art. The inaugural concept has become a cornerstone in breaking the mold of traditional sporting goods.
FINANCIAL SERVICES:
Winner of Financial Services Startup is InRev, an organization focused on surety bonds, leveraging proprietary tech, data and AI to make underwriting simple, fast, and smart. The company’s streamlined approach has garnered significant attention across various industries from cryptocurrency to renewable energy, with a significant need in construction.
HEALTHCARE:
Local Infusion, led by Woody Baum, is transforming chronic care by providing fast and affordable infusion therapy to manage autoimmune diseases. In less than 18 months, the company has achieved an impressive $40 million run rate.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
HeroWear, led by Mark Harris, provides exosuit solutions designed to reduce injury and are utilized by thousands of workers at some of the largest companies globally. They address the leading cause of on-the-job injuries in the USA: overuse and strain.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION:
Urban Campus and Core, founded by Jennifer Horne, is a real estate development and advisory firm dedicated to collaborative development to optimize underutilized assets while driving equitable economic growth.
HOSPITALITY AND RETAIL:
Killjoy, founded by Stephanie Styll, is a dedicated alcohol-free beverage shop that offers a wide variety of options for those who want to keep the joy of socializing without the hangover while making alcohol-free more accessible.
Growth Winners (Companies more than 5 years in business)
MUSIC, SPORTS, GAMEING, AND ENTERTAINMENT:
The award for Growth in Music, Sports, Gaming and Entertainment goes to Single, a direct-to-fan Shopify application, empowers artists to sell digital content such as music, video, and memberships while capturing vital fan data.
FINANCIAL SERVICES:
Celero Commerce, led by Kevin Jones, offers bundled FinTech solutions, including electronic payments, business management software, and data services. Celero Commerce was recently recognized as the fastest-growing financial services company in TN (INC 500).
HEALTHCARE:
Thalamus, a cloud-based interview management platform designed specifically for application to Graduate Medical Education (GME) training programs. The platform is currently used by over 800 academic institutions and health systems.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES:
The award for Growth in the Products and Services category is Redwood Literacy, an organization that helps students dramatically improve their literacy skills, regardless of socio-economic background or learning differences.
REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION:
Winner of Growth in Real Estate and Construction is Grade A Construction, named by the Nashville Business Journal as one of the fastest-growing companies in Middle TN. Over the last two years, Grade A has grown in revenue by 46%.
HOSPITALITY AND RETAIL:
The Nashville Black Market, founded by Carlos Partee, empowers Black businesses and entrepreneurs by providing a platform to showcase their products and services. The market hosts family-friendly events that bring together culture, commerce, and entertainment.
Thank You Sponsors
HERO
CHAMPION
INNOVATION PARTNER
MEDIA
SAGE
PATHFINDERS
GUIDES
MENTORS
