BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 27, 2025) – Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) in partnership with Innovate Alabama, is proud to announce Homepoint as the winner of $75,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Technology (Hardware & Software) Track.
Caroline and Trey McMeans, co-founders of Homepoint, will receive $75,000 in non-dilutive funding, as well as access to follow-on mentorship and exposure to Alabama’s growing network of investors and innovation partners. Homepoint is a tech-forward real estate brokerage platform enhancing transparency and efficiency in home buying and selling.
The company was selected from a competitive group of five tech-focused finalists, which also included:
- Druid Agriculture (Huntsville, Alabama) — Building AI-enabled camera systems that transform precision agriculture and optimize farming operations.
- LUDS LLC (Vestavia Hills, Alabama) — Establishing a zero-tolerance waste level that optimizes framing efficiency within the residential home building sector, while significantly reducing the amount of dimensional lumber waste produced at job sites.
- M&S Analytics, LLC (Birmingham, Alabama) — A high-touch, personal bookkeeping software platform (Cloè) built for firms managing multiple clients. Designed to streamline data collection, bill pay and reporting, Cloé is a first mover in a rapidly growing market.
- Tag! Fundraising (Huntsville, Alabama) — Tag! Fundraising helps student-athletes raise money without selling anything. With one link, they share their story and get real support from fans, friends, and community—fueling their goals through direct donations.
Each of these companies brought innovative solutions to the table—from rapid prototyping and digital identity to AI-powered food safety and community-building technology.
“Winning Alabama Launchpad is going to help propel Homepoint to meet our 2026 goals by providing working capital to kickstart our marketing strategy,” said Caroline. “This win helps validate our company and will continue to open doors for us. Our vision is to grow Homepoint into a nationwide tech-forward real estate company that helps millions of Americans achieve their homeownership dreams.”
The finalists pitched their ventures behind closed doors to a panel of seasoned judges:
Jeremy Skinner, director of software engineering at O3 Solutions; Todd Greer, executive director of Innovation Portal; and Virginia Overstreet, founder and chief executive officer of Zeus Research & Technology.
“Judging this year’s ALP pitch competition was a privilege,” said Overstreet. “All of the companies were incredibly impressive. I can’t wait to see how each company competing – and the winners – will grow and bring innovation to Alabama.”
Cycle 2 2025 marked the second round under Alabama Launchpad’s newly restructured format, which includes three industry-specific tracks, $2,500 upfront funding for each finalist, and a 12-week mentorship program designed to better support Alabama’s most promising startups.
The Alabama Launchpad Cycle 2 Consumer Goods finalists will compete for $50,000 in non-dilutive funding on October 28, and the Life Sciences finalists will compete for $100,000 in non-dilutive funding on November 5.
For more information on Alabama Launchpad and Cycle 2 2025, please visit www.alabamalaunchpad.com.
