Alabama Launchpad’s role in HomePoint’s founder journey is a case study in timing, feedback, and disciplined iteration. Weeks after launching and days before their first scheduled pitch the team withdrew when their daughter was born, creating space to reassess and validate. Over the next year, they secured customers and revenue while deciding whether HomePoint would…
Startup competitions may capture headlines, but they rarely create lasting businesses. As Ryan Robinett explains, Launchpad’s true value lies not in checks or prizes but in helping founders build sustainable companies. Founders in Launchpad gain structure, practical skills across sales, HR, marketing, and finance, and a powerful advisor network that continues long after the pitch…
Birmingham, AL (November 3, 2025) — Alabama Founder Fest is set to take place Dec. 8 and 9, 2025, at Innovation Depot, in partnership with Innovate Alabama and Alabama Power Company. Created to amplify Alabama’s business, technology and entrepreneurial strengths, Alabama Founder Fest offers startups a valuable platform to showcase their innovations to potential investors…
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Sept. 10, 2025) — Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), in partnership with Innovate Alabama, has announced its finalists for Cycle 2 2025, featuring 11 high-potential startups competing within three industry-specific tracks. The competition will award up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to winning startups. Finalists…
In this conversation, Malcolm McDonald, the Birmingham lead for Endeavor, shares powerful insights on how high-growth startups can scale beyond early wins. With a focus on access not just funding Malcolm explains how Endeavor helps founders who are starting to hit ceilings by plugging them into a global network of mentors, investors, and peers. He…
Will Bryan is the founder and CEO of Autonoma, a simulation and digital twin company built to bridge the gap between virtual testing and real-world results in autonomous systems. What started as a personal frustration in the field of self-driving vehicles evolved into a thriving startup thanks in part to Alabama Launchpad. In this interview,…
Matt Pierce, founder and CEO of Immediate, knows firsthand that winning Alabama Launchpad isn’t just about the prize money it’s about the journey. After losing twice, he refined his approach, learned from feedback, and finally secured the win on his third attempt. His experience highlights the value of persistence, preparation, and understanding your audience. Through…
We are thrilled to announce Alabama Launchpad 2025, bringing even more exciting opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re in Technology, Life Sciences, or Consumer Goods, this year’s program is designed to help your business grow with increased funding, extended mentorship, and a bigger stage to showcase your innovations. Key Takeaways “We are really, really…
Birmingham, AL (November 18, 2024) — The inaugural Alabama Founder Fest is set to take place Dec. 10 and 11, 2024, at Innovation Depot. Created to amplify Alabama’s business, technology and entrepreneurial strengths, Founder Fest offers startups a valuable platform to showcase their innovations to potential investors and customers while encouraging networking and community-building opportunities…
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Dec. 9, 2022) – Two startup companies competed among eight other finalist companies to earn a combined $75,000 in non-dilutive funding in the Alabama Launchpad: Social Impact Finale, presented by the Alabama Power Foundation. Alabama Launchpad, a program of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), partnered with the Alabama Power Foundation to…
