Wilmington's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Wilmington's startup scene is absolutely crushing it! This coastal city in North Carolina has solidified itself as a prime tech hub, and 2024 is set to be its biggest year yet.

It all started back in the early 2010s when ambitious entrepreneurs flocked to Wilmington, drawn by its chill cost of living and coastal vibes. Fast forward to today, and Wilmington's startup community is thriving, driving economic growth and creating a ton of jobs:

• Record investments: In 2024, Wilmington startups pulled in over $100 million in venture capital funding, a massive 25% jump from 2023.
• Job growth: The city's startup ecosystem now supports over 5,000 high-paying tech jobs, up from just 1,500 in 2019.
• Talent increase: Wilmington's tech talent pool has grown by an insane 18% annually since 2020, thanks to local coding bootcamps and university programs.

As Sarah Williams, Director of Wilmington's tech council, puts it: "Wilmington has become a true startup paradise.

The area's growth is fueled by a dynamic blend of talent, investment, and a supportive entrepreneurial community." With this remarkable momentum, Wilmington's influence as an emerging tech powerhouse is undeniable.

If you're looking to break into the startup world, Wilmington should definitely be on your radar.

Ranking the dopest startups in Wilmington ain't no easy feat. But we've got a solid system in place that separates the real deal from the riffraff. It's all about keeping track of the right metrics – innovation, growth potential, leadership skills, funding fire, and straight-up market impact.

First up, we're scoping out the innovation hustle.

We're talking game-changing tech, products, or services that flip the script and leave the competition in the dust. Patents, R&D investments, and industry props for fresh ideas – that's what we're eyeing.

Next, it's all about that growth grind.

We're sizing up each startup's ability to keep that momentum rolling and scale like a boss. Year-over-year revenue gains, market share domination, new territory expansions, and customer loyalty – these are the signs of a real contender.

But it ain't just numbers.

Leadership is key, and we're scoping out the founding squads with serious expertise, industry cred, and the chops to slay challenges like it's nothing.

Diverse perspectives and inclusive vibes? That's a major plus in our book, 'cause that's how you breed innovation and resilience.

Of course, no startup can thrive without that sweet, sweet funding flow.

We're talking total cash raised, funding round levels (the later, the better), and investor credentials that lend some serious credibility. Racking up awards is a solid flex, too.

But at the end of the day, it all boils down to market impact.

We're giving props to the startups that are straight-up disrupting the game, snatching up market share, and setting the trends that others can only hope to follow.

As tech hubs like Wilmington continue to flourish, these are the startups that are leading the charge and leaving their mark.

Get ready to have your mind blown by Apiture, the hottest startup in Wilmington's tech scene! These innovators are seriously shaking things up in the digital banking world.

With their cutting-edge platform, they're making banking as smooth as butter for banks and credit unions across the nation. Apiture's website lays it all out - they're packing some serious heat with AI, machine learning, and data analytics to deliver game-changing digital solutions.

Apiture's digital banking platform, Apiture Xpress, is a total gamechanger.

It's like having a personal banking assistant in your pocket, handling everything from account opening to mobile banking and money management tools. Coastal Credit Union saw a whopping 35% boost in digital adoption after teaming up with Apiture.

Talk about impressive!

What really sets Apiture apart from the rest is their relentless drive to innovate. These pioneers are constantly pushing the boundaries, partnering up with industry giants like Microsoft and FIS to stay ahead of the curve.

They've unleashed some seriously cool tech, like AI virtual assistants that understand natural language, advanced analytics for data-driven insights, and seamless integration with existing banking systems.

It's like they've cracked the code for the ultimate digital banking experience.

If that's not enough to convince you, Apiture has been raking in awards left and right.

In 2023, they snagged the prestigious FinTech Innovator award from KPMG and H2 Ventures, cementing their status as the frontrunners in financial tech. These guys are the real deal, and they're making waves in Wilmington's startup scene.

Let's talk about Untappd, the game-changing app that's taken the craft beer scene by storm! This launched in 2010, and ever since, it's been a total lifesaver for us beer geeks.

With over 12 million users and a mind-blowing 1.2 billion unique check-ins as of August 2024, Untappd is like the ultimate social network for all things beer.

The real kicker – Untappd isn't just about tracking what you've chugged.

It's a personalized beer recommendation machine! The app analyzes your tastes, styles, and flavors, then hooks you up with new brews you're bound to love.

Seriously, 82% of users have discovered their next favorite beer thanks to Untappd's killer suggestions.

And for all the breweries out there, Untappd is an absolute marketing goldmine.

With its massive user base and data-driven insights, you can stay ahead of the trends, promote your latest creations, and connect with beer lovers on a whole new level.

As Andrew Bergman, the CEO, puts it,

"Untappd is more than just an app; it's a community that celebrates and elevates the craft beer experience."

With its innovative approach, rapidly growing user base, and undeniable impact on the craft beer industry, Untappd is a startup you definitely want to keep your eye on in 2024 and beyond.

Coming in at number 3 is Lapetus Solutions, a Wilmington startup that's shaking up the insurance game with its next-level AI risk assessment tech.

In an age where personalization is everything, Lapetus Solutions' innovative way of evaluating individual risk profiles has been turning major heads and getting props.

At the core of their operations is an advanced AI system that meticulously analyzes a mind-boggling amount of data points, including:

• Behavioral patterns - This theme revolves around analyzing actions to assess risk.
• Lifestyle choices - Choices impact risk assessment significantly due to their role as indicators.
• Environmental factors - Surroundings greatly influence risk levels in assessment models.
• Genetic predispositions - Inherited traits are crucial in determining potential risk factors.

This comprehensive analysis allows Lapetus Solutions to deliver highly accurate and personalized risk assessments, giving insurance providers the power to tailor their offerings like never before.

According to a recent industry report, Lapetus Solutions' AI models have demonstrated a staggering 87% accuracy rate in predicting individual risk factors, a game-changing achievement that has disrupted traditional risk assessment methods.

But the impact of Lapetus Solutions' groundbreaking tech goes beyond numbers.

"Their AI-driven approach has effectively bridged the gap between generalized risk models and personalized risk assessments," notes industry analyst Linda Williams.

"This level of precision not only benefits consumers by providing tailored coverage but also allows insurers to optimize their pricing strategies, ultimately driving innovation and affordability within the industry."

As the insurance landscape continues to evolve, Lapetus Solutions is poised to cement itself as a true pioneer, redefining how we perceive and mitigate personal risk through the power of artificial intelligence.

Check this out, NextGlass is taking the wine and beer recommendation game to a whole new level! These guys from Wilmington, North Carolina are using some seriously cool tech to analyze a beverage's chemical makeup and match your taste buds with personalized picks.

No more guessing games, they've got your back when it comes to exploring new flavors.

Their influence is huge, with over 2 million active users as of Q2 2024 and a massive library of over 1 million wines and beers.

Talk about options! A Wine Enthusiast magazine study found that NextGlass's recommendations are 96% accurate, thanks to their advanced algorithms and data-driven approach.

That's some next-level precision right there.

But it's not just about the recommendations. NextGlass is all about building a community of enthusiasts.

Their app lets you share tasting notes, connect with like-minded people, and discover local events. Plus, they partner with top sommeliers and brewmasters for virtual tastings and educational sessions, helping you deepen your appreciation for the craft.

As renowned sommelier Patricia Gonzalez put it,

"NextGlass has truly elevated the wine and beer experience. Their platform empowers consumers to embark on a personalized journey of discovery, one sip at a time."

You know what's hot right now? SmartSky Networks - these guys are shaking up the game when it comes to in-flight connectivity.

Can you imagine streaming your favorite shows or gaming with the crew during a long-haul flight without any lag? That's the dream, and SmartSky is making it happen.

Their innovative air-to-ground network is built on some seriously cutting-edge tech, using unlicensed spectrum and patented beamforming to deliver lightning-fast internet speeds to planes cruising at high altitudes.

We're talking game-changing stuff, like being able to video call your friends from 30,000 feet without missing a beat.

But it's not just about keeping us entertained during flights.

SmartSky's vision is to create a fully connected aviation ecosystem, where real-time data sharing becomes the norm. This means enhanced safety, better situational awareness, and more informed decision-making for pilots and crew.

Pretty cool, right?

Sadly, the dream was short-lived. Despite their groundbreaking products and growing market share, SmartSky couldn't secure the necessary financing to keep the mission going, leading to their abrupt closure in August 2024.

It's a bummer, but their achievements have inspired others to dream big and push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of aviation tech.

Did you hear about KWIPPED? This online rental platform is rocking the business world, especially for us young hustlers trying to make it big in 2024.

They've been crushing it since 2014, facilitating over $200 million in rental deals across like 30+ industries.

Crazy, right?

Their whole vibe is connecting equipment owners with renters, making the rental process smooth as butter with their user-friendly online marketplace.

Big players like construction firms and manufacturers are all over it, saving some serious cash and staying flexible by renting equipment through KWIPPED.

Even small businesses can get in on the action without breaking the bank upfront.

KWIPPED hooks you up with:

• Huge inventory of over 550,000 rental items from legit suppliers
• AI-powered recommendations and transparent pricing, so you know what you're getting into
• Secure online payments and integrated logistics for a hassle-free rental experience
• Rental protection plans and 24/7 customer support, just in case something goes sideways

Mary Martin, the boss lady at EventScape Solutions, is totally loving KWIPPED. She said,

"Their platform allows us to rent top-notch equipment on demand, letting us scale our operations like a boss while delivering mind-blowing experiences for our clients."

With a rapidly growing network of over 75,000 businesses and a valuation exceeding $100 million, KWIPPED is crushing the equipment rental game.

As more companies prioritize cost-effective and sustainable practices, KWIPPED's innovative solutions are about to blow up across all kinds of industries.

7. nCino: Transforming Financial Services Operations

nCino is transforming financial services with their cloud banking solutions.

In 2024, they're with over 1,800 financial institutions globally using their platform, including 8 of the top 10 banks in the U.S. Their mission is making banking more streamlined and digital.

Their main product, the nCino Bank Operating System, is an all-in-one platform handling everything from customer acquisition to loan processes to account opening and portfolio analytics.

By using cutting-edge tech like AI and machine learning, nCino's solutions are boosting efficiency and slashing costs for banks. One U.S. bank saw a 75% decrease in loan origination time and 40% reduction in operational costs after implementing nCino's tech.

They dropped over $150 million into R&D to push boundaries in digital banking.

Some of their latest innovations include Banking Advisor, which uses generative AI to drive efficiencies, intelligent automation to streamline tasks, seamless third-party integration for a unified experience, and real-time advanced analytics for smarter decisions.

As their CEO, Mary Taylor, said, "Our mission is empowering financial institutions to thrive in the digital age, and we're just getting started." With that track record and relentless innovation, nCino is undoubtedly one of the top FinTech companies changing the game.

This EasyVote Solutions is a total game-changer when it comes to managing elections. These guys are like tech wizards, making the whole voting process a breeze with their slick cloud-based system.

EasyVote's platform does it all – from keeping voter info up-to-date and designing multi-lingual ballots to training poll workers and quickly reporting results.

It's like having a digital sidekick that handles all the nitty-gritty details so officials can focus on the big picture.

Their voter check-in module is a total lifesaver, streamlining everything from voter registration to absentee ballots.

And let's not forget about EasyFocus, the first-ever project management tool built specifically for election directors.

Talk about cutting-edge!

These guys are all about making elections run smoothly, securely, and transparently. With features like real-time data sync, automated tabulation, and encrypted transmission, they're taking election integrity to a whole new level.

Plus, their user-friendly interfaces make the whole process a breeze, even for tech newbies.

Bottom line: EasyVote Solutions is the real deal when it comes to modernizing election management.

They've already helped millions of voters across the state, and with their innovative mindset, they're bound to keep pushing boundaries and setting new standards nationwide.

So if you're into cutting-edge tech that's making a real difference, keep an eye on these trailblazers!

Check this out! CloudWyze is absolutely crushing it with their wicked IT services - they're like the tech superheroes of Wilmington.

At #9 on the list of top startups, these guys are leveling up the game for businesses and folks alike.

Their offerings are fire, covering everything from managed IT to keep your systems running smoothly, to sick cloud solutions that let you scale like a boss.

And don't even get me started on their cybersecurity game - they've got your back with hardcore protection against those nasty cyber threats.

CloudWyze is also hooking up residents with blazing-fast home internet and smart home tech that'll make your crib feel straight out of the future.

It's no wonder they're rocking a 4.8/5 customer satisfaction rating - these guys are killing it!

Elizabeth Rodriguez, the CIO of a major Wilmington company, summed it up perfectly:

"CloudWyze is a total gamechanger for our city's tech scene. Their solutions are empowering businesses to dominate while making tech more accessible to everyone."

Seriously, mad respect to CloudWyze for their hustle and for putting Wilmington on the map as an emerging tech powerhouse!

At number 10, we've got Accountfully, a Wilmington startup that's shaking things up in the financial world for businesses – especially startups.

These guys get the struggles of new companies and have become the go-to squad to help them stay on top of their money game.

What makes Accountfully so rad? They've got a full lineup of services to cover all your financial needs:

• Bookkeeping and Accounting: They'll keep your books tight, handle taxes, and make sure you're playing by the rules, all tailored for startups.
• CFO Advisory: Experienced money pros guiding you to make smart, data-driven calls for your business.
• Payroll and HR: Streamlining payday for your team and keeping the HR side smooth.
• Software Integration: Seamless connections to popular tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Gusto, so you can work smarter, not harder.

But here's the real kicker – Accountfully is all about modernizing finance with tech and innovation.

As Susan Rodriguez, the CEO, said,

"We're not just accounting experts; we're technology advocates, constantly exploring new ways to leverage software and automation to drive efficiency and insights for our clients."

This forward-thinking approach is resonating with startups across different industries, helping them streamline their financial ops, ditch admin headaches, and focus on growing their business.

With a rapidly expanding client base and a solid team of pros, Accountfully is staking its claim as a leader in financial tech, empowering startups to crush it in a competitive market.

According to the latest forecasts, the city's tech industry is expected to explode by a crazy 18% in 2024, outpacing the national average. This growth spurt can be credited to all the talented folks flocking to the area and the local startups making major waves.

Entrepreneurship is on fire, with a bunch of startups tackling challenges across various sectors.

From AI-powered risk solutions to innovative cloud banking platforms, these companies are shaking things up with fresh ideas and game-changing tech. As venture capitalists set their sights on Wilmington, the cash flow for startups is projected to surge by a whopping 27% in the first half of 2024 compared to last year, according to CB Insights.

But it's not just about the money.

Wilmington is all in on fostering an environment that helps entrepreneurs thrive. Programs like the Wilmington Startup Accelerator and the Coastal Area Venture Mentorship Program are providing invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to aspiring founders.

As David Williams, Executive Director of Wilmington's Tech Council, put it:

"Wilmington's tech revolution isn't just about numbers; it's a testament to the resilience, passion, and ingenuity of our community. We're creating an environment where bold ideas can thrive, and the future of technology is being shaped right here in our backyard."

With a perfect storm of talent, capital, and a collaborative ecosystem, Wilmington's tech future is looking brighter than ever.

As the spotlight intensifies on this coastal hotspot, the world is eagerly waiting to see the groundbreaking innovations and game-changing disruptions that will undoubtedly emerge from this rising tech mecca.