Tuesday night’s WRAL TechWire Awards were as much a celebration of the Triangle’s progress as a tech hub as recognition of the impressive technology companies and executives here.
A sold out crowd gathered at Google Fiber’s new space in Raleigh for the annual event, which featured the typical enterprise, startup and Editor’s Choice awards, as well as a new Hall of Fame with five inaugural members. But a theme of progress persisted as awards were presented and The Pink Ceiling’s Cindy Whitehead gave her keynote address.
The lineup of Hall of Famers showed the Triangle’s strong legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship. Its ranking near the top of many national lists, spotlighted by Whitehead, shows its strong reputation today. And the future seems just as bright as people like Whitehead work to elevate the region’s brand nationally and leaders like startup executive winner Tatiana Birgisson of Mati Energy and startup director winner Chris Chuang of Republic Wireless emerge.
(also owned by ExitEvent parent company Capitol Broadcasting) broke its own news of progress at the event as well. It plans to unveil a new website with additional features to promote video and multimedia. The team will remove the paywall, and reveal new partnerships around the state.
ExitEvent was honored to be asked to present the startup category awards at the event. Read about those winners below (and the finalists here), and browse some photos (thanks to WRAL). For a full list of winners, visit WRAL TechWire.
Fastest Growing: Eco-site
This Durham-based wireless tower solutions company just landed a $50 million investment from Guggenheim Partners earlier this month. The global investment firm is also acting as administrative agent and lead arranger with the fast-growing startup. Eco-Site builds, owns and operates wireless communications sites and systems for real estate properties, so carriers can offer better network coverage in desirable areas.
Most Steady: Republic Wireless
Raleigh-headquartered WiFi calling carrier Republic Wireless is driven by a mission to make smartphone features affordable and accessible to everyone, through inexpensive mobile devices and flexible coverage plans. Last year, Republic raised $30 million in growth capital and celebrated the win in December by dropping prices on new phones and offering customers six months of contract-free, no-cost service. It’s a spin off company from Bandwidth, another 2017 WRAL TechWire Awards competitor in the enterprise sector.
Best Emerging: Roundtable Analytics
Roundtable aims to help emergency departments improve their performance by eliminating trial and error. This means offering customers on-demand simulation strategies that turn data into action, mapping out patient flow…