The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Charlotte.
In addition, The Charlotte Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2025 class of winners on November 5 at the Charlotte Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Charlotte business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Andrew Ashur, Founder & CEO of Lucid Bots. Lucid Bots, a pioneer in AI-powered robotics, has joined NVIDIA’s Inception program for frontier AI companies and raised over $20 million to date — including a $9.1 million Series A led by Cubit Capital. The company recently announced plans for a world-class robotics testing facility in Charlotte, further positioning it as a leader in intelligent automation and robotic innovation.
John Bradford, Founder & CEO of PetScreening. PetScreening secured an $80 million Series B investment, co-led by Volition Capital and Guidepost Growth Equity, valuing the company at $300 million. The funding will drive continued growth in the long-term rental market, expand into the vacation rental space, and grow the team. This milestone underscores PetScreening’s evolution as the trusted platform for property managers and pet owners nationwide.
Bill Clerici, CEO & Managing Partner of Kingsmen Software. Charlotte-based Kingsmen Software, a leader in generative AI strategy and software development for financial institutions, was acquired by Sparq, a global digital engineering company. The deal expands Kingsmen’s ability to serve technology-driven enterprises and Fortune 1000 clients, combining its deep financial expertise with Sparq’s scale and reach. Together, they’re redefining how financial systems innovate.
Jose Costa, CEO of Whistle Express Car Wash. Whistle Express Car Wash completed the $385 million acquisition of Driven Brands’ U.S. car wash business, including $255 million in cash and a $130 million seller note. The transaction strengthens Whistle’s position as one of the country’s fastest-growing car wash platforms while supporting Driven Brands’ strategy to streamline operations and reduce leverage.
John Dillard, Founder, President & CEO of ThreatSwitch. ThreatSwitch, a leader in security and compliance software, was acquired by Sign In Solutions, a PSG-backed global provider of risk mitigation technology. The acquisition advances Sign In’s “Visitor Management 2.0” vision while fueling ThreatSwitch’s mission to modernize security obligation management. The deal marks a major milestone in Charlotte’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem.
Khristian Gutierrez, Co-Founder & CEO of Passport. Passport, the Charlotte-based technology leader in parking and curbside management, processed more than $3.5 billion in payments across 235 million transactions. The company’s platform now supports one in five Americans through its digital infrastructure for mobility payments. With strong momentum and nationwide expansion, Passport continues to redefine how cities manage transportation ecosystems.
John Stewart, CEO of Fastbreak.ai. Fastbreak.ai builds next-generation software that helps sports organizations make smarter, faster decisions. Founded in 2022, the company has raised $13.2 million from investors including Greycroft, GTM Fund, and the NBA and NHL. Through strategic acquisitions, Fastbreak has expanded its reach globally, reshaping how professional and amateur sports manage operations and performance analytics.
Social Impact Honoree
Alex Teller, President & CEO of Strongarm Technologies. Every day, millions of essential workers move the world — and StrongArm Technologies is dedicated to keeping them safe. Under the leadership of Alex Teller, StrongArm has built an ecosystem of wearable devices and predictive analytics designed to reduce workplace injuries and improve operational performance across industries. The company’s combination of human-centered design and cutting-edge technology empowers workers to move smarter and stay healthier, all while helping employers strengthen productivity and reduce costs.
Through this mission, StrongArm is redefining how technology and empathy can intersect in the workplace — protecting the people who keep our supply chains running and our economy strong. Alex’s commitment to advancing safety, well-being, and dignity for front-line workers embodies what true impact looks like in business and beyond.
Hall of Fame Honorees
Todd Buelow, Co-Founder and Principal of Dualboot Partners. Dualboot Partners is a Charlotte-based software development firm recently expanding to Raleigh. Todd has more than 30 years of experience leading digital innovation, founding team member of companies such as Elogex, Cloud Logistics, and Bella Tunno. At Dualboot, he has built a culture of curiosity, collaboration and continuous learning, empowering over 400 employees to solve problems and embrace global teamwork.
Beyond business, Todd is deeply committed to philanthropy. He and his wife, Michelle, co-founded Bella Tunno to honor her late brother, creating a social enterprise that’s provided over 14 million meals to children. Additionally, he is actively involved in the community as a Trustee for Speedway Children’s Charity, a board member for Bounce Out the Stigma, and was formerly the president of the Charlotte Rescue Mission's Board. Todd’s work exemplifies how purpose and compassion can drive both innovation and impact.
Cliff Holekamp, Co-Founder & Managing Director of Cultivation Capital. When Cliff Holekamp co-founded Cultivation Capital in 2012, his mission was clear: expand access to venture capital for entrepreneurs outside of Silicon Valley. From one small software fund, Cliff has helped grow Cultivation Capital into a powerhouse managing 16 funds and investing in 175 companies across technology, agtech, life sciences, and geospatial industries — with a focus on underserved markets. The firm’s impact has been profound, generating major exits such as Charlotte-based DealCloud’s $120 million sale and Raleigh-based Element451’s $175 million acquisition, both after early backing from Cultivation Capital.
Beyond returns, Cliff and his partners have nurtured the next generation of investors — incubating new venture firms like FINTOP Capital, SixThirty, and The Yield Lab, each of which now plays a vital role in their respective sectors. Through Cultivation Capital, Cliff has built not just a fund, but a movement — one that champions entrepreneurs wherever they are, proving that innovation knows no geographic boundary. His vision and mentorship continue to ripple across the venture ecosystem.
