2025 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Andrew Ashur, Co-Founder & CEO, 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, PetScreening
In January 2025, the company transacted a Series B minority investment round of $80 million in primary and secondary capital. The round was co-led by two Private Equity Growth companies, Volition Capital and Guidepost Growth Equity. putting the company's pre-money valuation at $300 million. Other undisclosed investors also participated in the round. The funds will be used to continue market share growth in the long term rental industry, add more talented team members and expand into new verticals such as the vacation rental industry.
Bill Clerici, CEO & Managing Partner, Kingsman Software
Charlotte-based Kingsmen, a leader in generative AI strategy, consulting, and full-stack development for the financial sector, was recently acquired by Sparq, a provider of outsourced digital engineering for technology-driven and Fortune 1000 companies. Founded on deep expertise in enterprise banking, payments, and capital markets, Kingsmen has expanded into FinTech while delivering cutting-edge software and technology advisory services. Now part of Sparq, Kingsmen’s clients gain enhanced capabilities and global scale to drive innovation.
Jose Costa, CEO, Whistle Express Car Wash
In April, Driven Brands Holdings completed the sale of its U.S. car wash business to Express Wash Operations. Under the agreement, Whistle paid approximately $255 million in cash and issued a $130 million interest-bearing seller note. The transaction supports Driven Brands’ plan to reduce net leverage to 3X or less by 2026 while sharpening its focus on its Take 5 Oil Change business. This milestone highlights Whistle’s continued growth and leadership in the car wash industry.
John Dillard, Founder, CEO, & President, ThreatSwitch
The company was acquired by Sign In Solutions, a global provider of cloud-based visitor management and risk mitigation software backed by PSG. The acquisition advances Sign In Solutions’ “Visitor Management 2.0” vision while expanding ThreatSwitch’s ability to modernize security obligation management. With new investments in integrations, usability, and data insights, ThreatSwitch continues to lead in defense industry compliance and risk management innovation.
Khristian Gutiérrez, Co-Founder & CEO, Passport
Passport, the technology leader in parking compliance and curbside payment solutions, demonstrated impressive growth in 2024, with continued momentum anticipated in 2025 and beyond. The Charlotte-based company has processed over $235MM transactions and $3.5B in curbside payments across paid citations, mobile payments, and parking permits. Passport’s daily peak transaction volume is ten times greater than the peak experienced by the largest publicly traded financial institutions in the U.S. Data also revealed that one in five Americans has interacted with at least one of Passport’s products, showcasing the company’s growing impact nationwide.
Reade Kidd, Co-Founder & CEO, EDRAY
EDRAY raised $9 million in Series 1 funding led by Venture 53 and Arcturus Venture to advance its mission of simplifying global logistics. The company’s technology manages complex import operations across ports, rail, and distribution centers—delivering efficiency and cost savings for shippers. By combining innovation with hands-on execution, EDRAY is transforming how importers navigate the final mile.
John Stewart, CEO, Fastbreak.ai, Inc.
Founded in 2022, Fastbreak AI builds AI-powered software that transforms how professional and amateur sports organizations manage operations. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company has raised $13.2M in investment to date from Greycroft, GTM Fund, the Charlotte Fund and a network of strategic investors, including the NBA, NHL and former pro athletes. Through strategic acquisitions, including Optimal Planning Solutions, Tourney Pro, SEQL, and Barcelogic, Fastbreak continues to grow its leadership across global sports.
Social Impact Investing Award
Alex Teller, President & CEO, 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.