INDIANAPOLIS – Elevate Ventures, Indiana’s venture development partner and investment firm, announced the 2020 Elevate Awards at its fourth annual Kinetic Conference. The awards and winners are:
2020 Region of the Year: Elevate Northeast Indiana
Elevate Northeast generated the highest count and dollar value of Elevate Ventures deals (21 Fund and Indiana Angel Network Fund) from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020.
Elevate Northeast Indiana, a partnership between Elevate Ventures and the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, supports entrepreneurs through initiatives including investments, marketing support, business coaching and access to professional resources.
Largest Funding Round of 2020: Scale Computing
The winner is the company that closed the largest funding round in 2020 in which Elevate Ventures participated.
Scale Computing, a leader in edge computing virtualization and hyperconverged solutions, closed a $30 million round of debt and equity in December. The round was led by Elevate Ventures with participation from existing investors. Scale used the funding to expand sales, delivery, and research and development.
Regional Business of 2020: Nanovis
This award recognizes a business in an Elevate regional partnership region that exhibits current and future positive impact in the community. Each region nominated companies in their respective geographical areas for Elevate’s consideration.
Nanovis is an orthopedic company with multiple technology platforms that aims to drive better outcomes for patients, surgeons and the healthcare system. Nanovis is product innovative in the spine and orthopedic markets, and has built an excellent go-to market team and has been strategic and effective in managing its resources.
2020 Exit of the Year: Realync
This award honors an Elevate portfolio company that achieved a liquidity event in 2020 providing an outstanding return to its investors.
Realync was acquired by Susquehanna, a private equity and venture capital firm, in 2020. Realync is a multi-family enterprise video leasing and engagement platform that connects leasing professionals and prospects.
Regional Champion of 2020:
In 2020, Elevate chose a regional champion from each partnership region. These individuals go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure growth of entrepreneurship and innovation in their region.
NORTHEAST INDIANA: John Sampson, former CEO and president of Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership. In 2020 Sampson was instrumental in renewing Elevate Northeast Indiana partnership and assisting in efforts to raise $1 million in funding.
NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA: Regina Emberton, president and CEO of South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership. Emberton is the glue holding the Startup South Bend-Elkhart region together with her involvement in various initiatives and committees powering entrepreneurship growth in the region.
SOUTH CENTRAL INDIANA: Pat East, executive director of Dimension Mill. East is a relentless advocate for the Velocities region of south central Indiana and a visionary leader who fills gaps with resources to help entrepreneurs and startups thrive.
SOUTHEAST INDIANA: Brigid Morrissey, co-founder of the Root, a co-working space in New Albany. Morrissey has been a key player in driving meaningful connections in the region and supporting entrepreneurs.
SOUTHWEST INDIANA: Greg Wathen, co-CEO of Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. Wathen is a critical advocate for Elevate in Southwest Indiana, ensuring entrepreneurship and innovation are key focuses across the spectrum of economic development initiatives.
