“A hundred years ago, Birmingham earned the nickname of being the ‘Magic City’ because of our dominance in the Industrial sector. Let’s do it again,” Wesson said.

Dr. Austin Gurley, co-founder and chief technology officer, said the startup is ready to begin expanding its workforce.

“With all the negative job market news out there today, it’s awesome to announce that MOXIE is hiring. If you are smart, curious and consider yourself a ‘doer,’ want a fun and fast-paced work environment, and the platform to make a real impact in your field — let’s talk,” Gurley said.

“We are hiring today for five new positions on the team. And that’s just the beginning of the new Alabama jobs we are working to create.”

‘ENERGETIC ENTERPRISES’

Another Birmingham company, Field Culture Compost, won the $50,000 concept stage award in the Launchpad competition.

The startup, founded by Matt Nesbitt and Alex Thompson, is poised to become Alabama’s first commercial compost producer, thus reducing the waste that goes into landfills.

“These are two startups with high-growth potential who also offer innovative solutions in their respective sectors,” EDPA Innovation Consultant Dennis Leonard said.

“During this challenging economic period, it’s now more important than ever to support dynamic startups who can grow and create jobs in Alabama.”

Now in its 14^th year of providing funding for startups in the state, Alabama Launchpad has awarded $5.7 million in funding to 94 startups, generating over 700 jobs, with a combined post-money valuation of more than $325 million.

Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the Launchpad competition has played an important role in the development of the state’s innovation economy by providing critical support to promising companies.

“Alabama’s future economic trajectory will be heavily influenced by energetic enterprises that spring up from our startup ecosystem,” Secretary Canfield said.

“It’s encouraging to see the development of innovative startups like Field Culture Compost and MOXIE in our state.”

MOXIE MILESTONE

MOXIE’S Wesson said the Launchpad funding validates the hard work put into the firm and positions it for more rapid growth.

“I am thankful, humbled, and proud that MOXIE brought home this milestone win. Thankful: for our customers, the EDPA team, judges, and our mentors. Humbled: by MOXIE being made a steward of this capital and determined to generate a phenomenal return on this investment — in the form of new Alabama jobs and creating a better world through technology,” he added.

“And proud: to work beside my rockstar co-founders, who are the real reason for MOXIE’s success thus far and who inspire me daily with their insane work ethic, world-class talent, and unswerving moral compass — all while having more fun than any crew I’ve seen.”