celebrateGNV, startGNV’s annual celebration of innovation and awards ceremony took place at the Cade Museum on Feb. 2, 2023 to a sold-out house!
celebrateGNV, startGNV’s annual event took place at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention February 2, 2023 to a sold-out audience of over 200 attendees. The event featured a happy hour, networking, dinner, and a presentation that culminated in the 2nd annual Innovation Ecosystem Awards hosted by Cox Business. The beautiful awards were provided by local company Fracture.
The Innovation Ecosystem Awards featured 6 awards highlighting Alachua County individuals and companies who have made a significant contribution to innovation in our community. Among the awards was also a cash award of $5,000 to support a “Rising Star Startup.” Sybil Samuel, Strategic Account Specialist of Cox Business presented the awards with Jon Church, startGNV Board President and emcee for the event.
startGNV also presented a new award at this event for “Board Member of the Year.” This inaugural award went to Christine Caven, VP of the startGNV Board of Directors and Director of Communications of PS27 Ventures. Christine’s dedication to the startGNV’s mission and exemplary service to the innovation community was highly visible during her 2022 board term. The intention of the award is to honor a board member for excellence in service to the mission of startGNV, which is to support and grow the innovation ecosystem of Greater Gainesville.
Christine Caven, startGNV Board Vice President received Board Member of the Year and Rebecca Smith received the Rising Star Startup award from Cox Business for Gainesville startup company Thrifty
The complete list of Cox Business Ecosystem Award Winners are:
Startup Mentor of the Year: Ryan Kern
Professional Mentor of the Year: Jim Lilkendey
Ecosystem Hidden Gem: Bill Dorman
Tech Employer of the Year: Feathr
Community Impact Company of the Year: Infotech
Rising Star Startup: Thrifty
Ryan Kern, Startup Mentor of the Year with Board President Jon Church (l) and startGNV Director Tammy Dygert (r)
Jim Lilkendey, Professional Mentor of the Year (accepted by Angelica Suarez on his behalf) with startGNV Board President Jon Church (l) and Sybil Samuel, Cox Business (r)
Bill Dorman, Ecosystem Hidden Gem (accepted by Laurence Andrews on his behalf) with Sybil Samuel of Cox Business (l) and startGNV Board President Jon Church (r)
Feathr – Tech Employer of the Year
Infotech – Community Impact Company of the Year
Thrifty – Rising Star Startup Company accepted by founder Rebecca Smith with Sybil Samuel, Cox Business (l) and Jon Church, startGNV Board President (r)