NC IDEA, a private foundation committed to supporting entrepreneurial ambition and economic empowerment in North Carolina, announced today that the organization has selected 18 semi-finalists from across the state in its 39th SEED grant cycle.

“This cycle reflected a diverse field of applicants across geography, industry, and founder demographics, with half of the companies moving forward being familiar to us for having previously received a MICRO grant,” said Amy Bastian, Vice President of Grants & Programs of NC IDEA. “We look forward to learning more about the full group moving forward in this next phase."

The 18 Spring 2025 NC IDEA SEED Semi-Finalists include:

• Arclet – Asheville, NC
• Capwave AI – Charlotte, NC
• Disctopia – Charlotte, NC
• Haw River Mushrooms – Graham, NC
• Instancy – Durham, NC
• InviteJet – Raleigh, NC
• Joyntly – Charlotte, NC
• Kahmino – Raleigh, NC
• Marla Amplification – Asheville, NC
• Previewed – Greensboro, NC
• QCx – Charlotte, NC
• Scale Social AI – Raleigh, NC
• Skillmaker.ai – Carolina Beach, NC
• SneakPeek Technologies – Carrboro, NC
• SonoVoice – Raleigh, NC
• That Pitch – Charlotte, NC
• Verenovo – North Wilkesboro, NC
• VVS – Charlotte, NC

NC IDEA has invited the semi-finalists to submit a full proposal with greater details by early April. Finalists will then be selected to present before a review panel of ecosystem partners, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and experienced investors. Grant recipients will be announced in mid-May. The $50,000 grants are intended to support business activities that validate target markets, reduce the risk associated with early stage companies, and help companies reach the point of suitability for growth through investment or revenue.

Source: NC IDEA Foundation.