The Tech Tribune staff has compiled the very best tech startups in North Carolina. In doing our research, we considered several factors including but not limited to:

1. Revenue potential
2. Leadership team
3. Brand/product traction
4. Competitive landscape

Additionally, all companies must be independent (unacquired), privately owned, at most 10 years old, and have received at least one round of funding in order to qualify.

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1. SmartSky Networks

Founded: 2011

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in Charlotte

“Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, SmartSky Networks was formed in 2011 by senior aviation and telecommunications executives seeking to transform aviation through the use of disruptive communications technologies and related tools. Working with leading aerospace and technology partners, SmartSky has begun the rollout of its innovative, air-to-ground network, SmartSky 4G LTE. The network takes advantage of patented spectrum reuse, advanced beamforming technologies and 60 MHz of spectrum for significantly enhanced connectivity. SmartSky 4G LTE delivers data to the aircraft at rates comparable with next generation satellite solutions and provides unmatched capacity for data transmissions from the aircraft to the ground. This real-time, low latency, bidirectional data link makes SmartSky 4G LTE a key enabler for the new and enhanced apps, services, and hardware that will usher in the digitization of the aviation industry.”

2. Phononic

Founded: 2008

“We took one little chip and reinvented how to cool. Our approach to solid-state cooling breaks the boundaries of semiconductor technology to displace the antiquated technologies like compressors and fans that have been left unchallenged for over 100 years. From countertop freezers to global communication systems, we’re already transforming how life-saving vaccines are protected, wireless data is transmitted, and food and beverages are sustainably refrigerated and delivered to the market. Our modern world has no place for noxious gases, bulky compressors or outdated thinking.”

3. nCino

Founded: 2012

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in Wilmington

“nCino is the worldwide leader in cloud banking. With its Bank Operating System, built on the Salesforce platform, financial institutions can deliver the speed and digital experience that customers expect, backed by the quality and transparency that bankers need.”

4. PrecisionHawk

Founded: 2011

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in Raleigh

“PrecisionHawk is a global leader in developing and integrating commercial drone technology. With market analysts expecting businesses to spend $13 billion on drones over the next three years, we are focused on the opportunity ahead!

From farming to disaster response, PrecisionHawk is using aerial technology to drive innovation by improving efficiency, increasing safety, generating additional revenue, and ultimately changing the way businesses view their assets and manage resources.”

5. Passport

Founded: 2010

“Passport transforms the way cities manage their operations. The fintech company’s mobile-first platform has been adopted by more than 450 cities, universities, and private operators around the world in cities including Chicago, Toronto, London, and Miami, across more than 5,000 locations. Passport’s product lines – parking, transit and tolling payments, parking enforcement, and permit management – enable organizations in the public and private sectors to streamline their operations, enhance customer service, and make data-driven decisions. Consistently recognized as one of the fastest growing companies and Best Places to Work in Charlotte, North Carolina, Passport has an ingrained practice of putting People First – a guiding principle in its culture. ”

6. Pendo

Founded: 2013

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in Raleigh

“Pendo is a product experience platform that helps product teams deliver software users love.

Pendo provides insights from product usage patterns and user sentiment for making better product decisions. From these same insights, you can easily set up in-app messages, guides and walkthroughs to help users get the most value from your products.”

7. Prescient

Founded: 2013

“Prescient is a technology and manufacturing company that offers a faster, greener and more cost-effective alternative to conventional building structures. Prescient’s primary market segment is multi-unit buildings and residential construction, including apartments, condos, senior and assisted living communities, hotels and college and military dormitories.

The Prescient® Solution is a patented, innovative, new design and construction platform for living environments including apartments, student and military dormitories, hotels, senior living communities, condominiums, single-family homes. It can also be applied in office and retail design and construction.”

8. Netsertive, Inc

Founded: 2009

“Netsertive is a marketing technology company that enables brands, publishers, and local businesses to reach customers online, at scale. Netsertive’s platform and services coordinate messaging, brand experience, and performance across all digital channels to drive awareness, consideration, and sales. Netsertive is headquartered in Raleigh, NC, with an office in Seattle, WA.”

9. MapAnything, Inc.

Founded: 2009

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in Charlotte

“Combine today’s global economy with a mobile workforce and you get a lot of moving parts. CRM alone can’t help you answer the critical business questions: Where am I? Where do I need to be?

Founded in 2009, MapAnything’s Location of Things (LoT) Platform helps clients answer the hard questions that impede field-worker productivity. How many people do we need, where should we place our resources, how are we doing against our goals and how do we improve over time? With a range of mobile and desktop solutions for Salesforce and ServiceNow, we’ll help you determine, “Where Next?”​.”

10. Republic Wireless

Founded: 2011

Also honored in: 2018 Best Tech Startups in Raleigh

“Recognized as the winner of PC Magazine’s Annual Reader’s Choice Award, the top pre-paid service provider by Consumer Reports and named ‘Disruptor of the Year’ by Entrepreneur Magazine, Republic Wireless is on a mission to create smartphone service as it should be.

Republic Wireless, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, is spearheading a wireless freedom movement to return value and control of the smartphone experience to members by leveraging the power of both WiFi and cellular networks.”