CHARLOTTE, N.C., (June 22, 2016) EY has announced that AvidXchange’s CEO, Michael Praeger, is a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2016 Award in the Southeast. The awards program, which is celebrating its 30th year, recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Michael Praeger was selected as a finalist by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a black-tie gala on June 23, 2016, at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.
Michael Praeger decided to build a software company in Charlotte, N.C., 16 years ago. Today, that business is the largest software company in Charlotte and North Carolina’s most well-funded startup, with over 650 employees and more than 5,500 customers in North America.
“For me the term ‘entrepreneur’ is more than just a descriptor, it’s who I am. Since my early college days when I started my first business, I realized that I really enjoyed bringing a vision to life and creating job opportunities for people. AvidXchange has definitely been my most successful startup, and it really isn’t much of a startup these days. As I look at our new corporate campus materializing at the AvidXchange Music Factory and the hundreds of new faces that join our team each year, I am in awe of everything that AvidXchange has become,” commented Michael Praeger, CEO and Co-Founder of AvidXchange. “I have always believed in the power of creating a strong network, and I am so fortunate for the community of entrepreneurs that have shared their successes and failures with me over the years and collectively helped us to better leaders and innovators. I am also incredibly thankful for amazing colleagues, coworkers, and family that have supported me and served as a source of inspiration throughout my career. I am truly honored to be a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year and represent the City of Charlotte,” added Praeger.
Now in its 30th year, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries throughout the world.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year National program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the EY Entrepreneur of the year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 19, 2016. The awards are the culminating event of the EY Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
About AvidXchange
AvidXchange revolutionizes the way companies pay their bills. Serving more than 5,500 clients throughout North America, AvidXchange is an industry leader in automating invoice and payment processes for midmarket companies spanning multiple industries including Real Estate, Financial Services, Energy, and Construction. AvidXchange has been recognized as one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the Charlotte area for four consecutive years, ranked among Deloitte’s Fast 500 this past year, and recently was named of the top 100 technology companies in North America by Red Herring. In the midst of record growth, AvidXchange has remained true to its most valued competitive advantage—its people. AvidXchange has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in Charlotte for seven consecutive years. For more information, contact us at 800.560.9305 or [email protected].
About EY Entrepreneur Of The Year®
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The unique award makes a difference through the way it encourages entrepreneurial activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries.
About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.
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For Immediate Release Contact:
Jen Ittenbach
[email protected]
704.971.8106