CHARLOTTE, N.C., (June 29, 2018) – EY named AvidXchange’s CEO, Michael Praeger, as the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 for Financial Services in the Southeast. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Praeger was selected as a winner by a panel of independent judges. The award was announced at a special gala event on June 28, 2018 at Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre in Atlanta, GA.
Recently named 2017 Business Person of the Year and one of the Most Admired CEOs by the Charlotte Business Journal, Michael Praeger bootstrapped a software company in Charlotte, N.C., 18 years ago. Today, that business is the largest software company in Charlotte and North Carolina’s most well-funded startup, with more than 5,500 customers in North America.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by this distinguished panel as an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2018 in the Southeast,” said Praeger. “Eighteen years ago, AvidXchange began its journey in a little brick warehouse at the corner of Ninth and Brevard in Charlotte, North Carolina. Today, it’s grown to be one of the largest software companies in the city. I’m proud to say that this recognition would not have been possible without the current 1,100 plus members who make up the AvidXchange team,” continued Praeger. “The continued support from my family, friends, and the entire community is the reason why I am able to represent not only the City of Charlotte but the southeast as one of EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year.”
Now in its 32nd year, the program has expanded to recognize business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries throughout the world.
Regional award winners are eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National competition. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 17, 2018. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum®, the nation’s most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by EY, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are nationally sponsored in the US by SAP America, the Kauffman Foundation and Merrill Corporation.
In the Southeast, sponsors also include regional platinum sponsors King & Spalding and PNC Bank, and regional silver sponsor Chatham Financial.
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, Construction, Health and Human Resources, and Hospitality. AvidXchange has been recognized as the top software company in North Carolina by the North Carolina Technology Association, one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the Charlotte area for six consecutive years, ranked among Deloitte’s Fast 500 this past year, and was recently named 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 eight consecutive years. For more information, contact us at 800.560.9305 or [email protected].
About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Entrepreneur Of The Year®, founded by EY, is the world’s most prestigious business awards program for entrepreneurs, chosen from an independent panel of judges including entrepreneurs and prominent leaders from business, finance, and the local community. The program 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 awards program 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 and more than 60 countries. ey.com/eoy
About EY’s Growth Markets Network
EY’s worldwide Growth Markets Network is dedicated to serving the changing needs of high-growth companies. For more than 30 years, we’ve helped many of the world’s most dynamic and ambitious companies grow into market leaders. Whether working with international mid-cap companies or early stage, venture-backed businesses, our professionals draw upon their extensive experience, insight and global resources to help your business succeed. For more information, please visit us at ey.com/sgm or follow news on Twitter @EY_Growth.
About EY
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