13 local startups competed for prize money and Investor Funding
WINSTON-SALEM, NC – March 21, 2025 – Winston Starts held their sixth annual Investor Forum sponsored by Bank of America on March 20, 2025, at their offices located at 500 W. 5th Street in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Thirteen companies competed in the annual pitch competition designed to provide exposure for early and growth stage companies to potential investors. A total of $8,000 was awarded to the top two companies based on scoring from a panel of startup industry experts and investors.
Josh Kohn and Meridian Performance Systems took first place honors and $4,000 in the pre-revenue stage competition. Meridian helps golfers elevate their putting any time, anywhere. It is the ultimate tool to become and more consistent putter through stroke metrics and real-time feedback.
The revenue stage competition was won by Home for Life Design and founder Carolyn Sithong who also took home $4,000 in prize money. Home for Life Design is a home-safety software solution for professionals serving the world’s aging and disabled populations.
“This was the most competitive pitch competition in our six year history. The scoring among our judges was exceptionally close. We congratulate all of the founders on doing an excellent job pitching their companies, especially the two winners Meridian Performance Systems and Home for Life Design.”
“It was an easy decision to continue our support of the Winston Start’s Investors Forum,” said Greg Cox, Triad president and Global Commercial Banking executive at Bank of America. “Elevating pre-revenue and revenue startups helps create new jobs and the companies for our future. We remain committed to increasing the vitality of our region through investing in its small business pipeline.”
Winston Starts is a non-profit accelerator that helps startup companies successfully scale up their businesses. Located in Winston-Salem, N.C., the organization provides expert mentoring, customized coaching, state of the art office space and discounted professional services.