The month of our inaugural Silicon Prairie Awards has arrived. It’s time to unveil the 48 finalists across 12 categories that recognize individuals and companies for their outstanding products, strong leadership and noteworthy contributions to the community over the last year.
In June, we opened public nominations, receiving more 1,200 submissions. Our 16-member selection committee whittled down each category to four finalists. It was not an easy task, as the quality and breadth of submissions impressed our committee.
“I’ve spent last night and today making my selections,” one member said in an email. “It is very exciting to see just how much is going on here on the Prairie.”
Vote
Today kicks off a 21-day public voting period. Whether you’re an SPN reader, Silicon Prairie community member or interested individual from afar, we invite you to vote and play a part in selecting the winners. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on August 22, at which time our selection committee will cast their vote to round out the process.
Thanks to our sponsor
This process culminates the evening of August 30 at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, where the winners will be announced live on stage. This event features a keynote from TechStars founder and CEO David Cohen, an opening and closing reception, a Startup Alley showcasing product demos and, of course, a few surprises. Grab your ticket today and bring your whole team — we’re offering discounts on packs of five tickets.
Cast your vote for the Silicon Prairie Awards!
Note: One vote per category per IP address per day is counted in the final vote. Silicon Prairie News reserves the right to discard any and all votes that it reasonably determines to be fraudulent.
Without futher ado, we present the 48 finalists of the inaugural Silicon Prairie Awards. (ln alphabetical order.)
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Startup of the YearThe startup everyone was talking about. The one that made marked progress towards solidifying its success, having an all-around banner year. |
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New Startup of the YearThe new kid on the block that quickly made a name for itself, and for good reason. (Launched public beta between July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.) |
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Consumer Startup of the YearThis consumer startup hit milestones, evolved and might have even surprised a few people in a year of notable growth and advancements. |
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B2B Startup of the YearThis business-to-business startup hit milestones, evolved and might have even surprised a few people in a year of notable growth and advancements. |
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Mobile App of the YearThis app featured a notable design and user interface, broke the mold for what we’d expect from a mobile app or reached a high number of downloads. |
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Startup Executive of the YearThis C-level executive, president or founder led a startup to the next stage, hit milestones and overcame odds.
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Startup Technologist of the YearThis team member, freelancer or consultant made a significant contribution toward development of a startup’s product. (Contributed to startup product active between July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.)
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Startup Designer of the YearThis team member, freelancer or consultant made a mark on a startup’s product by providing an amazing user experience or beautiful design. (Contributed to product active between July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.)
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Startup Investor of the YearMore than funding, this investor provided the all-around package, being a connector and champion of their portfolio startups. (Investment or exit between July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012.) |
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Startup Service Provider of the YearThis lawyer, accountant, marketer or other service provider made things happen for startups, simple as that. |
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Silicon Prairie Community ChampionAn individual, company or organization who selflessly gave their time, resources or expertise to advance the Silicon Prairie community.
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Silicon Prairie AmbassadorAn individual from the region that had moved away but continued to advocate on behalf of the Silicon Prairie community.
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Cast your vote for the Silicon Prairie Awards!
Rules
The Silicon Prairie Awards celebrate internet startups, investors, service providers and other startup community participants in the Silicon Prairie.
To be eligible for the awards, companies or individuals must be headquartered or reside in the Silicon Prairie,* a region that is defined by its three flagship cities of Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City but includes the surrounding area: as far north as Sioux Falls, S.D. and Cedar Falls, Iowa; as far east as Iowa City, Iowa and Columbia, Mo.; as far south as the southernmost reaches of the Kansas City metro area; and as far west as Manhattan, Kan. and Lincoln, Neb.
The awards are given in recognition of business achievements and community contributions between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. Selection of the finalists and winners is the result of community voting (via Silicon Prairie News’ website) and a selection committee representing a cross section of the region’s startup ecosystem. The committee selects four finalists per award category. Each finalist is invited to attend the award ceremony.
Companies and individuals may be nominated for more than one award and may be finalists or winners for more than one, as well. Sponsors of Silicon Prairie News are eligible for the awards but will not be given special consideration. Everyone, regardless of geographic location, is invited to nominate companies and vote for the winner. There is no cost to submit an award nomination or to cast a vote. Silicon Prairie News reserves the right to discard any and all votes that it reasonably determines to be fraudulent.
The award winners will be selected from a popular vote on Silicon Prairie News’ website (one vote per category per IP address per day) and the selection committee. The winners will be announced at the Silicon Prairie Awards on August 30 in Omaha.
*The Silicon Prairie Ambassador award requires that the individual no longer reside in the region but either have been born in or have strong ties to it.
Note: The Silicon Prairie Superhero award has been re-named the Silicon Prairie Community Champion award.
