Nicholas Courtright
CEO 
PhD 2020, College of Liberal Arts

Atmosphere Press is a best-in-class hybrid book publisher dedicated to giving authors a rewarding and meaningful publishing experience. Our authors have won dozens of awards and sold hundreds of thousands of books around the world, and we're proud to be founded, owned, and led by a UT PhD.

Dax Mitchell
Co-Founder & Principal 
BA 1999, College of Liberal Arts

We are a private investment firm specializing in net leased industrial real estate. Our experience and long-standing relationships open doors to consistent investment in any market condition. 
Top 10 Winner

Frank Conselman
President
BBA 1993, McCombs School of Business, Life Member

Supplies wholesale gifts and souvenirs and makes custom souvenirs for travel centers and museums. Suggested edit: Supplies wholesale gifts and souvenirs and makes custom souvenirs for travel centers and museums.[PS1]
2023 Returning Winner

Jeffery Calzacorta
President
BS 2004, Cockrell School of Engineering 

Lloyd Benkendorfer
Director of Operations
BA 1991, College of Liberal Arts

Captivate, Inc. curates exceptional living spaces by integrating luxury home technology throughout Austin, San Antonio, and the Texas Hill Country. They design, install, and service customized systems including networking, audio/visual, lighting control, window treatments, security, home theaters, and more to enhance comfort, convenience, and enjoyment. Their mission is to elevate everyday living, creating inspiring environments where technology and lifestyle blend seamlessly for the region s most beautiful homes.

Waseem Ansari
Founder & CEO 
BS 2010, Cockrell School of Engineering, Life Member 

QED Global Solutions (QEDGS) is a leading forensic engineering firm specializing in structural, mechanical, and electrical investigations. Founded in 2018, we provide unbiased analysis, repair recommendations, and expert testimony to insurers, attorneys, and property owners nationwide. QEDGS delivers clarity, accuracy, and integrity on every claim. 
Top 10 Winner
2025 Returning Winner

Drew Hendrix
President
BA 1996, College of Liberal Arts, Life Member

Red River Paper is a leading supplier of premium inkjet papers for photographers, artists, and creative professionals. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company sources fine papers from top mills in the United States, Europe, and Japan, then converts and packages them in-house. Known for exceptional quality and customer support, Red River Paper offers a wide range of photo, fine art, and specialty media to help customers achieve professional results.

Cameron Deike
CEO 
MPA 2019, McCombs School of Business 

Prosper provides financial leadership to companies between $10-$50 million in revenue.
Top 10 Winner

Chris Crosby
Founder & CEO 
BS 1993, College of Natural Sciences, Life Member

Compass Datacenters designs and constructs data centers for some of the world's largest hyperscalers and cloud providers on campuses across the globe. 
Top 10 Winner 
2023, 2024, 2025 Returning Winner

Elizabeth Retamozo
Founder & CEO
BBA 1990, McCombs School of Business, Life Member

NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC) is a nationally recognized educational management consulting firm that partners with colleges, universities, and nonprofit agencies to secure, implement, and sustain federally and state-funded educational opportunity programs through expert proposal development, regulatory compliance guidance, implementation support, and external evaluation services.
2023 Returning Winner

Logan Robinson
Co-Founder & President 
JD 2014, School of Law 

Aligned Incentives is a marketplace serving the credit card miles and points community. It alerts users to local discounted gift card deals, which they can purchase and resell to Aligned Incentives. The company then resells these gift cards through online marketplaces and in B2B transactions, enabling other businesses to acquire inventory at a discount. Aligned Incentives fosters a mutually beneficial ecosystem for savvy consumers and businesses alike. 
Top 10 Winner