Opportunity Austin and the Austin Chamber of Commerce have opened applications for the 2023 A-LIST Awards. The A-LIST Awards, now in its 12th year, is designed to recognize local technology and innovation companies of all sizes.

These awards are a partnership between Opportunity Austin, the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and South by Southwest. Last year's winners included Afia, FloorFound, AffiniPay, KUNGFU.AI, angel investor Andrea Kalmans of Lontra Ventures and venture capital firm LiveOak Venture Partners.

Applications will be reviewed by local investors, entrepreneurs, and other business leaders, and finalists will be announced later this spring.

“Shining a spotlight on both emerging and established businesses is something SXSW is passionate about,” said Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer for South by Southwest. "We are excited to continue our partnership with Opportunity Austin and Austin Chamber of Commerce to give these great companies exposure and resources to grow their business.”

Businesses can apply to A-LIST if they are privately-owned companies in various stages, from bootstrapped through late-stage funding. Also, A-LIST will once again be honoring an investor of the year. The categories for applications are:

- Bootstrapped (Self-funded businesses)
- Angel & Seed ($10,000 to $6 million in Investment)
- Early Stage (A or B Series funding, $6 million to $40 million)
- Late Stage (C series or later, greater than $40 million)
- Investor of the Year (Open to individual angel investors and venture capital firms)

“The Austin region is emerging as a premier innovation ecosystem,” said Roland Peña , Senior Vice President for Global Technology and Innovation for Opportunity Austin and the Austin Chamber. “A-LIST is a signature program designed to recognize our start-up business's ability to start, grow and thrive in Central Texas.”

Winners will be selected in the summer and honored at an event on May 23 at the Long Center. The deadline for applications is February 21, 2023.

For more information about A-LIST or instructions on how to apply, visit: https://www.austinchamber.com/events/a-list-awards-2023