Avadain Honored as 2025 Emerging Entrepreneur by Memphis Business Journal

Memphis, TN – Avadain shareholders celebrated the graphene manufacturing technology company being named a 2025 “Emerging Entrepreneur” at the Memphis Business Journal’s Small Business Awards ceremony. The award recognizes Avadain’s growth and achievements over the past year and potential global impact.

The award ceremony, held in Memphis, highlighted the top entrepreneurial talent across the region. The Memphis Business Journal praised Avadain as a “very promising” startup with “global impact.”

“Avadain continues to meet ambitious milestones,” said Brad Larschan, Avadain’s CEO, who accepted the award. “It means so much to know we have such strong support here in Tennessee.”

“We’re proud to see Avadain’s progress,” said Bill Summar, an early investor in Avadain from Ripley, TN. “There’s been so much growth. It’s great to see and be part of,” he added.

“It’s so important for our region to have deep tech companies like Avadain,” Lauderdale County Mayor Maurice Gaines, Jr. said. “It’s companies like Avadain that are going to create the good paying jobs we need.”

Avadain’s recognition comes on the heels of its record-setting crowdfunding campaign, reaching the SEC limit of $5 million in just over six weeks, placing Avadain in the top 0.3% of all crowdfunding campaigns. Avadain raised $10.8 million over three rounds, the most any company has raised on the Netcapital crowdfunding platform.

“I’m amazed at how well Avadain is doing,” said Tom Greaves, an Avadain investor who lives in Memphis. “Let’s hope they keep the progress going!”

Avadain’s next milestone is shipping a pilot plant to Harcros Chemicals in September 2025.