DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD FINALISTS
CITY OF HOPE
FINALIST
City of Hope is one of the nation’s largest and most advanced institutions for cancer research and treatment, with a 110-year legacy of serving humanity through scientific innovation and compassionate care. As an independent academic medical center, City of Hope has built a national network of advanced cancer centers across five major metropolitan areas. Today, more than 86 million people live in communities with convenient access to City of Hope’s advanced care‚ bringing lifesaving treatments closer to where patients live and work.
City of Hope is disrupting cancer care by embedding artificial intelligence across every stage of the patient journey – from diagnosis and treatment to supportive care and research. At the heart of this transformation is HopeLLM, a proprietary large language model that streamlines clinical decision- making, summarizes complex patient histories, and matches patients to clinical trials in real time.
INTER-CON SECURITY
FINALIST
Inter-Con was founded in 1973 by retired LAPD Detective Lt. Hank Hernandez and his wife, Bertha. From its inception, the company has grown organically into one of the world’s largest physical security providers, with more than 37,000 professionals worldwide. Still 100% family-owned and now led by the third generation of the Hernandez family, Inter-Con has built its reputation on stability, trust, and a 97% client retention rate, never once losing a domestic contract for cause.
Inter-Con is disrupting the security industry and addressing client needs through several key differentiators, including its dedicated service model. Unlike the traditional branch office model used by most competitors, Inter-Con employs this model, providing fully customized account management and security assets for each client. This consultative approach allows us to proactively identify opportunities for value creation and cost savings, ensuring high-quality, responsive and flexible service.
JB OFFICE
FINALIST
JB Office’s journey began with a clear purpose: to supply businesses with high-quality office supplies at competitive prices. As an authorized reseller, JB Office earned a reputation for reliability, exceptional service, and fast delivery. But as the workplace has evolved, so has the company. JB Office has expanded beyond office supplies and into a full-service solutions provider. Today, it also provides tailored office solutions designed for small-to-medium sized businesses.
JB Office is in the process of transforming from an authorized reseller to an office solutions provider called JB Office Solutions. JB Office Solutions offers a wide range of products and services to help businesses improve their efficiency and workplace environment, acting as a “one-stop shop.” JB supplies everything from everyday office supplies, furniture and breakroom items to specialized services promotional products, technology equipment, and facility and maintenance supplies.
MUSE CAPITAL
FINALIST
Founded in 2016, Muse Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in overlooked and untapped consumer technology opportunities across the future of how we “care, play, and live.” Muse is disrupting venture capital itself by challenging the traditional funding gaps that leave critical markets underserved. While only 2% of venture dollars flow to female founders and 95% of VC partners are men, Muse invests with the conviction that diversity is both a strategic necessity and a driver of superior economic outcomes, particularly when it comes to traditionally overlooked sectors like women’s health or women’s sports. Muse identifies “companies that should exist‚” and helps them redefine industries that have lagged in innovation.
On the lifestyle and wellness front, Muse has backed Beekeeper’s Naturals in redefining natural remedies, and Cloud Paper in disrupting the single-use paper industry. Muse’s approach is not only about providing capital but also driving commercialization.
ACCELERATOR AWARD FINALISTS
BIRDY GREY
FINALIST
The Birdy Grey brand was launched in 2017 with one simple goal: make the bridesmaid dress shopping experience both enjoyable and affordable. This goal remains a part of the company’s DNA to this day, now expanded to include groomsmen and the full wedding party. In leaps and bounds, Birdy Grey has become the go-to destination for stylish and affordable bridesmaids dresses. Starting at just an industry disrupting $89, the company’s collection features distinct options to suit every wedding vision.
Brides have been raving about Birdy Grey’s extensive color palette, while bridesmaids appreciate the company’s chic designs and inclusive sizing. The airy chiffon and sleek satin bridesmaids dresses are perfect for warm-weather celebrations. For spring, the company’s mixand- matchable pastel and dusty tones are a top pick. Fall and winter brides love the luxe velvet gowns in rich shades like emerald green and romantic cabernet.
C.W. DRIVER COMPANIES
FINALIST
C.W. Driver Companies is a multi-faceted builder providing general contracting, construction management and design/build services throughout Southern California. The powerful synergy created by C.W. Driver’s technological edge and dynamic management teams is evident in the company’s diverse portfolio of projects within the academic, entertainment and sports, retail, civic and cultural, commercial, office, hospitality and gaming, residential and senior living markets.
One of the things that truly differentiates C.W. Driver Companies from the competition is its people. All employees are charged with bringing integrity, commitment, and intellectual precision to each project. C.W. Driver also strives to retain its competitive edge among its peers. Rarely found in most construction companies, C.W. Driver has maintained a Quality Control Department that is dedicated to upholding its high standards for quality, starting from a project’s design stage clear through project turnover. It’s no wonder that the firm continues to see surging growth.
INNOVATOR AWARD FINALISTS
ASTROLOGIE CALIFORNIA
FINALIST
Astrologie California, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Los Angeles, has grown from a small private-label supplier into a leading women’s apparel company with both a strong wholesale presence and a fast-growing direct-to-consumer brand.
Astrologie California is disrupting the apparel industry by bridging the gap between fast-fashion speed and high-quality, responsibly made clothing. Traditionally, retailers have had to choose between quick-turn, lower-quality suppliers or slower, premium producers. Astrologie breaks this tradeoff by maintaining full in-house design and sampling capabilities in Los Angeles – allowing it to respond to emerging trends within days, while also leveraging global production for scale. This unique hybrid model enables both boutique flexibility and large-scale reliability, giving major retailers and consumers access to fashion that is trend-right, well-made, and delivered at the pace of today’s market. Equally disruptive is Astrologie’s approach to sustainability and inclusivity
DDN
FINALIST
DDN is the world’s leader in AI and data intelligence solutions, empowering organizations to unlock the full value of their data. For over 25 years, DDN has sustained double-digit growth by delivering scalable, high-performance AI and data solutions that fuel innovation across industries and nations. Today, DDN manages tens of exabytes of data across more than 11,000 customers in 70+ countries, and its platforms power over twothirds of the world’s top AI supercomputers.
DDN’s flagship solutions, EXAScaler and INFINIA, provide performance, simplicity and efficiency for the most data-intensive workloads across hybrid and sovereign environments. These platforms accelerate breakthroughs in areas that shape society such as drug discovery and life sciences, financial services, and space exploration. DDN also serves as the trusted data partner to the most innovative AI ecosystems. DDN is redefining what is possible in AI, data intelligence and scientific discovery.
PEAKMETRICS
FINALIST
PeakMetrics is an AI-powered narrative intelligence platform revolutionizing how organizations detect, decipher and defend against online threats. In an era where adversarial influence campaigns, AI-generated false narratives, and coordinated disinformation attacks pose increasing risks to businesses, governments and individuals, PeakMetrics stands at the forefront of innovation. PeakMetrics leverages machine learning to cluster narratives, assess threat levels, and uncover emerging risks across mainstream, social, and fringe platforms.
PeakMetrics is disrupting the market by transforming how organizations detect and mitigate online threats. Traditional monitoring tools rely on keyword tracking and sentiment analysis, missing how narratives evolve and spread. PeakMetrics applies AI and machine learning to cluster narratives, identify bot-driven amplification, and surface high-risk threats across mainstream, social, and fringe platforms before they escalate.
SDS CAPITAL GROUP
FINALIST
Since being founded in 2001, SDS Capital Group has been a force in commercial real estate through its ability to launch and manage exceptional impact funds across the United States.
SDS Capital Group’s $185 million SDS Supportive Housing Fund (SHF) is a first of its kind private equity impact fund that finances new and financially sustainable permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Unlike any other fund in the country, the SHF uses market-rate equity and zero taxpayer dollars to finance 100% of acquisition and construction costs for homeless housing developments. SHF is financing 2,500 units of PSH to provide healthy, safe, high-quality housing throughout California. The Fund’s “one-stop‚” financing approach significantly reduces the usual time required to underwrite and close funding to approximately 24 months. To date, the Fund has financed ten PSH projects that will result in a total of 760 PSH units upon completion.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD FINALISTS
ANALOG EVENTS
FINALIST
Analog Events is a Los Angeles based experiential marketing and event-production agency founded in 2016. Over the past nine years, Analog has grown from a boutique creative studio into a certified B Corporation recognized for producing high-impact, sustainability- driven activations for some of the world’s most influential brands, including Peacock, Netflix, Olaplex, HBO Max, Glow Recipe, Capitol Records, Interscope, and Regeneration VC. By embedding environmental and social responsibility into its creative process, Analog has earned its reputation as a trusted partner for Fortune 500 companies and purpose-driven startups.
Analog is disrupting the event industry by proving that world-class, culturally resonant events can also be sustainable and measurable. Analog has redefined sustainability as a core creative and operational driver. Through proprietary tools, sustainability dashboards, and vendor intake forms capturing ESG metrics, Analog integrates impact tracking into every stage of event planning.
FRUITIST
FINALIST
Fruitist was born from a vision to disrupt the commoditized fruit aisle and confront the silent epidemic of unhealthy snacking, especially among kids and teens. While processed snacks high in sugar, salt and additives became the default, fruit, nature’s perfect snack, was too often ignored due to inconsistent taste and quality. Fruitist set out to change that. By managing every step of the supply chain from varietal selection to retail delivery, and operating in more than ten of the world’s most optimal microclimates, Fruitist ensures consistent quality from seed to shelf.
This transformation is made possible by a proprietary technology platform that integrates field-level science, harvest timing, packing logistics, and retail demand forecasting. Through machine learning and predictive analytics, Fruitist optimizes every stage of the process to deliver consistent supply all year. Largely thanks to this work, consumers are finally switching from unhealthy snacking habits to fruit.
SUFFOLK
FINALIST
Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates and invests. Suffolk is an end-to-end business that provides value throughout the entire project lifecycle by leveraging its core construction management services with vertical service lines that include real estate capital investment, design, self-perform construction services, technology start-up investment and innovation research/development.
Suffolk expanded to Los Angeles in 1998, recognizing immense opportunity in one of the most dynamic building markets in the country. Over the last three decades, Suffolk LA has become a trusted partner for clients across the region, with a specialty in luxury hotels, affordable housing and higher education projects. Leveraging Suffolk’s national scale and local expertise, the LA office has built a strong track record of growth by embracing data, sustainability and innovative construction practices that deliver results. To date, Suffolk has led affordable housing projects in LA totaling more than $1 billion.
VERDE CLEAN
FINALIST
Verde is an eco-friendly, minority-owned facilities services company committed to creating cleaner, healthier workplaces and a greener world. The company has brought its 100% green, eco-friendly cleaning program, called Verde Earth, to customers around Southern California and the Southwest. Innovations include swapping customers’ conventional paper products with post-consumer recycled products to using centralized trashing.
Verde Earth utilizes products, equipment, and techniques approved and tested by trusted third-party environmental entities, such as the EPA and Green Seal. Verde Earth’s Green Cleaning Standard Operating Procedures work to emit fewer harmful compounds, improve indoor air quality for building occupants, mitigate cross contamination, reduce levels of chemical, biological and particulate contaminants that can compromise air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, while also conserving energy, water, and chemicals while cleaning.
START-UP TO SCALE-UP AWARD AWARD FINALISTS
FRANKIES BIKINIS LLC
FINALIST
Frankies Bikinis is a female-led lifestyle brand founded by Francesca Aiello in Malibu. Since its launch in 2012, the company has grown from a swimwear startup into a globally recognized fashion brand offering ready-to-wear apparel, activewear, knits, and beauty products. Known for its inclusive sizing, trend-forward designs, and celebrity collaborations, Frankies Bikinis has built a loyal following and retail presence in stores like Victoria’s Secret, Revolve, and Bloomingdale’s. The company has expanded to six retail locations and continues to scale its digital and wholesale channels.
Frankies Bikinis disrupted the swimwear market by combining high-fashion aesthetics with eco-conscious production. Aiello was the youngest designer to debut at Miami Swim Week, and her early use of Instagram as a brand-building tool helped redefine how fashion brands connect with consumers.
PARC VENTURES INC. dba BUMO
FINALIST
Bumo is a child care marketplace transforming how families access care and how providers offer it. The company helps parents instantly book trusted child care, camps, and enrichment programs, by the day, week, month, or year, on a flexible platform designed for modern life. From infants to teens, Bumo’s services support kids aged 0-17 and include care options like after-school programs, microschools, and seasonal camps.
What began as a single coworking and child care center in 2019 has evolved through pandemic pivots and relentless user learning, into a fast-growing platform that has a strong and growing presence in the LA metro area. Families have booked almost 500,000 hours of care on Bumo, and the company has partnered with renowned organizations like FC Barcelona, Learning Care Group, and Boys & Girls Club LA Metro.
SAYLOR
FINALIST
Saylor was created to challenge the traditional agency model by building a structure that keeps strategy, creative and production under one roof. This eliminates silos and allows teams to move seamlessly from pitch to execution. The result is work that is cohesive, culturally relevant, and designed to spark conversation.
In just four years, Saylor has grown from a two-person startup into a more than 70 person agency working with some of the world’s most influential brands, including Netflix, Disney, Paramount, Hilton, Anthropologie, Nike, Prime Video, and LEGO. Revenue has increased 25 times since launch, with a 140 percent year-over-year increase from the agency’s top three clients in 2024. This success is driven by a focus on long-term partnerships, social-first thinking, and campaigns that flex across every format, from TikTok to TV.
SELLCORD LLC
FINALIST
Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Los Angeles, SellCord has rapidly grown into a leading force in eCommerce enablement, scaling to over 100 employees and contractors globally within the last year. As an exclusive Walmart Agency Partner, Sell- Cord supports both first party and third party sellers with full-service account management, advanced media and strategy services, and proprietary software. The team manages millions in Walmart advertising and operates across key markets.
SellCord specializes in launching and managing brands on Walmart.com. With extensive experience across all categories, it helps brands succeed by leveraging proven marketplace strategies. In the short amount of time SellCord has been established, it has managed $1M+ skus, 2 billion managed sales, $50M+ in ad spends, and 500+ brands.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD FINALISTS
CDC SMALL BUSINESS FINANCE
FINALIST
CDC Small Business Finance is a nonprofit that is one of the nation’s foremost mission-driven lenders – with the mission of helping small businesses obtain financing when they are unable to qualify for loans from traditional lenders. The company’s work nationwide in several core geographic regions, including Los Angeles County.
By assisting these small businesses with what is considered “impact capital,” CDC Small Business is not only helping the entrepreneurs themselves, but also creating jobs and bolstering the economy and the quality of life in the communities these businesses serve. Two of CDC Small Business Finance’s core products for the past 40+ years are loans backed by the US Small Business Administration. It also created its own loan product called Impower in order to help more small business owners than would otherwise be eligible. CDC Small Business Finance has deployed more than $4.7 billion to small business owners.
HARPE VENTURES
FINALIST
Panney Wei is a transformative force at the intersection of wellness, food & beverage, and entertainment. Through her company, Harpe Ventures, and her community leadership, she delivers measurable, meaningful impact – rooted in empowerment, equity and healing. As a certified clinical hypnotherapist, Neurolinguistic Programming Practitioner, and Reiki Master, with a degree in Occupational Sciences and specialization in mind-body psychology, Wei supports the mental, emotional and somatic wellbeing of underserved communities – particularly women and communities of color. Her therapeutic practice is grounded in cultural intelligence, trauma- informed care, and results-driven healing. She offers one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and collaborative programs that help clients access deeper resilience, self-worth, and clarity. Wei’s work in media, storytelling and entrepreneurship is a conscious extension of her healing practice.
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