SocialNote wins $100K in 2023 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition

The Austin-based startup will receive $100,000 in funding to accelerate its business and mission.

AUSTIN, Texas - SocialNote has been named the winner of the 2023 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition.

As the winner, the Austin-based startup will receive $100,000 in funding to accelerate its business and mission as part of the Austin FC Dream Starter business initiative, which supports Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.

"After reviewing several innovative pitches, we’re delighted to announce SocialNote as this year’s Dream Starter winner," said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. "Austin has an amazing and diverse entrepreneurial community, and we’re grateful to Q2 and DivInc for their help in bringing this initiative to life for a third consecutive year."

SocialNote is a one-of-a-kind web application designed for school-based social workers to manage interactions with students and families.

Documentation of interactions with students and families is critical but often the last task to be completed because there are so many other needs to tend to.

SocialNote aims to provide a platform that removes the stress, dread and burnout of case management so the job feels sustainable, and the professional field of school-based mental health retains high-quality providers.

"It is an honor to be selected as the 2023 Dream Starter Competition winner," said SocialNote Co-founder Vanessa Newton. "We look forward to using the funds to grow and expand the reach of our business and mission of providing K-12 schools with the tools needed to support their social workers and counselors, which has a direct impact on the mental health and wellness of our students and children.

In addition to SocialNote, the 2023 Dream Starter finalists included Daybird, which produces skincare products that seek to redefine traditional beauty standards; Jale, an app that creates new opportunities between companies and blue-collar Latino workers; Player2Player, which creates opportunities for high-school and college-age athletes to coach young players; and Mammoth Creameries, which produces ice cream and frozen custard for people with diabetes or on sugar-conscious diets.

SocialNote, along with the other finalists, participated in a pitch contest on May 22 at Q2 Stadium, where a diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2 Holdings Inc., and the Austin entrepreneurial community evaluated each finalist’s presentation and ultimately selected the winner.

SocialNote will be honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake match on Saturday, June 3.

To learn more about the Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, click here.