EDPA expands goals with Birmingham Bound acquisition

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) building, headquarters of Alabama Launchpad. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) announced it has acquired Birmingham Bound.

Originally launched by Shipt in 2018 to support Birmingham’s growing innovation ecosystem, the Birmingham Bound initiative has successfully attracted over 20 technology companies to The Magic City and metro area. 

Birmingham Bound goes statewide

As a result of the acquisition, Birmingham Bound will now serve as a cornerstone for a statewide lead generation strategy for tech companies. 

“Our plan is to make Birmingham Bound a statewide initiative. This development allows us to use proven methods we’ve refined with our business intelligence team at AL Intel to target specific companies, pursue high-potential leads, and highlight Alabama’s unique value proposition for early-stage businesses.” 

According to an EDPA news release, the key objectives of this new statewide strategy include: 

• Targeting specific companies with Alabama’s value proposition, including its business-friendly climate and competitive cost structure. 
• Building on existing partnerships across the state to connect companies with the right ecosystems for their success. 
• Strengthening Alabama’s reputation as a hub for innovation by marketing communities that align with the needs of different sectors, such as defense-tech in Huntsville or advanced manufacturing in Birmingham. 

EDPA leadership

The initiative will be led by EDPA’s Lauren Hyde and Estes Hughes, with guidance from Birmingham Bound founder Britney Summerville and other founding advisors. 

The acquisition was made possible through donations and a tax credit from Innovate Alabama. 

“I’m thrilled to see EDPA’s acquisition of Birmingham Bound and the establishment of this as a statewide initiative for tech company recruitment. This step solidifies Alabama’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for innovation and technology.” 

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Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.