The 2024 Visual 1st Awards:
Visual 1st Best of Show award:
PicCollage
“While generative AI dominated discussions last year, it hadn’t yet proven ready for full product commercialization. PicCollage stood out by blending AI-powered templates with personalized portraits in a way that is both visually stunning and easy to use, enhancing an already popular product. Their well-executed AI strategy exemplifies how technology, when applied thoughtfully, can elevate user experience and drive future product growth.”
Sami Niemi, Partner at Spintop Ventures
Visual 1st Best Business Potential award:
Tracer
“TilePix from Tracer was a clear choice for our Best of Business award. First, they have developed a conceptually simple product that solves a ubiquitous problem – hanging a picture on the wall without damaging the wall. They have partnered with Corning to supply the Gorilla Glass used as a lightweight and strong printing substrate. They have established a nationwide sales channel for their product (Walgreens) and are generating revenue, profit, and happy customers. Better yet, they have accomplished all of this without needing to raise venture capital!”
Rudy Burger, Founder & Managing Partner at Woodside Capital
Visual 1st Best Technology award:
Nodle
“While AI continues to attract attention and investment to improve productivity and generate new media content, AI also poses risks to consumers, creators and businesses as they encounter deepfakes and copycats. With that context, we are excited to award the Best Technology to Nodle for its Click app, which delivers a simple and powerful solution for signing and authenticating media content in advance of broader C2PA implementations.”
Andy Kelm, Managing Director at Palmarés Advisors
Visual 1st Special Recognition Award:
Hypno
In an environment heavily focused on AI, it is refreshing to see a company who is innovating in the event photography space. Our Special Recognition winner, Hypno, is redefining how brands engage with their audiences through immersive experiences, combining instant photography, video & music to create captivating and shareable moments at live events.
Anna Dickson, VP Content Strategy & Operations at Shutterstock
