Growing up, Chris Palmer watched his grandfather and his father build successful businesses in Indianapolis, which inspired him to start his own company as a teenager, which he ultimately sold while he was still a student at Purdue University.

After graduating, Chris was selected as an Orr Fellow and worked for Indianapolis-based parking software company, T2 Systems. In 2012, Chris launched SupplyKick, a diversified ecommerce company that generated more than $500,000 in its first-year revenue.

While running SupplyKick, Chris saw an opportunity to create a B2B marketplace for overstock retail inventory. He began building BoxFox, and was selected as a finalist by Y Combinator, rated one of the top startup accelerators in the nation. BoxFox then won a grant from Taylor University’s business competition. Soon after, Chris was selected as a participant and awarded a grant from Start-Up Chile, a world-renowned business accelerator based in South America. During the course of the program, BoxFox was selected as the best overall startup out of 100 companies. The BoxFox team is currently comprised of six employees and is based in Indianapolis.

As a founder, Chris takes joy in helping others be more successful. His cumulative endeavors have provided jobs for 20 people in Indiana and generated more than $1 million in revenue. He credits his success to the many advisors, customers, and employees who have guided, supported, and grown his companies.

A strong proponent of “people over profit,” Chris is a genuine, caring, and selfless leader inside and outside of the workplace. He has been an international ambassador for the Indiana tech community while working abroad in South America. He mentors student entrepreneurs and has a co-investment strategy with Indiana prison inmates starting their own businesses after release. He was an early and active member of Verge and contributes to the tech community as a member of the co-working space, The Speakeasy.

 

 

 

TechPoint, Indiana’s technology growth initiative, honored Chris and 14 other Indiana-based companies, entrepreneurs and educators for their technology excellence and innovation on May 3, at the Mira Awards gala presented by BKD CPAs & Advisors. Mira — Latin for miracle and a variable star thousands of times brighter than the Earth’s sun — represents the best of tech in Indiana each year.

Forty-eight independent, volunteer judges spent more than 700 collective hours reviewing the applications, interviewing the nominees and choosing the 15 winners. Judges were primarily subject matter experts and experienced company executives.

The Mira Awards judges stressed that what the Top 5 Rising Star finalists have accomplished as 20-something professionals is astounding and beyond impressive. Considering the future of the tech sector, these five individuals represent the very best of the talent available in Indiana, and the future is in phenomenal hands.

Top 5 Rising Star Finalists:

  • Matt Hunckler, founder and CEO, VERGE
  • Denver Hutt, executive director, The Speak Easy
  • Jesse Kurth, director of client success, TinderBox
  • Chris Palmer, founder and CEO, BoxFox
  • Max Yoder, co-founder, Lesson.ly