NC TECH Names Vantaca CEO Tech Leader of Year
The statewide organization honored Ben Currin for his contributions to the North Carolina technology ecosystem.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Remote Work
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NC TECH recognized Ben Currin, CEO of the Wilmington-based firm Vantaca, as the 2026 Tech CEO of the Year. The announcement highlights his leadership as the company continues to expand its reach within the regional tech sector.
Why it matters
The recognition reflects the growing influence of North Carolina-based technology firms on national industries. It also highlights the successful scaling of local companies that integrate specialized artificial intelligence solutions into their core business platforms.
Vantaca currently maintains a $1.25 billion valuation and employs 400 staff members. The firm provides services to over 550 management companies, impacting more than six million households nationwide.
The players
Ben Currin
He is the chief executive officer of Vantaca who was recognized as the 2026 Tech CEO of the Year by NC TECH.
NC TECH
This is a statewide organization that promotes and supports the technology sector in North Carolina.
Vantaca
This Wilmington-based technology firm provides software solutions to management companies and reached unicorn status in 2025.
Brad Briner
He was recognized as the Public Leader of the Year by NC TECH.
Jim Goodnight
He is a recipient of the NC TECH Beacon Award for his contributions to the regional industry.
The details
Under Currin's leadership since 2020, Vantaca has focused on developing the HOAi Fleet artificial intelligence agent suite. The company was co-founded by Dave Sweyer and David Gunn, and it continues to operate from its headquarters in Wilmington.
Timeline
Dave Sweyer and David Gunn co-founded Vantaca in 2015.
Ben Currin joined the Vantaca leadership team in 2017.
Ben Currin was appointed CEO of Vantaca in 2020.
Vantaca achieved a valuation of $1.25 billion in 2025.
NC TECH will host the annual awards ceremony on November 16, 2026.
Market Landscape
The recognition of Vantaca aligns with the broader trend of North Carolina technology firms reaching unicorn status through industry-specific software innovation. This positions the state as an increasingly competitive hub for enterprise AI development.
The growth of companies like Vantaca suggests continued stability for technology jobs in North Carolina. Customers using these management platforms may see increased AI integration in their service portals as the firm scales its operations.
The takeaway
The success of Vantaca demonstrates the value of specialized software tools in traditional management industries. Professionals looking to advance their careers should prioritize companies that demonstrate sustained valuation growth and clear technological roadmaps.
What happens next
NC TECH will host its annual awards ceremony on November 16, 2026, at Research Triangle Park.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's technology initiatives and professional environment on the North Carolina Remote Work section.
More information
Review the full list of NC TECH award winners on the official organization website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WilmingtonBiz.
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