Michael Peterman, founder and CEO of VeraData Holdings, has been named an EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Florida Award winner. Selected from nearly 35 program participants and among 592 finalists across 17 regions, Peterman was recognized for his leadership in transforming nonprofit fundraising through data science, analytics, and technology-driven decision-making.
Over the past two decades, Peterman has built VeraData into a fundraising intelligence enterprise that helps nonprofits optimize donor acquisition and retention strategies. Today, the company serves organizations nationwide that collectively raise more than $1 billion annually and employs more than 240 professionals, including a team of over 25 PhD mathematicians.
Michael Peterman has been named an EY US Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 Florida Award winner.
Peterman was selected from a competitive field of 592 finalists across 17 regions.
VeraData uses AI, machine learning, and data analytics to improve nonprofit fundraising outcomes.
The company supports nonprofits that collectively raise more than $1 billion annually.
Peterman will advance to the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 National Awards competition.
The recognition highlights innovation, business growth, and purpose-driven leadership in fundraising technology.
The Entrepreneur Of The Year program, now in its 41st year, honors entrepreneurs and business leaders who demonstrate innovation, leadership, growth, and long-term value creation. The award recognizes founders and executives who have successfully built and scaled businesses while creating meaningful impact within their industries.
Peterman's recognition reflects his efforts to apply advanced data science to nonprofit fundraising. Under his leadership, VeraData has developed a technology-driven approach that leverages analytics, artificial intelligence, and behavioral insights to help organizations improve donor engagement and fundraising performance.
"This is a humbling experience," said Michael Peterman, founder and CEO of VeraData. "Entrepreneurship is a team sport … nobody accomplishes anything meaningful alone. I have been blessed with an incredible team that bought into this vision, believes in it every single day, and works tirelessly to support our clients' missions. I am also profoundly grateful to the nonprofits who trust us to diverge from the traditional and leverage data, analytics and technology to guide decisioning. This honor belongs to all of them."
What began as a vision to improve charitable giving through better data analysis has evolved into a full-spectrum fundraising intelligence company. VeraData's platform combines predictive analytics, machine learning, donor intelligence, and fundraising strategy to help nonprofit organizations identify, acquire, and retain supporters more effectively.
The company has expanded its capabilities through partner agencies focused on creative storytelling, digital engagement, integrated fundraising strategy, and donor communications. Together, these services enable nonprofits to make more informed decisions and drive stronger fundraising outcomes.
Regional winners were selected by an independent panel consisting of previous award recipients, business leaders, and top executives. Judges evaluated candidates based on entrepreneurial spirit, sustained business growth, long-term value creation, and commitment to purpose-driven leadership.
"I have watched Michael work for years, and what he has built is extraordinary," said Michael Kulpinsky, Chief Operating Officer of VeraData Holdings. "It was his passion, his drive, and his unwavering belief in what this company could become that made me want to be part of it. I couldn't be more honored to watch him receive this recognition. He has earned every bit of it."
As a Florida award winner, Peterman will now advance to consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 National Awards, scheduled to be presented in November during the Strategic Growth Forum®. The event brings together high-growth business leaders, investors, and Fortune 1000 executives to discuss emerging trends and opportunities shaping the future of business.
The National Overall Award recipient will go on to represent the United States at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition in May 2027.
Peterman's recognition underscores the growing role of data, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics in helping nonprofit organizations achieve stronger fundraising outcomes while demonstrating how technology-driven innovation can create meaningful impact across the social sector.
VeraData is the originator of Donor Science™, pioneering the use of AI, machine learning, and behavioral data to help nonprofits acquire more donors and generate more revenue. VeraData blends Donor Science, Creative Science, and Media Science through its partner agencies Teal Media (creative and digital storytelling) and Faircom New York (integrated fundraising strategy and donor communications). With capabilities spanning predictive analytics, creative strategy, direct mail production, and data-driven optimization, VeraData equips mission-driven organizations to turn insights into impact and achieve stronger fundraising results. For more information, visit VeraData.com.
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries and territories globally.
The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced. The national overall winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition.
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