Acclinate Co-Founder and CEO, Tiffany Whitlow, has been honored as one of the leading entrepreneurs in the United States by being named to Inc. magazine’s 2026 Female Founders 500 list. This prestigious annual recognition celebrates innovative women business leaders, and Whitlow is one of only two women from Alabama selected for this year’s list. Collectively, the 2026 honorees generated approximately $12.3 billion in revenue in 2025, highlighting the significant economic impact of women-led businesses.
The Female Founders 500 list showcases founders who have made remarkable strides in their respective industries through bold ideas and resilience. Each year, Inc. editors employ a rigorous evaluation process that assesses both quantitative performance metrics, such as revenue growth and funding, and qualitative factors like innovation and social impact. The final list reflects entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable progress over the past year.
“This recognition is a testament to the fact that health equity isn’t just a social imperative; it’s a business one,” said Tiffany Whitlow in a statement. She emphasized that at Acclinate, the mission is to ensure clinical research includes diverse populations. “This honor belongs to our entire team and the communities we partner with every day to build a more inclusive future for medicine.”
Acclinate’s Mission to Diversify Clinical Research
Under Whitlow’s leadership, Acclinate has transformed how pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations engage with underrepresented populations. The company’s NOWINCLUDED community platform has grown to more than 200,000 members, bridging the gap between health organizations and communities historically excluded from clinical research. This initiative ensures broader awareness of and access to opportunities for participation in medical innovation.
Acclinate has also received strategic investments from key industry players, including Labcorp and Cencora, underscoring the increasing demand for inclusive clinical research solutions. The company has expanded its community outreach through the launch of the NOWINCLUDED mobile app and the NOWINCLUDED Unfiltered podcast, both aimed at fostering trusted health conversations and enhancing awareness of clinical trials.
Whitlow’s commitment extends beyond her company. She actively participates in the Huntsville community, serving on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Madison County and as a member of the Women’s Economic Development Council (WEDC). In these roles, she supports initiatives that promote economic opportunities for women in the region.
Celebrating Trailblazing Women Leaders
The 2026 Female Founders 500 list features a diverse group of innovators, including leaders in artificial intelligence, wellness, and nonprofit sectors. “Each year, we are increasingly amazed by the extraordinary leaders on our Inc. Female Founders 500 list,” remarked Bonny Ghosh, Editorial Director at Inc.. “The honorees on this year’s list are showing all of us what trailblazing female leadership looks like.”
Several of the honorees will be highlighted in the Spring issue of Inc. magazine, which will be available on newsstands starting March 17, 2026. For those interested in viewing the complete list of honorees, it can be found at https://www.inc.com/female-founders/2026.
Acclinate, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, is dedicated to advancing health equity by diversifying clinical research. Through its NOWINCLUDED ecosystem, which includes a community of over 200,000 members, a mobile app, in-person engagements, and the Unfiltered podcast, Acclinate builds trust within underrepresented communities. By combining cultural competency with advanced data analytics, Acclinate aims to make clinical trials more representative and medicine more equitable for all.
