2025 Best Startup Businesses in Maryland: Apkudo

Apkudo, led by Co-Founder and CEO Josh Matthews, is transforming the mobile device lifecycle through AI, robotics, and software solutions. The company aims to unlock value, eliminate electronic waste, and create a more sustainable technology future. 

Its mission focuses on supporting all connected device supply chain participants by ensuring that unused technology doesn’t end up forgotten or polluting the environment, instead reaching people who need connectivity. Its vision emphasizes that while devices connect the world, they must help preserve the world itself. 

What inspired you to launch your business? 

When Josh Matthews saw how fragmented and wasteful the connected device supply chain was, he envisioned a way to create real change. He founded Apkudo to help companies make smarter decisions at every stage of a device’s life — boosting value, lowering costs, expanding access, and reducing the global e-waste crisis. Today, Apkudo transforms how smartphones, laptops, and tablets are reused, recycled, and resold. 

What challenges have you faced as a new business? 

Apkudo has navigated early challenges like managing cash flow and attrition while responding to strong customer demand that occasionally exceeds operational capacity, a positive sign of growth. Expanding internationally exposed the need for more team support for global accounts. We remain focused on scaling thoughtfully and maturing the business at a sustainable pace to ensure resilience and long-term success. 

What accomplishments are you most proud of? 

Apkudo has achieved global adoption, serving customers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Our end-to-end platform stands apart from point solutions, giving customers unmatched device lifecycle insights. In 2024, 16M devices were processed through the Apkudo platform, preventing 6,010 tons of e-waste from reaching landfills. Apkudo’s impact and growth have been recognized with three consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies list. 

How do you support the larger community? 

With a remote team across several states, we empower employees to give back where it matters most. We provide two paid volunteer days annually, supporting organizations focused on cancer, pets, food banks, and more. Apkudo participated in a global Delete Litter Earth Month challenge to reduce waste in our local communities. We had the honor of partnering with University of Maryland students on a consulting project, giving them hands-on experience through a case study based on classroom learning. 

What programs do you have in place to enhance employee morale? 

Apkudo enhances morale through quarterly All Hands and “Let’s Talk” sessions that keep employees informed and connected. Core Values and Founder’s Awards celebrate outstanding contributions, while a newsletter spotlights employee stories, hobbies, and even pets. Google Hangout spaces recognize birthdays and milestones. Structured onboarding, growth-focused performance programs, equity, and generous benefits ensure employees feel valued and supported. 

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by information provided by the honorees and other resources. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.