Applications open for Start Co. accelerators

Local venture development organization, Start Co. is one of the accelerators in in Memphis that is empowering entrepreneurs, incubators, and accelerators to build startups that both address needs and strengthen industries already thriving in the city.
 
The organization recently announced that it is searching for the next crop of start-ups for its host of accelerator programs. Applications are currently open for Seed Hatchery, which focuses on enterprise hardware and software technology, the Upstart program, which accepts ideas for women-led technologies and Sky High, which is an accelerator for nonprofits and other social enterprises.
 
“In our seventh year of accelerator programs we look forward to ushering in a new cohort of founders and entrepreneurs,” said Eric Mathews, CEO and founder of Start Co. “Our rigorous startup curriculum helps founders strengthen their business plans, sharpen their business models and attract new partners and customers, and we look forward to the task of selecting this year’s teams and bringing them to Memphis.”
 
Applications close on March 1, 2017 and those accepted will begin at the Start Lab, located in Downtown Memphis, on May 1. The annual Demo Day, where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors, will take place in August.
 
The three accelerator programs will again run simultaneously over the summer and entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship, weekly training sessions, business development and cohort reporting sessions. Teams will also participate in Start-Q, a meet-up for founders, investors, mentors and companies at the Memphis in May International Festival World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest.
 
After Demo Day, graduated teams receive post-acceleration support for another three months in order to encourage them to stay in Memphis.  Select alumni teams are also invited to San Francisco each October to meet with potential investors, mentors and other founders. This year’s trip included six alumni startups and meetings with such firms as RightSide Capital, Early Growth Financial Services, SendGrid and Growth X.
 
Since 2011, Start Co. graduates have received investment of over $17.5M and created and sustained over 250 jobs producing such organizations as Code Crew, which mentors underrepresented and disinvested youth to learn code and other computer science skills to close the digital skills gap and encourage students to pursue STEM careers.
 
“What sets Start Co. programming apart is a focus on founder building from day one and uncharacteristically deep national partner participation,” said Mathews. “Founders are empowered to receive necessary feedback candidly and quickly, and can therefore build and strengthen their business models quickly and correctly.”