AKRON, Ohio (Jan. 10, 2019) – Bounce Innovation Hub announced today that its inaugural product development accelerator cohort will begin Jan. 14 and will feature five northeast Ohio startups. The four-month-long program helps early-stage software startups build and refine their minimum viable product (MVP), and prepares them for launch of their product at the end of the cohort.
The program is mentor-driven, connecting founders with a diverse and experienced group of advisers to help them take their businesses to the next level. Companies also have access to co-working space and there is potential for investment.
Ed Buchholz, an accomplished product manager, founder and startup mentor, joined Bounce in December as the accelerator’s managing director.
“The focus is to positively impact the cohort companies and help them create the early momentum that is crucial to achieving escape velocity,” said Buchholz. “That starts with honing their product offerings and clarifying how the companies communicate their value propositions to pilot customers, potential investors and the public.”
The five startups were selected from a field of applicants; four of the five also participated in Bounce’s annual FUEL pitch competition for entry into the program. They are:
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Convos – A software company that uses chatbots to help businesses connect with and engage new leads through Facebook Messenger and website conversions
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Event Discovery Company – A software company and developer of Evitt, a connected website calendar that makes event promoting easier and more efficient
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Linear Labs – A technology company that uses artificial intelligence to produce market research and consumer insight
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ReqPrep – A digital platform that simplifies and streamlines the ordering process for users in lab industries
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SeeLife – A software company that uses gaming and biofeedback to engage kindergarten through fifth-grade students to learn mindfulness for improved emotional intelligence through heart rate control
The cohort commences on April 26.
About Bounce
Located at 526 S. Main St., Bounce Innovation Hub is the region’s first open innovation hub serving northeast Ohio’s entrepreneurial and innovation community. Bounce encourages open collaboration among diverse groups through unique opportunities, programs and events that engage anyone and everyone with a mind for innovation.
Media contact:
Jeanine Black
jblack@bouncehub.org