AKRON, Ohio (July 30, 2019) – Bounce Innovation Hub recently announced seven northeast Ohio startups were selected for the second product development accelerator. The four-month-long program started on July 15 and helps early-stage software startups build and refine their minimum viable product (MVP), and prepares them for launch of that product.
The objective is to help each company build a strong foundation from which to grow and scale, and develop processes that can be repeated after graduation.
“We focus on cultivating great entrepreneurs equally as much as creating scalable companies,” said Christopher Mazziotto, director of Entrepreneurial Services. “Our objective is to teach each entrepreneur a framework for innovative thinking and how to be tactical problem solvers. A key success factor for the software accelerator is company progress.”
The program requires no equity up front. Companies have access to coworking space and there is potential for investment up to $40,000. It is mentor-driven, connecting founders with access to a diverse and experienced group of advisers.
The seven startups were selected from a field of applicants. They are:
Backdraft: A consumer platform that uses bank cards as a rewards card and provides businesses with insight into their customers to assist with marketing and sales. Based in Akron.
Collective Convenience: A mobile app platform that helps patients navigate the world of Cannabis, including cataloging products, tracking methods of consumption and finding dispensary and clinic locations. Based in Akron.
Dencar Technology: Digital solutions for car wash operators to enhance the sales experience, including point-of-sale integrated hardware, mobile and web capabilities; digital signage; and security/network management.
EngageAR: A consumer insight/marketing application called Pearl that uses augmented reality to engage consumers and collect data that can then be used for marketing and sales decision making. Based in Brooklyn, Ohio.
Falls Music School: A platform for students to take music lessons with instructors online in an on-demand format. Based in Akron.
Garden Box: a personal gardening service that uses smart technology and industry expertise to customize and send individually picked seeds to help users grow vegetables, herbs, succulents and flowers in any environment. Based in Tallmadge, Ohio.
ShowCEO: a platform that simplifies the process of creating, managing, finding and entering horse shows – for organizers and riders – all in one place. Based in Cleveland.
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. Visit www.bouncehub.org for more information.
Contact:
Jeanine Black
Chief Marketing Officer
330-701-5360
jblack@bouncehub.org