By Tim Ryan
757 Startup Studios continues its mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Hampton Roads by welcoming 17 new startups into the Fall 2024 cohort. These entrepreneurs will spend the next six months at the Assembly innovation campus in Downtown Norfolk, utilizing its cutting-edge resources to validate and scale their ventures.
A Growing Legacy of Impact
Since its inception in 2021, 757 Startup Studios has supported over 180 startups, helping secure more than $30M in capital, creating hundreds of jobs, and launching dozens of innovative products. This latest cohort represents a diverse group of founders, with over 90% of the startups led by under-recognized entrepreneurs, exemplifying the organization’s dedication to inclusivity.
Hunter Walsh, Director of 757 Startup Studios, highlighted the significance of this new cohort: “We’re here to help founders focus on validating their ideas and scaling their companies. The resources and community we provide give them every opportunity to succeed.”
Introducing the Fall 2024 Startups
The 17 startups in the Fall 2024 cohort span a variety of industries, reflecting the creativity and entrepreneurial energy of the region:
•Azuma Market: Redesigning vacant commercial spaces into vibrant food halls for aspiring food and beverage entrepreneurs.
•BGF Solutions LLC: Challenging conventional wisdom with elegant, innovative solutions.
•Code Accelerator: Enhancing software engineers’ technical and soft skills for greater success.
•Cudo: Providing a healthy platform for thoughtful discussions and diverse perspectives.
•Guided Confident Careers LLC: Supporting professionals with career navigation and development.
•HerculE-Q: Creating wireless charging solutions for e-bikes and e-scooters using NASA technology.
•hidn.ai: Empowering small and medium businesses by uncovering and organizing hidden team skills.
•HR Signature Links, Inc.: Connecting businesses with expert HR services to improve team success.
•Mercury Care: Helping seniors age in place with custom caregiver support plans and vendor connections.
•Modern Ancients/Technology Product: resinnovate: Assisting organizations in maintaining their culture while navigating growth.
•Offbeat: A card game that connects people through music and shared memories.
•RM-TAG: Offering solutions to help customers remember and retrieve forgotten items.
•Romulus Media, Inc.: Providing direct marketing channels tailored to college students.
•Shed: A co-working space tailored for musical creatives and educators.
•Sweet Heart Mitchell Collection: Promoting health and wellness with products for a happier lifestyle.
•Victory Administration: Delivering administrative solutions to artists and creatives across the U.S.
•Words Beyond Me: A submissions tracker designed to help writers get published.
Building a Foundation for Success
The Fall 2024 cohort will benefit from a suite of resources provided by 757 Startup Studios, including rent-free office space, tailored programming, mentorship, workshops, and expert office hours. These offerings, paired with the collaborative environment of the Assembly innovation campus, are designed to empower founders as they grow their businesses.
Paul Nolde, Managing Director of 757 Collab, emphasized the organization’s vision: “By fueling these bold, early-stage ventures, we’re shaping the future of Hampton Roads and beyond.”
The Path Forward
The addition of these 17 startups reflects the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hampton Roads and the continued impact of 757 Startup Studios. This cohort represents the potential to drive meaningful innovation and economic growth in the region.
More information about 757 Startup Studios, its Fall 2024 cohort, and its broader mission to empower entrepreneurs can be found at 757collab.org. Download the press release here.