By Tim Ryan

Hey, Innovate Hampton Roads—buckle up, because the future just dropped in our backyard! On April 7, 2025, 757 Accelerate, the turbocharged startup engine of 757 Collab, flipped the switch on its latest cohort, and it’s a lineup of six game-changers ready to redefine what’s possible. Kicking off April 21st, these founders are diving into a 9-week Investor Readiness Program that’s all about stacking cash, scaling impact, and putting Hampton Roads on the map as a hotbed of bold ideas.
This isn’t your average startup squad. We’re talking EdTech, AgTech, HealthTech, and SaaS innovators tackling real-world problems with next-level solutions. From microbial seed coatings (shoutout Earnest Agriculture) to drink-spiking detectors (KnoNap’s got your back), these crews are bringing the heat. Each gets a $20K non-dilutive grant, a hookup to the Global Venture Network’s discounted perks, and a desk at the vibey 757 Startup Studios in Norfolk’s Assembly campus. Mentorship? Stacked. Investor intros? Locked in. This is where dreams get rocket fuel.
Let’s zoom in on the squad: Enrichly’s building self-esteem at scale, Healthy Hip Hop’s dropping beats for learning, Pop Check Technologies is saving lives with blood clot tech, and VroomBrick’s rewriting the real estate playbook. These aren’t just businesses—they’re missions with muscle, and they’re growing right here in our 757 soil.
Joseph D’Amelio, the mastermind steering 757 Accelerate, is hyped: “This cohort’s all about bold moves and big impact. We’re here to arm these founders with the tools to blow up—locally and beyond.” Since 2018, 757 Accelerate’s been the secret sauce for startups hungry to scale, and with 757 Collab’s ecosystem of capital, coaching, and community, it’s no wonder Hampton Roads is buzzing.
This is our story, Innovators—proof that world-class ideas don’t just come from Silicon Valley. They’re born and bred right here, where grit meets genius. Want the full scoop? Hit up 757accelerate.org or 757collab.org. Let’s cheer these legends on as they turn Hampton Roads into a launchpad for the future!

Download the press release here.

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