NORFOLK, VA (July 14, 2023) – 757 Accelerate is thrilled to announce the seven new companies selected for 757 Accelerate’s Cohort #6! Out of a record-setting 158 applicants, these promising early-stage startups have been chosen to participate in 757 Accelerate’s 12-week intensive startup program, starting August 14th. Covering diverse sectors such as unmanned systems, sustainability, solar, ag tech, and food and beverage, each company in Cohort #6 addresses a unique market gap, demonstrates impressive traction, and boasts a talented team. Kierra Underwood, Program Manager of 757 Accelerate, expressed her excitement stating, “I believe in harnessing the power of a diverse and interconnected ecosystem, drawing upon the expertise of mentors, industry visionaries, dedicated partners, and the rich resources within our regional network. Together, we will fuel the growth and success of these startups, propelling them towards remarkable achievements and transformative impact.”
757 PROVIDES A CONTINUUM OF RESOURCES FOR STARTUPS
757 Accelerate Cohort #6 startups will receive $20,000 non-dilutive grants and access to free collaborative office space in the 757 Startup Studios offices within Assembly’s iconic campus for makers and creators. In addition to having a 40% diverse group of founders, four of the seven companies are Virginia based. “I am thrilled and honored to be among the seven founders selected for this year’s 757 Accelerate cohort! Being part of this program and its supportive community is both inspiring, as well as a timely opportunity offering pivotal support and resources for both startup development and especially, the nurturing and empowerment of my own growth as a founder. I’m excited for the months ahead.” said LaToria Pierce, Founder of Team Handoff.
Besides driving results for its founders, 757 Accelerate is equally excited about its continuing efforts to create an interconnected, inclusive, and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystem in Hampton Roads. “My vision is to harness the collective strength of our experienced mentors, industry leaders, and vibrant startup community. With a deep commitment to collaboration and innovation, we will ignite the growth and potential of these startups, paving the way for remarkable achievements and sustainable success,” said Eileen Brewer, 757 Accelerate, Executive Director.
ATTRACT AND RETAIN
With four Virginia companies and three from out of state, 757 Accelerate is both a retention and attraction tool for innovative talent and regional business. “What is especially impressive about this cohort is how diverse it is in terms of founders and industry,” said Paul Nolde, Managing Director of 757 Collab and Market Director of 757 Angels, powered by VentureSouth. TowneBank is proud to sponsor 757 Accelerate’s efforts to attract and develop high-quality startups and talent to Hampton Roads,” said Anne Conner, President of Public Finance and Community Investment at Towne“Data continues to show that building a strong innovation economy to support the growth of VC- backed startups grows more-resilient jobs 8x faster than non-VC-backed companies,” noted Conner.
MEET 757 ACCELERATE COHORT #6
After hundreds of hours volunteered from our screeners and interviewers, the following seven dynamic startups have been selected to join 757 Accelerate Cohort #6 starting August 14th:
Team Handoff – Handoff software improves team communication and coordination, as partners and small teams who share a workload divide ‘or handoff’ their work, ensuring a smooth transition and eliminating the risk of crucial information falling through the cracks.
Mocktail Club – Mocktail Club is a line of globally inspired zero-proof cocktails with bold flavors and complexity, elevating the zero-proof experience without sacrificing flavor. Mocktail Club products use better-for-you ingredients and are Non-GMO certified, contain no refined sugars, and deliver antioxidants from superfruits.
Agria by 3 Ridge Technology – 3 Ridge Technologies Inc is an AgTech company with a new growing technology that is fully scalable, sustainable, and profitable. It’s beyond organic and will change urban farming forever!
Flying Ship Company – Flying Ships are a new mode of green transportation that are transforming the shipping and logistics industry. The vessels are 1⁄4 cost of aircraft, 10X faster than ships at sea, provide 10,000’s of additional access points along shorelines, and are a green technology.
Contractor Plus – Contractor+ is an ERP platform and mobile app helping construction contractors systemize and grow their business with ease. The only fully collaborative platform for construction contractors.
Agricision Inc. – Agricision, Inc. is a woman-owned, farmer-led company bridging the gap in the agricultural analytical tools market using autonomous technology to bring farmers accurate pest data when timing is critical.
Gismo Power – GismoPower® has patented a portable solar carport on removable wheels as the MEGA® (Mobile Electricity Generating Appliance).
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About 757 Accelerate
757 Accelerate is a selective, mentor-driven startup program that provides promising founders
$20,000 in non-dilutive capital, connections to customized mentors, investors, and resources, as well as actual customers to help validate their product and test their business model. Launched in 2018, 757 Accelerate is a nonprofit accelerator serving all of southeastern Virginia that aims to close the gaps in the Hampton Roads entrepreneurial ecosystem one startup at a time. For more information, visit 757accelerate.org.
GO Virginia
This program is funded in part by GO Virginia, a state-funded initiative administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) that strengthens and diversifies Virginia’s economy and fosters the creation of higher-wage jobs in strategic industries.
