Tag Archives: entrepreneur

LaunchHouse seeking tech startups for LaunchHouse Accelerator program

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Lean business accelerator to invest in 10 tech startups

Shaker Heights, OH – February 25, 2013 – Shaker LaunchHouse, a lean business accelerator based in Northeast Ohio, is seeking early stage, broad-based technology startups focused on technology, Internet, mobile and hardware/robotics to apply for the LaunchHouse Accelerator (LHX) program. Applications for the LHX 2013 program open March 8, with the program kicking off August 12.

With the $200,000 ONEFund grant, LHX will invest in 10 tech companies consisting of two or more co-founders, to participate in the LHX program. The startups are required to remain in Cleveland for the duration of the 12-week, boot camp-style accelerator program.

From its inception in 2008, LaunchHouse has invested in 40 diverse companies which have raised more than $5.5 million in follow on funding. Since the conclusion of the inaugural LHX 2012 program, the companies have been able to create more than 20 jobs, a majority of which are in Northeast Ohio.  

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LaunchHouse Accelerator Fuels Ten Cleveland Tech Startups

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Invites venture capitalists and angel investors to attend Showcase Day

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OHIO – Nov. 20, 2012 – The LaunchHouse Accelerator program, also known as LHX, is set to present ten exciting technology based companies to the investment community at the LHX Showcase Day on Wednesday, November 28, from 4-9pm.

The ten teams preparing to graduate from LHX were exposed to a range of topics including concept validation, revenue modeling and customer acquisition. The integration of customer development, first-class mentors and speakers from around the country helped to take these companies to the next level.

The startups have worked day and caffeine-fuelled nights to prepare for Showcase Day and beyond.  They were selected out of applicants from around the world for the program, which started September 2012.

The companies provide a range of cutting-edge, broad-based technologies including smart phone apps, online marketplaces and adaptable platforms. The ten companies that will be showcased are:

Tagora
iOTOS
Gtail
Quick2Launch
FitVia
Nest
Sliced Apples
HooftyMatch
Duel
Winners Circle Gaming  

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SBA Helps Veterans Start, Grow and Expand Small Businesses

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WASHINGTON – As the nation marks Veterans Day 2012, the U.S. Small Business Administration continues to build on its successful programs for America’s military veterans, helping tens of thousands of veterans each year with small business financing, comprehensive business training and counseling and access to federal contracts.

“Around Veterans Day, our thoughts turn to the men and women who are currently serving in the Armed Forces, as well as to all veterans who have made sacrifices and served our country over the years,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “When you consider the leadership and management skills our veterans develop while on active and reserve duty, it’s no wonder we see so many of them choose the path of small business ownership.”

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau veterans are successful small business owners.  Nearly one in 10 small businesses nationwide are veteran-owned.  Collectively, these 2.4 million small businesses employ almost 6 million Americans and generate more than $1 trillion in receipts.  In the private sector workforce, veterans are 45 percent more likely than those with no active-duty military experience to be self-employed.  

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LaunchHouse Tech UnConference

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Last month we spoke with LaunchHouse’s David Greenberg about how they help startups get off the ground with seed money.  This month David tells me that they’ve chosen the winners to attend the Tech UnConference.  As their press release explains…

 

LaunchHouse has selected more than 20 teams to pitch and demo their ideas at the Tech UnConference on July 18, from 10am to 3pm. Following the UnConference, LaunchHouse will select 10 teams to participate in the LaunchHouse Accelerator. The inaugural class will begin September 4, 2012.

The LaunchHouse Accelerator is modeled after the nation’s best incubators, like Y Combinator and Tech Stars. Each team will receive a $25,000 investment, as well as resources to assist them with developing their business in order to raise significant follow on capital.

In February 2012, the OhioDepartment of Development, Third Frontier Program awarded LaunchHouse a $200,000 grant to launch the LaunchHouse Accelerator. LaunchHouse is the first and only incubator in Northeast Ohiochosen to receive the Ohio Third Frontier ONEFund grant.  

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