LaunchVT has selected the seven Vermont startups that will be participating in its 2020 Accelerator. This is the eighth cohort of startups to come through LaunchVT’s acceleration program. Over the past seven years, LaunchVT has provided business development support, strategic coaching, and over $700,000 in cash and services to accelerate 51 Vermont startups.
During the nine-week virtual accelerator, entrepreneurs in the LaunchVT cohort will work with a dedicated coach, strategic advisors, and each other to refine their business models, work through their most pressing challenges, and hone their value and message. They will participate in peer sessions, office hours with local business advisors, and workshops with content experts. The program will culminate with a Virtual Demo Night on July 23rd, where the cohort of founders will pitch their businesses to investors and the public. Thanks to a partnership with Hula, one business will be accepted into their portfolio and receive a minimum investment of $10k and access to their acceleration services. All seven businesses will share over $100K in professional services from LaunchVT partners.
With help from the Vermont Community Foundation and other community partners, LaunchVT has been able to assist businesses across Vermont as they’ve navigated the current crisis. In addition to ongoing support for alumni and other established businesses, LaunchVT will continue its work to develop the next generation of Vermont businesses by making its annual accelerator program virtual. “Part of ensuring an economic recovery is continuing to support the innovators and entrepreneurs who are creating jobs, accessing local capital, and using local professional services,” said John Antonucci, Executive Director of LaunchVT. The 2020 cohort is an outstanding group of founders with diverse products that will improve the food system, make life and work safer, and transform consumer electronics.
The startups selected for the 2020 LaunchVT Accelerator Cohort are:
- DriveAbilityVT, LLC – Burlington, VT
Founders: Chris Lewis, Andy Kaplan, Ari Kirshenbaum
Digital impairment assessment solutions to enhance public and workplace safety
- Liminal Beverage – Burlington, VT
Founders: Magda Van Dusen, Nate Van Dusen, Adam Hudson, Alan Matson
Full service B2B flash-chilled ready-to-drink (RTD) cold coffee products
- Nutty Life – Woodstock, VT
Founders: Caroline Olsen, Craig Olsen
Oatmilks, cashew milks, and cashew shakes handcrafted with simple, organic ingredients - PackageAware – Winooski, VT
Founders: Josh Jennings, Wes Gruber
Compliance and security insight for OSS packages in Software Development Life Cycle - Resonant Link – Shelburne, VT
Founders: Grayson Zulauf, Aaron Stein, Phyo Aung Kyaw
High-performance resonant coils for wireless charging of consumer electronics
- Skri Technologies, Inc. – Brandon, VT
Founders: Jeff Dardozzi, Stephen Krauth
IoT-based erosion and pressure monitoring for concrete conveyance system
- Vermont Tortilla Company – Shelburne, VT
Founders: April Moulaert, Azur Moulaert
Clean label organic stone-ground corn tortillas made using 100% locally sourced corn
LaunchVT is made possible thanks to our amazing partners, including the Lake Champlain Chamber, Vermont Community Foundation, Vermont Department of Economic Development, Generator, AT&T, People’s United Bank, Hula, FreshTracks Capital, DRM, Northfield Savings Bank, Gallagher Flynn & Company, McSoley and McCoy, Dunkiel Saunders, Rival Brands, VCET, Paul Frank & Collins, Leonardo’s, Merritt & Merritt, Waitsfield & Champlain Valley Telecom, University of Vermont – OVPR, Hen House Media, Reconciled, Center for Women and Enterprise, Burlington Code Academy, Forecast LLC., Hark!, Moulton Law Group, Lisa Steele Foundation, Metz Family Foundation, and Merrill Family Foundation.
LaunchVT provides business acceleration programs and resources that empower Vermonters to solve problems and create economic opportunities in their communities.
LaunchVT is a program of the Lake Champlain Chamber, Vermont’s largest business advocacy organization. The Lake Champlain Chamber powers prosperity in the Lake Champlain region through five distinct points: seeking economic opportunity for all; celebrating business ownership and entrepreneurship; promoting a robust, diversified visitor economy; cultivating community leadership; and nurturing emerging talent.