[vc_row padding_top=”0px” padding_bottom=”0px”][vc_column fade_animation_offset=”45px”][text_output]There’s less than one month until Launch Day! This week, the Iowa Startup Accelerator 2016 Cohort focused on community building and Launch Day pitch prep.
Over the past few weeks, the cohort and Iowa Startup Accelerator staff have traveled to other startup and business communities to build their networks and develop regional connections. They traveled to Denver for the Global Founders Rally with the Global Accelerator Network, Baltimore for the Startup Champions Network, and will travel to Chicago soon to support cohort members Emily Carlson and Meegan Hoffmeister (WRITTEN Apparel) in Midwest Fashion Week.
This week, the cohort spent a day in Ames and Des Moines connecting with their local entrepreneurial ecosystems. They met with thought leaders, VC firms, coworking spaces, state economic groups, and other accelerators. During this visit, people frequently said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” By connecting to groups outside of Cedar Rapids, the Iowa Startup Accelerator hopes to boost entrepreneurs and strengthen innovation across the state.
The cohort also strengthened their connection to the local Cedar Rapids community this week. On Monday, all of the teams pitched their businesses to the Downtown Rotary. Several cohort members also participated in the Open Minds, Open Doors, a leadership conference for middle school girls which was led by ISA team Girls With Ideas this year.
The teams also began working on their Launch Day pitches. Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers came back to the accelerator to help the cohort brainstorm their story. As the next few weeks go on, teams will participate in multiple pitch practice sessions to prepare them for the 1,000+ crowd at Launch Day.
Help us fill the Paramount Theatre for Launch Day on November 3rd! Bring your friends, colleagues, and family to Iowa’s largest demo day. RSVP for your free tickets with the link below.
Get your tickets now![/text_output][line id=”” class=”” style=””][text_output]AMP’d Cycles
Smart bicycles are creating a safer experience for cyclists.
@AmpdCycles
www.ampdcycles.com
Asset Rover
Real estate investing simplified.
@AssetRover
http://assetrover.com
Girls With Ideas
Leadership development program for young females.
@girlswithideas
http://www.girlswithideas.com
Hang
A mobile app that increases awareness of gatherings, hangouts, and local events to help users be more present in their lives and communities.
@jointhenoww
http://www.jointhenow.com/
Biffly
Real-time chatrooms where content creators can monetize off an engagement.
Written
Creating a globally respected and desired fashion brand from Iowa.
@writtenapparel
http://www.writtenapparel.com[/text_output][/vc_column][/vc_row]