Business accelerators gBETA Oklahoma City and Idea Accelerator, along with micro-loan program Kiva Oklahoma City, are helping several founders across the metro acquire some valuable insight, advice and resources designed to help them grow or develop their early-stage companies. INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS PLAY PIVOTAL ROLE IN STARTUP SUCCESS
“I’ve seen the incredible economic impact of the previous gBETA programs in Oklahoma City and I’m excited to see what will come forth from this cohort,” she said. At the end of the program, the founders will participate in a showcase and “pitch” their companies to a select group of investors, mentors and industry professionals. The event can lead to potential partnerships or new investors. Below are the companies selected for the spring 2023 cohort: • Helion Illumination – Provides first responders with a universal lighting system for their drone assets to assist in search and rescue efforts, firefighting and law enforcement needs. • Paldera Pharmaceuticals – Develops platform hydrogel coatings for medical devices that will almost entirely prevent associated bacterial infections, including infections which are typically antibiotic resistant. • Sugar Security – Offers a cybersecurity testing platform for IT, software and security companies using cutting-edge artificial intelligence and cloud technology served through an “easy point-and-click web interface.” • Shelter Share – Provides users with locations of nearby shelters in times of severe weather or other natural disasters. • Weku – Offers homeowners unlimited access to clean energy for a flat monthly rate of $50. IDEA ACCELERATOR The Idea Accelerator is a rapid-pace, 90-day virtual program to help entrepreneurs get their idea off the ground. Selected participants receive a $5,000 grant to test their ideas, build products or launch new ventures. They may also be able to access additional funding. Throughout 2022, the program’s first full year of operation, 200 builders received pebble grants totaling $1 million, including Jenae Goodwin of Oklahoma City.
gBETA OKLAHOMA CITY Created by global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, gBETA Oklahoma City recently welcomed five new startups as part of its fourth cohort since its inception in 2021. The free program provides the startups with concierge coaching and access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors. Elizabeth Larios, gBETA Oklahoma City director, said she was excited about the spring 2023 cohort and was looking forward to seeing how the five companies will grow during the seven-week program.
14
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online