MEET THE UP-AND-COMING INNOVATORS IN OUR VILLAGEx 2021 COHORT
We’re so excited to announce that after a highly competitive application and review process spanning the final months of 2020, we’ve selected 9 local startups selected to participate in our industry-leading VILLAGEx 2021 accelerator program. VILLAGEx is a 16-week cohort-based accelerator program for startups with innovative, technology-focused business models building for scale. Curious to learn more about accelerators? Check out our blog about what accelerators do, how they support startups, and why we’re so passionate about this work.
Our team is excited to continue working toward a vibrant startup ecosystem in our region in 2021. The program will be virtual-first, with potential opportunities to opt-into limited in-person programming in accordance with local public health guidelines.
Jon Atkinson, CEO of The Idea Village, sees incredible potential in our latest cohort, despite the economic and social challenges presented by the pandemic: “Many great companies have been started out of recessions, local and global challenges, and economic downturns. Our 2021 cohort represents the potential for our region to emerge from 2020 stronger and more resilient. These are innovative companies with the potential to become leaders in their respective industries and to take the unique experiences, perspectives and challenges of our region and turn them into opportunities,” says Atkinson.
MEET THE 2021 VILLAGEx COHORT :
Bloks: Bloks provides easy custom development of mobile apps.
BypassLines: ByPassLines is a food and retail ordering app that helps restaurants and retailers streamline pickup services and gives customers time back by allowing them to avoid lines.
El Guapo Bitters: El Guapo Bitters offers clean labels, impeccably sourced cocktail bitters, syrups, and mixers.
hampr: hampr is an on-demand laundry app with a subscription model that offers next-day wash/dry/fold services.
HookM Solutions: HookM is a fishing charter management app for Captains, Guides, and Boat Owners that offers booking, scheduling, and payment services.
Kinemagic: Kinemagic offers collaborative, evolutionary software for AR and VR experiences.
Skilltype: Skilltype is a talent marketplace for information professionals and their teams to analyze, develop, and share expertise.
Something Borrowed Blooms: Something Borrowed Blooms seeks to revolutionize the wedding flower industry by offering premium silk flowers to rent, saving customers up to 70% of traditional costs and offering a more sustainable product.
Spot2Night: Spot2Night offers users the ability to find and book vacant RV camping spots that meet their needs and criteria.
The 9 companies selected for VILLAGEx will be mentored throughout the four-month program by strategically built teams of entrepreneurs, investors, and startup industry leaders. This effort will be led by five Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs) who have extensive experience in starting companies and finding the resources necessary to scale.
Head EIR Soumitra Sengupta has more than 25 years of experience working in the tech industry, including leading teams at Microsoft and has since founded and sold multiple companies. Soumitra has invested in numerous early-stage technology companies, where he also serves as an advisor and mentor.
David Dart, has a background in engineering and finance, and spans Fortune 500 companies to startups when he launched a SaaS multi-level marketing company.. Additionally, he makes venture investments in select emerging companies.
Leslie Campisi has 20+ years of experience working the global tech ecosystem, with startups, in tech PR, and in VC. She’s a marketer with experience in brand, corporate communications, and editorial strategy.
Corey Tisdale cofounded BBQGuys, ran an EO accelerator, started and is on the board of Return of the Masterminds executive education non-profit. He is also an angel investor. He has in depth experience in e-commerce and angel investing, management and strategic planning, and financial modeling.
Broderick McClinton has experience in both startups from starting his own company to working at growth-stage companies like DoorDash where he launched multiple verticals, including consumer and b2b products.. Broderick has also worked on the investment side having worked at BlackRock.
“The difficult decisions that our team and selection panel had to make in selecting this cohort from over 50 applications is proof that the New Orleans startup community continues to mature, grow and thrive,” says Atkinson. “We have no shortage of talent, ideas and interesting problems to solve. Our community is focused on developing world class resources to support entrepreneurs who choose to make New Orleans and South Louisiana home. Together, we are building an innovation hub that will be a cornerstone of a more vibrant and resilient economy for Louisiana.”
VILLAGEx will culminate in a Demo Day in May, where founders will showcase their startups to the community and investors. Check out last year’s fully virtual Demo Day below: