The Seattle Founder Institute, the local chapter of the world's largest pre-seed accelerator, announced today that six new technology companies have completed its Seattle Spring 2020 cohort. After the program received 62 applications, Founders who were accepted to and enrolled in the program were subjected to an intensive four-month process of challenging company-building assignments and constant evaluation from top startup mentors.
The new program alumni include:
- BitVivid (https://www.bitvividsolutions.com): Artificial intelligence-based video, sound and data analytics
- Buddio (https://www.buddio.io): Mood-tracking and behavioral science-based mental health app
- GIVESPACE (https://www.givespace.co): Helping socially-conscious companies market their business while giving charitably
- Plantmatch (https://www.plantmatch.co): GreenForward™ program and app connecting plants and plant lovers
- Tirios: Tenant-focused solution that puts property management on autopilot
- Travel AIP (https://www.travelaip.com): Meal kit delivery service offering Autoimmune Paleo food, meal, and dining options
The Seattle Spring 2020 program was led by local startup leaders Jeremy Zaretzky (Managing Director, Founder Institute Seattle) and Robert Le (Director, Founder Institute Seattle), with support from Lainey Lee (Associate, Founder Institute Seattle).
Many people can't imagine trying to get a startup off the ground in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Managing Director Jeremy Zaretzky. “But our six graduates persevered and created compelling companies, several of which address validated business and consumer needs in a post-COVID world.
In addition, the new alumni received feedback and guidance during the program from some of Seattle's top startup mentors, including:
- Andy Herman: Founder, Signtag
- Barret Newberry: CEO, Leasera
- Bill Bryant: General Partner, Threshold Ventures
- Chris Bruno: Owner, X2Y Strategic Advisors
- Glenn Wisegarver: CEO, Sigma IQ
- Ian Lurie: EVP, Clearlink
- Janiece Jenkins: Associate, Fenwick & West
- Jeremy Zaretzky: Managing Director, Founder Institute Seattle
- John Borofka: Founder, Walnut+Oak
- Josh Dougherty: Co-Founder/CEO, A Brave New
- Julie Pham: VP of Community Engagement and Marketing, WTIA
- Kate Loose: Investment Director, Capria Ventures
- Khurram Agha: Founder, Aghaz Investments
- Laura Malcolm: Founder/CEO, Give InKind
- Levi Velez: Manager, Echo Product Marketing GTM, Amazon
- Madhu Singh: Chief Legal Officer, Foundry Law Group
- Mamtha Banerjee: Senior Director of Technology, Expedia Group
- Matt Rubright: VP of Early and Growth Stage Tech, Silicon Valley Bank
- Rebecca Lovell: Executive Director, Create33
- Robert Le: Director, FI Seattle
- Ryan McRobert: Associate, Fenwick & West
- Symon Perriman: CEO & Founder, FanWide
- Terri Richardson: CEO, Accelerate Consulting Group, LLC
Based in Silicon Valley but with chapters across the globe, the Founder Institute provides the structure, mentor support, and global network of entrepreneurs needed to start an enduring company. Founder Institute Graduate companies include fast-rising startups across six continents like Udemy, Realty Mogul, Travelcar, goplaceit, Appota, and many more.
The Seattle Spring 2020 program was also supported by a number of sponsors, including Fenwick and West (https://www.fenwick.com) and Mighty-O Donuts (https://www.mightyo.com).
The new Seattle Founder Institute alumni now have fast-growing companies that have been fully validated by experienced startup founders, with access to the Founder Institute's global network and post-graduate support programs to continue building their businesses. The Founder Institute represents the world's largest network of startup founders and mentors, with over 4,300 companies and 14,000 mentors spanning 185 cities and six continents.
The next Seattle Founder Institute program begins in September, and anyone interested in launching a company with the program can register to get updates at http://fi.co/apply/seattle.
About the Founder Institute
The Founder Institute (FI.co) is the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. In the program, early-stage entrepreneurs and teams build their business alongside a critical support network of startup experts that share equity in their success, and through a structured and challenging business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $950M. Leaders of the world’s fastest-growing startups have used the Founder Institute to raise funding, get into seed-accelerators, generate traction, recruit a team, build a product, transition from employee to entrepreneur, and more. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 185 cities and 70 countries, the Founder Institute’s mission is to Globalize Silicon Valley and empower talented and motivated entrepreneurs to build companies that will create one million new jobs.
The Founder Institute was founded in 2009 by Adeo Ressi and Jonathan Greechan. It is operated out of Palo Alto, California.
Graduates of the Founder Institute are creating some of the world's fastest growing startups, having raised over $1.75BN in funding, and building products people love across over 200 cities worldwide.
See the most recent news from our Grads at FI.co/news, or learn more about their stories at FI.co/journey.
