A Charlotte-based startup that aims to democratize career advancement was among 12 companies chosen to participate in a prominent accelerator's program.
The 2.0 Collective, founded in 2020, was accepted in Techstars Austin's first cohort of 2023, which kicked off Feb. 13. Boulder, Colorado-based Techstars is broadly known as one of the largest startup accelerators in the world — investing in more than 3,340 early-stage companies since its inception in 2006. The cohort of startups will have access to Techstars' three-month, mentorship-driven program and participate in a pitch showcase on May 3.
The 2.0 Collective says the program will supply the company with mentorship, resources and network opportunities to help bring its career management platform and services to market. Techstars will connect it with a worldwide network of entrepreneurs, providing the opportunity to select ideal advisers for The 2.0 Collective's future.
"I’ll be honest – we weren’t looking to join an accelerator. We were heads-down in building for Charlotte, but when we met (Techstars Austin Accelerator's) managing director Amos Schwartzfarb and heard about the Levers framework for repeatability, we knew that we could unlock so much more with this expertise," said Lynn Luong, CEO and co-founder at The 2.0 Collective. "Cities like Charlotte have brilliant, ambitious professionals that are changing the way we look at work, and there needs to be a career support system like 2.0."
The 2.0 Collective disrupts traditional career coaching through its career management tool. It matches individuals with career growth and networking opportunities based on each professional’s values.
The tool also features a resource database linked to a professional’s preferences. That provides members with resources and opportunities to aid them in making informed decisions and navigate their career transitions.
"This program gives The 2.0 Collective an exceptional opportunity to learn from some amazing minds, and further refine the business to make sure we’re bringing only the absolute best to our members," said Garrett Evans, co-founder and chief operating officer at The 2.0 Collective. "This program hits us at a perfect time, and we’re looking forward to growing alongside Charlotte, and other great cities to come!"
The 2.0 Collective operates on a hyper-localized model with a digital footprint in Philadelphia and New York City. It established its first physical hub in Charlotte last fall. The startup's staff operates out of the Tabbris coworking space in South End. It plans to advance platform development, on-board talent and expand in more cities this year.
