A local accelerator whose graduates have garnered more than $15 million in follow-on funding since 2015 recently announced a new cohort for its 14-week program.
RedHawk Launch Accelerator, a seed-stage startup accelerator for Miami University student-led startups with high growth potential, is launching its sixth cohort this spring with seven startups.
The businesses include:
- Saberhagen Supplies, a provider of digital in-game assets and gaming currencies for community-based game developers. Since 2017, Saberhagen has been providing clients in more than 20 countries access to hundreds of highly detailed digital maps, models, graphical user interfaces, scripts, morphs/armors and more.
- FinMan Fishing Innovations, which manufactures an innovative rod-mounted multi-tool for the recreational fishing market. The patented tool, FinMan Original, serves the functions of a knife, scissors and hook keeper all in one, so it saves recreational anglers time and eliminates the need to reach for (or remember to bring) a variety of larger tools when on the water.
- AutoHive, a reseller marketplace that connects car owners to people and auto shops selling used car parts. Sellers list their inventory based on a preset template to make listing quicker and streamline the search process for buyers. AutoHive’s inventory database brings price transparency and marketing consistency to the disorganized used car parts market. With a monthly subscription, sellers get access to unlimited listings and price history for every part sold.
- Storage Connect, which takes the headache out of storage. Its platform guides the consumer through discovering, choosing, booking and consulting for their short-term to long-term storage needs.
- Avari, which creates virtual reality simulations of outdoor recreational activities and environments for use in clinical therapy and palliative care. Avari creates 360 degree and wide-angle VR simulations for both guided clinical therapy and for providing pediatric patients with opportunities to "experience" a variety of activities and environments from which they are limited in due to the restrictive nature of their health. The company aims to help improve the mental and emotional health of these individuals while also helping to expand the boundaries of research and implications of VR in the health care industry.
- Biom, a company on a mission to increase public appreciation of the environment we live in by creating products that enhance their user’s outdoor experience. Its flagship product, the Raypak Kayak, is an ultralight two-piece “kayak backpack.”
- Hypernova Technologies, a software development firm with a mission to empower brands through accelerated development and web technology. Currently, the company is looking to launch two disruptive products in different markets: Hypertection, a program that allows businesses to create digital safety nets that endure standard business performance and disruption; and Unlocked Sounds, a tool dedicated to unlocking waves of creators and information within the music industry.
The accelerator is based in Union Hall in Over-the-Rhine and is led by Mark Lacker, the John W. Altman professor of entrepreneurship.
Programming takes place during the spring semester and will focus on benchmarking and goal setting, customer interviews and feedback, prototype development and testing, product-market fit, sales and marketing, crowdfunding and venture capital.
Participating startups will receive:
- one-on-one mentoring from Miami’s pool of more than 700 startup and business professionals across the U.S.
- a $2,500 grant to fund operations and customer acquisition
- the opportunity to make at least one investor pitch to more than 100 accelerator directors, angel investors and VCs from 20-plus states during the Altman Institute’s RedHawk Venture pitch competition.
Collectively, RedHawk Launch Accelerator graduates have raised more than $15 million in follow-on funding since 2015.
Graduates include Portland-based OROS, an outdoor apparel company that utilizes technology developed by NASA; Minneapolis-based Akinda Co., a fashion start-up; Cincinnati-based KCD Cosmetics, a makeup brand dedicated to serving women of color; Columbus-based Zandaland, a digital platform for pediatric cancer patients; and Covington-based Apex Sports, which connects amateur athletes to professional coaching, among others.
