Modica has been selected for the Growth Lab Accelerator, a five-month program that offers education and resources to help LGBTQ+ founders grow and compete.
The Louisville startup, founded by Eric Wentworth and JD Mitchell, launched its line of superfood cocktail and mocktail mixers in 2020. Modica has since raised more than $450,000 on Wefunder, and its products are available in more than 100 retailers nationwide.
StartOut, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, and J.P. Morgan, announced the nine companies for the 13th Growth Lab cohort on Monday. Since 2016, 74 companies have participated in the accelerator, raising more than $892 million in funding and creating approximately 4,200 jobs, according to a news release.
As co-lead sponsor of the program, J.P. Morgan (NYSE: JPM) provides Growth Lab participants with access to the firm’s network of global experts and resources.
“The founders in Cohort 13 are problem solvers, developing unique products and solutions across a range of industries, from technology and software to food and beverage,” said David Barbee, head of LGBTQ+ initiatives, J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking, in the release. “As they continue to scale, these companies will need access to resources like capital and banking solutions, investors and business advisers.
"We are proud to join forces with StartOut to provide mentorship and access to our firmwide capabilities to help them reach the next level.”
The companies selected to join Cohort 13 are:
- Ceemo.ai (Washington, D.C.): Generates custom visual identities and marketing materials for startups.
- Gay Water (New York): Offers mission-driven lifestyle products that celebrate and empower the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Growbie (Boston): Delivers career support for international students in the United States.
- Hera Solutions, Inc. (Atlanta): Supports delivery companies’ operations with performance tracking, automated coaching and vehicle management.
- Merify (Portland, Oregon): Empowers people managers through a community-based skills assessment platform.
- Modica (Louisville): Offers a superfood cocktail and mocktail mix for consumers.
- PopViewers (New York): Provides media consumers a platform to react and engage with TV and movies.
- Rare Candy (New York): Enables card collectors to trade cards on a digital platform.
- Studious (New York): Helps individuals study through an AI-driven, gamified learning assistant.
“Each Growth Lab introduces us to an inspiring new cohort of founders, bringing fresh ideas, breaking barriers and expanding our vibrant, global StartOut community,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut, in the release. “We’re delighted to continue this vital work with J.P. Morgan and look forward to another exciting five-month journey.”
