StartupAZ selects 11 companies for 2023 Collective Growth Cohort

StartupAZ, a nonprofit that fosters the state’s innovation ecosystem, has selected 11 companies for its 2023 Collective Growth Cohort.

The StartupAZ 2023 Collective Growth Cohort is a yearlong program in which founders join together to support each other while scaling their companies. Startups in this year’s cohort represent a variety of industries, including education, fintech, healthtech, cybersecurity and the gig economy.  

StartupAZ chose the 11 companies from nearly 60 applicants based on growth potential, innovation and commitment to equity and diversity, according to the organization. 

“Every year we’re amazed by the quality and diversity of leaders who apply to join the StartupAZ Collective and the work they’re doing to contribute to the Valley’s performance and generosity flywheel,” Diana Vowels, StartupAZ CEO, said in a statement. “It will be amazing to watch their personal and organizational growth over the course of this next year. I’m confident we’ll see countless new jobs created, some successful capital raises, and double-digit growth among many of the startups in this year’s cohort.”

This year's program kicks off with a three-day summer retreat, followed by monthly cohort check-ins facilitated by Annette Zinky, StartupAZ’s director of venture development.

Companies in the 2023 cohort will be supported by StartupAZ’s founder-in-residence network that includes WebPT’s Heidi Jannenga, Solera Health’s Brenda Schmidt, Qwick’s Jamie Baxter and Gregg Scoresby of PHX Ventures, among other industry leaders.

The purpose of StartupAZ's cohort is to bring entrepreneurs together to combine their talent, network, and resources to help each other achieve milestones and create a lasting impact on the community, according to the organization.

The 2023 StartupAZ Collective Growth cohort leaders include: