StockSwap, a local startup that created an app to make investing in the stock market akin to playing fantasy sports, is one of six firms being funded through the latest accelerator cohort of St. Louis investor Capital Innovators.
Through the accelerator program, Capital Innovators will invest $100,000 into each startup, and the cohort companies will participate in a 12-week business development program. The cohort includes startups from four U.S. states and one company headquartered in Canada.
“These six companies have high ambitions and strong products. We are excited by the opportunity to work alongside the founders to drive growth and achieve their goals”, said Judy Sindecuse, CEO of Capital Innovators.
This is the 27th cohort of Capital Innovators’ accelerator program. The companies selected for the cohort are:
- ArcadeQuest (Vancouver, Canada): Led by CEO Daniel Baraghoush, ArcadeQuest has developed a software platform it says helps video game influencers better connect with their fans and earn money from their gameplay.
- Farm to Flame Energy Inc. (Pittsburgh): The startup, led by CEO Kwaku Jyamfi, has developed proprietary and patented combustion technology that involves using wood and plant waste to power generators.
- Fazit (New York): Launched by co-founders Nina LaBruna and Aliett Buttelman, Fazit sells skincare patches that are used for acne, ingrown hairs, scars, stretch marks and cold sores. In addition to its products, Fazit says it has created an online community that “embraces and normalizes skin imperfections.”
- Forij (Seattle): This food startup focuses on making snack products that use mushroom extracts as an ingredient. It says the mushroom ingredients “have zero impact on flavor” while providing key nutrients for the consumer. Its first product being sold is granola.
- StockSwap (St. Louis): Founded by Washington University student and CEO Blake Berg, Stock Swap likens itself to a stock market version of fantasy sports platform DraftKings. Through its platform, users can assemble a collection of company stocks and enter that roster in cash contests.
- Veeper (Kansas City): Veeper, led by CEO Jordan Williams, has developed software that helps brands provide customized, one-time use discounts to consumers. It says its technology helps brands increase their e-commerce sales by “increasing average order value by net 14%.”
Since its launch in 2010, Capital Innovators has invested in 178 companies. Its portfolio companies have generated more than 2,500 jobs and over $400 million in follow-on funding, according to Capital Innovators. The accelerator program plans to host a demo day for its current cohort Nov. 18.
