Start Co. and JumpStart Inc. announce new partnership and vision for Memphis entrepreneurial ecosystem
MEMPHIS, TN (Aug. 6, 2013) – Start Co. announces their partnership with JumpStart Inc., a nationally recognized nonprofit venture development organization, on a project aimed at enhancing the existing efforts to connect Memphis startup businesses with the resources they need to succeed. This partnership is the first step in developing a sustainable five-year plan to put Memphis on the map as a center for venture development and innovation.
The project aims to increase the pipeline of quality entrepreneurs and companies across sectors, provide relevant technical assistance pre- and post- accelerator, increase seed and follow-on funding available to high potential startups, and generate more entrepreneurial ideas from all members of the community.
“After two years of discussions, we’re excited to kick off this collaboration with JumpStart,” says Andre Fowlkes, co-president of Start Co. “Working with JumpStart further supports our mission of relentlessly building companies and founders for the advancement of Memphis’ entrepreneurial ecosystem. We’re excited to leverage JumpStart’s expertise, resources and track record.”
The project will capture critical data related to the creation and development of high growth ventures, inform the enhancement of entrepreneurial support resources and identify productive partnerships. “We choose to work with Start Co. because of their track record in supporting high growth technology startups in the Memphis market,” says Mike Mozenter, President of JumpStart’s regional consulting arm. “Our organizations have complimentary missions, and I have been impressed with the resources and support that Start Co. offers startups.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Start Co. is a nationally recognized non-profit (501c3) serving as the nexus of public-private efforts to accelerate the success of diverse entrepreneurs and their high growth companies while enhancing the Memphis startup ecosystem that supports them. More information can be found at www.neverstop.co.
JumpStart Inc. accelerates the successes of diverse entrepreneurs, their companies, and the ecosystems supporting them. Since 2004, JumpStart has committed nearly $29 million to 76 pre-seed technology companies and provided thousands of hours of human capital to more than 400 similar companies. Together, these companies have created 3,000 jobs. From 2010 to 2012, JumpStart client companies created more than $688 million in economic benefits for the state of Ohio. To learn more, visit www.jumpstartinc.org or follow @JumpStartInc on Twitter.