Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

Knoxville Business News Tennessee Mountain Scenery Background
January 05, 2015 | Tom Ballard

New Year brings new accelerator opportunities for start-ups

Business AcceleratorHere are several accelerator opportunities in 2015, some with looming application deadlines.

“Invest Midwest Venture Forum”

Pete Nelson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ag Innovation Development Group LLC, is looking for some good start-ups to apply for the “Invest Midwest Venture Forum” set for April 1-2 in Kansas City. He’s on the Selection Committee for the ag/food/bioenergy track and says the goal is to showcase 15 quality companies. Those who want to be considered should:

  • Be seeking a minimum of $1 million in funding;
  • Projecting $20 million in revenue within five years; and
  • Be located within the United States or Canada.

For more information on the event, click here. To apply, click here. Application deadline is January 16.

“Global Insurance Accelerator”

Another is in a non-traditional sector. It’s the first “Global Insurance Accelerator” in Des Moines. Application deadline is January 15. The six start-ups selected to participate will receive $40,000 of seed funding in exchange for an equity share in their companies. Click here to learn more.

“Start-up Factory”

The third is closer to East Tennessee, specifically in North Carolina. It’s the “Start-up Factory” near Chapel. Those selected receive $50,000 in seed capital, hands-on mentorship, and access to a network of active angels, veteran start-up founders, and experienced technology experts. Deadline to apply is January 11. For more information, click here.

“Arch Grants Global Start-up Competition”

Finally, if you are interested in the St. Louis-based “Arch Grants Global Start-up Competition,” the application process is now open. The program “provides $50,000 equity-free cash and pro bono support services to innovative startups willing to locate their business in St. Louis.” You have more time to apply for this program. For more information, click here.


Don’t Miss Out on the Southeast’s Latest Entrepreneurial, Business, & Tech News!

Sign-up to get the Teknovation Newsletter in your inbox each morning!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


No, thanks!