Six new digital companies are pitching to investors in Cincinnati, New York City and San Francisco after finishing an inaugural 12-week program aimed at developing promising consumer-based businesses.
These companies were housed at
The Brandery, Cincinnati's first consumer marketing startup accelerator. The Brandery's founders are Cincinnati digital marketing executive David Knox and serial entrepreneur J.B. Kropp, vice president of channel development at social media branding firm
Vitrue. The companies -- ranging from an innovative online gift-giving service to a wedding vendor website -- were chosen in a competitive process. They were unveiled to about 150 potential investors, mentors, area media and fellow entrepreneurs in a Demo Day in mid-November. Each received $20,000 in financing from The Brandery in return for a 6 percent equity stake in the company.
The founders of two companies actually moved to Cincinnati from other states because of the opportunity The Brandery provided. The founders of Giftiki, which offers an online version of a greeting card with money enclosed, came from Texas. Founders of TurboBOTZ, a video game management service for consumers, also moved to the Queen City from the Chicago area.
"Both of these companies will be staying in Cincinnati now that The Brandery is over," Knox said.
The accelerator sought company founders who could prove their success potential, with big ideas, who devote a full-time effort to their company, Knox said.
"We didn't want "lifestyle" companies that would employ a few people, but instead businesses with the potential to one day employee hundreds," Knox said.
For a full roundup of The Brandery's first class, or to apply for next year's class, go the The Brandery's website.
Source: Dave Knox, The Brandery
Writer: Feoshia Henderson