FAU Tech Runway Announces Open Call for Startup Applications
Applications are being accepted for the third class of Venture Vintage companies at Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway. Startups are sought in all industries with an emphasis in technology. The deadline for applications is Friday, Aug. 21.
Kimberly Gramm, associate vice president of FAU Tech Runway.
Applications are being accepted for the third class of Venture Vintage companies at Florida Atlantic University’s Tech Runway. Startups are sought in all industries with an emphasis in technology. The deadline for applications is Friday, Aug. 21.
The program application process includes a business plan, pitch deck, three letters of recommendation and a bio for each founder. The criteria for evaluation will include, but is not limited to, the market opportunity, distinctive competence/competitive advantage, financial understanding of revenue model and investment potential.
The five selected companies will receive a $25,000 non-equity grant, participate in a 16-week intensive boot camp as well as a mentor-driven program, and also will provide collaborative workspace for one year. In addition to the startup support, FAU Tech Runway also provides access to strategic partners.
BYL Network, Inc. also will assist in reducing the time to market the startups. The company’s founders, Danielle Silverman and Jordan Aloof, created an integrated marketing opportunity consisting of broadcast television, radio, social media and experiential marketing to build solutions that are relevant to the audience and associated brands.
“Helping get the word out to promote entrepreneurs in South Florida is something this community needs to gain national or international acclaim,” said Danielle Silverman, chief operation officer of BYL Network, who has given an in-kind gift valued at $250,000 for startup commercials at FAU Tech Runway to help gain traction in the market.
“This is a great opportunity for the world to see first-hand the quality of South Florida entrepreneurs,” said Kimberly Gramm, associate vice president of FAU Tech Runway.
Participating companies also will have the opportunity to work with faculty and students throughout the boot camp.
Supported by FAU and the state of Florida, Tech Runway launched in October 2014 with five companies in its pilot group. Since then, a total of nine companies have received support. The second class of companies is:
- Honorlock offers award-winning, cloud-based solutions to curb academic dishonesty while remaining non-invasive.
- Tone-y-Bands brings to market unique arm toning wrist weights that can be worn throughout the day to provide a workout from regular activities and improve exercise results.
- Candidate.Guru delivers applications designed to vastly improve the hiring process for companies through the application of big data and machine learning technologies.
- TightTalk Electronics has created the EarDrive audio recording, transcription and translation solution that works with any audio source.
Companies that apply for Venture Vintage III may be pre-launched to commercial stage, typically with less than $500,000 of funding and less than $1 million in revenue. CEO/founders must commit to participate in all boot camp classes and mentor meetings and accept the terms of the program. For full application guidelines or to apply, visit techrunway.fau.edu.
For more information, contact Kimberly Gramm at 561-297-0927 or kgramm@fau.edu.
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