Spartan Innovations announces companies for third Conquer Accelerator program in Grand Rapids
Michigan-based accelerator provides funding, mentorship, and network opportunities to emerging entrepreneurs
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –– In partnership with the Grand Rapids SmartZone LDFA, Spartan Innovations welcomes five new teams to its Grand Rapids Conquer Accelerator program. Participating in the 10-week program this fall will be CryoCellar, Farmish, JustAir, Kozi, and Opnr.
"These five teams are developing solutions for some very difficult challenges and we’re excited to accelerate their journey,” said Thomas Stewart, program director.
Designed to support both new and established companies, the Conquer Accelerator program includes a $20,000 investment from Red Cedar Ventures, the venture arm of the Michigan State University Research Foundation. In addition to the funding, teams access a system of resources that helps prepare the companies to scale.
In addition to receiving $20,000 in seed funding, selected startups receive tailored mentorship from leaders within their respective industries, a collaborative working space, and access to a network of angel and venture investors. Companies work to develop their business plans, define markets, work towards product/market/fit and scaling their business.
“The teams participating in the program this year have a lot of industry diversity,” said Jeff Wesley, Red Cedar Ventures Executive Director. “These companies are working in very challenging areas in emerging market sectors that could experience high growth in the coming years. It will be exciting to work with the teams.”
Through the Conquer Accelerator program, Spartan Innovations has successfully launched over 40 startups since 2015. Those companies have gone on to raise over $40 million in additional funding. Eighteen of the companies have been led by underrepresented founders and to date Conquer has had six successful exits. The 2022 cohort includes three companies led by underrepresented founders. “I'm thrilled to continue being a part of the program and I'm excited to coach these five teams this year,” said Stewart.
2022 Conquer Accelerator – Grand Rapids Teams:
CryoCellar uses super compressed CO2 with a patent-pending container for small farmers to keep produce refrigerated longer. This helps increase their distribution range and access to markets typically dominated by corporate farming.
Farmish is a local foods marketplace app that brings together specialty ag growers with buyers. The company aims to grow local food systems and provide access points for homegrown food.
JustAir provides air quality mapping, monitoring, and visualization tools for communities to better manage the health impacts of pollution.
Kozi is a SaaS provider helping catastrophe housing vendors, insurance carriers, governmental agencies, and nonprofits solve the problem of relocating displaced families at scale.
Opnr is an application that connects musicians with concert organizers to offer performance opportunities opening for headliners.
For more information about the teams, visit www.msufoundation.org/conquer-accelerator.
About Spartan Innovations
Spartan Innovations is a wholly owned subsidiary of the MSU Foundation, and fuels economic development and entrepreneurial activities at Michigan State University, across the Greater Lansing Area, Grand Rapids, and throughout the state of Michigan. Spartan Innovations provides fundamental resources and programs entrepreneurs need to grow their businesses. More information on Spartan Innovations is available at www.msufoundation.org/spartaninnovations.
About the Michigan State University Foundation
Established in 1973 as an independent non-profit, the Michigan State University Foundation is committed to the commercialization of cutting-edge technologies invented by MSU faculty, staff, and students. The MSU Foundation’s overarching goal is to support research, innovation, and entrepreneurship at the University. Additionally, the MSU Foundation operates Spartan Innovations, Red Cedar Ventures, and Michigan Rise. More information on the organization’s notable achievements, services, leadership, and history is available at www.msufoundation.org.
About the SmartZone LDFA
The SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) supports high-technology entrepreneurs and businesses. The SmartZone captures increased property tax dollars and reinvests that money back into the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Grand Rapids to provide incubator spaces and connections to support services to advance Entrepreneurship and Innovation. www.GrowGR.org