UpRamp Fiterator new business accelerator is sponsored by CableLabs
Tech startups have , and a plethora of other business accelerators. On Thursday, the cable industry just for cable and broadband startups:, which is sponsored by , the cable and broadband research and development firm in Louisville.
Scott Brown, UpRamp’s managing director, likened the accelerator to an executive MBA for startups that isn’t just about helping fund new companies but teach them how to succeed and graduate with completed deals. The cable and broadband industry is working on new technologies like 5G and gigabit broadband.
“Our focus is on companies that have already released a product into the market, but are searching for that elusive product/market Fit,” said Brown, who is also head of technology outreach at CableLabs. “This is one of the most difficult and early challenges for a startup. The UpRamp Fiterator is designed to help these companies find their fit in the global cable industry. And while there are many thousands of companies that match this description every year, our cohort size is small (only 4 companies) and highly competitive.”
The 3-month program requires applicants to have raised $1.5 million in funding in the past year, have a working product or service and commit at least two people to attend each session in Boulder County.
In exchange for all travel expenses paid and access to cable industry CEOs and C-level executives, the startups must give up 3 percent equity to UpRamp. More details are available on .
“The great part is that if, after graduation, they feel like they didn t get the value they expected from the program, we will return the 3 percent, with no questions asked. We are trying to align interests, but make it risk free for the right companies to capture a new market,” Brown said.
Funding comes from the organization’s ,” which include pretty much every major cable TV provider in the U.S.
Startups don’t have to move to Louisville to participate but will spend at least 18 days over the 3-month period in Colorado. The application period starts March 10, 2016 at . The program will start August 8, coinciding with the CableLabs Summer Conference.
