Too many accelerator programs focus on training only. We focus on operations, building products and businesses side-by-side with our founders.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (PRWEB) May 30, 2019
Accel7 today announced the launch of its new accelerator program for Greater Hudson Valley entrepreneurs who want to transform their ideas into operational businesses. The first cohort of founders participating in the three month accelerator program is currently underway. Applications are now open for entrepreneurs seeking to join the second cohort of Accel7, which kicks off in September. Headquartered in White Plains, Accel7 will open a second hub in Rhinebeck this fall, while offering founders on-demand access to co-working spaces across the Greater Hudson Valley through its partners.
Strong Local Business Ties
Named for the seven counties in the Hudson Valley of New York, Accel7 has deep ties to the region’s business ecosystem on a county and state level - and is one of the only independent accelerators with funding from Empire State Development Corporation. Accel7 evolved from the Hudson Valley Center for Innovation (HVCFI), also known as "iCANny," which for 15 years has provided acceleration and entrepreneur education services in the region under the tenure of Les Neumann, HVCFI Chairman and a founding member of the Business Incubator Association of New York.
Accel7 is dedicated to founders of impact-conscious technology companies. While Accel7 will consider applicants from all industries, it is particularly interested in working with founders solving problems around education, wellness, mobility and sustainable food and energy.
Program Philosophy - Learn by Doing
The program is designed around the goal of founders graduating with a clearly defined target audience, a viable product and a concrete plan for funding their business. It moves founders through five modules for an operational business - customer discovery, product development, business modeling, market entry or expansion and financials/funding prep.
“You do not need to move to Brooklyn or Silicon Valley to launch a company. The Hudson Valley has become a hotbed of startup activity, with some founders even moving from New York City to start their companies here. With Accel7, they get all the hands-on support they need to develop and grow their businesses,” said Danny Potocki, managing director of Accel7. “Too many accelerator programs focus on training only. We focus on operations, building products and businesses side-by-side with our founders.”
Experienced Leadership
Accel7 is led by Danny Potocki, John W. Higgins and Johnny LeHane, who have more than 40 years of combined experience guiding early and growth stage startups in the Greater Hudson Valley. Its team and partners make introductions for participating founders to locally based investors, while also honing revenue models and guiding business development efforts.
"Accelerators like Accel7 are a critical component of our entrepreneurial ecosystem. While investors like the members of the Hudson Valley Startup Fund can provide much needed capital, startups benefit greatly when they are in a focused program surrounded by experienced business partners and peers,” said Chad Gomes, a co-founding member of the Hudson Valley Startup Fund. “As entrepreneurs move to cities like New Rochelle and Kingston, Accel7 will be a key player for growth in the region.”
Applications to join Accel7’s fall accelerator program are open until July 31. To learn more, and apply, visit http://www.accel7.org.
About Accel7
Accel7 is an early-stage technology startup accelerator for founders who want to move beyond the idea stage, and create an operational business. Based in the Greater Hudson Valley, its flagship program is a three month accelerator where founders define their target clients, develop viable products and create concrete plans for funding their businesses. With offices in White Plains, NY, and Rhinebeck, NY, Accel7 provides a network of partners across the region who operate side-by-side with startup teams. Accel7 is one of the only independent accelerators with funding from the Empire State Development Corporation and a vibrant network of regional investors, corporate partners and mentors. For more information, visit http://www.accel7.org.
Press Contact
Elissa Ehrlich for Accel7
(646) 228 8960
eehrlich@pinecrestcomms.com