Power 106: Grid110 Unveils Companies Selected for Spring 2019 Programs
5 years ago, Grid110 began as casual conversations amongst a grassroots neighborhood collective of individuals brought together by a shared vision: that Downtown Los Angeles was primed to be the next hub for technology and startups. Our initial focus was to foster and activate community in DTLA around innovation and entrepreneurship. The how was something we weren’t quite sure about, but were determined to figure out along the way.
5 years later, Grid110 has become one of the leading communities and networks for early stage entrepreneurs in Los Angeles, with the mission to help create a more inclusive ecosystem for entrepreneurs through access to resources and community. As we kick off our Spring 2019 Idea to Prototype and Residency programs this week, we’re proud to welcome 22 incredible companies into the fold, bringing us to a grand total of 106 companies in our portfolio.
As we enter our 5th year of programming, here’s an updated overview of Grid110 by the numbers (including the companies selected for our Spring programs):
- Cohorts: 11
- Companies: 106 (34 Residency, 72 Idea to Prototype)
- Founders: 69% Female, 58% POC
- Verticals: companies focus on a variety of industries that include (but are not limited to) health/wellness, SaaS, e-commerce, AI, AR, CPG, fashion, sports, social impact, mobility, beauty, media.
- Post-Program Success: 1 company acquired, 4 accepted into accelerator programs (Techstars LA, MuckerLab, XRC Labs, AngelPad), 50+ local jobs created and a combined $8m in funding raised by 5 companies in the past 2 years. Companies have also gone on to double their revenue YOY, expand distribution channels and scale their businesses (and teams) right here in Los Angeles.
Meet the Companies
The 7 companies selected for Residency Program Cohort 6 are:
Audio Cardio: Founded by Chris Ellis in 2018, Audio Cardio is a mobile therapy for hearing loss and tinnitus. Backed by science and data, Audio Cardio stimulates the cells inside your ear through a direct to consumer app and by infusing their technology in some of the most notable audio brands.
Finli: Founded by Lori Shao in 2018, Finli is a child-centric payment platform that provides financial relief for parents by allowing friends and family to contribute to the child’s bills.
Hija de tu Madre: Founded by Patty Delgado in 2016, Hija de tu Madre is the leading direct to consumer lifestyle brand for the modern Latina. HDTM is for the Latina who takes her culture everywhere.
Hype & Vice: Founded by Kimberly Robles and Cecilia Gonzalez in 2015, Hype and Vice is a trendy and fashion forward lifestyle brand that embodies all the emotion of the collegiate experience while building a community.
Little LAMMA: Founded by Nina Tooley, Heather Klass, and Gigi Jack in 2017 — Little LAMMA is a virtual concierge service for children’s gifts, combining the convenience of e-commerce with the personalized service of an assistant.
Papers + Ink: Founded by Carolyn Chu in 2018, Papers + Ink is a female-led collective designing unique articles for the sophisticated + responsible smoker. Reimagining products and consumers in an evolving market.
serviceMob: Founded by Anuj Bhalla in 2017, serviceMob uses Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to make accessing customer service effortless!
The 15 companies selected for Idea to Prototype Cohort 5 are:
- Artemis Outdoor: body positive adventure gear for women.
- Bunch Ice Cream: banana based vegan ice creams from reclaimed produce.
- Clout Collective: creating the tools & resources content creators need to slay every day.
- Elevate Lives: levels the playing field for at-promise youth by partnering with public schools to implement Social Emotional Learning programs.
- Good Game: connects youth sports teams making the scheduling of scrimmages easier and more efficient than ever.
- Kliit Health: a platform that empowers multicultural women to take charge of their reproductive health through data analytics, education, telehealth and community.
- Mama Moles: we develop functional packaged food products rooted in traditional Mexican recipes that are easy to use and add rich complex flavors with healthful and filling ingredients.
- Novelly: sparking the next generation of global citizens.
- Our Commonplace: an ethical and sustainable online marketplace focused on providing accessibility to social good(s) and content.
- Secret Sauce: read fast and build things. Everything you need to know about the startup world — delivered daily.
- Social Cipher: a story-driven video game that gives kids with autism a safe, accessible, empowering space to practice social skills.
- Tina Healthcare: universally designed menstrual products.
- Travel Slay: no stress fitness, where you need it most.
- Un’kuppd: un’compromised coffee, at home or anywhere.
About Grid110
Founded in 2015 as an economic and community development non-profit aimed at supporting the growth of the startup ecosystem in Downtown Los Angeles, Grid110 began as a collective of 7 entrepreneurs who all shared a similar vision of Downtown LA as the next tech hub. Since the inception of the first program, we have now provided 106 early stage startups with access to free office space, mentoring and other critical resources through cohort based programs. We do not currently provide any funding (yet…), but companies also do not give up any equity or pay fees to participate in the program. Our focus is to help companies realize sustainable growth paths by connecting them to critical resources, support and community. Many thanks to our extraordinary partners who help us make all of this possible: The Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti, LA Economic Workforce Development Department, Nixon Peabody and Cross Campus.
We’re always looking to expand our efforts. If what we’re doing at Grid110 resonates with you, please reach out to explore collaborative partnerships. We’re also actively seeking grant invitations and open to discussing potential sponsorship opportunities. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
