humble ventures Is Cultivating & Connecting Ecosystems
Partnership On The Potomac
Last week, with incredible support from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP), an audience of investors, government officials and industry leaders gathered at the US Patent and Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA to view founders pitch promising tech startups. The bi-annual event, Partnership On The Potomac, showcased 12 startups from across the nation in varying industries such as health, cybersecurity and consumer packaged goods.
Prior to witnessing the unveiling of our promising startups, we kicked off the day with a panel on inclusive economies and innovation. This panel of influential leaders generated meaningful conversation around the topics that we’re deeply invested in, as well as celebrate the growth of our organization and portfolio.
“ Your team did a great job of bringing together influencers and leaders across geographies and demographics. Many of the folks in the room had the opportunity to hear for the first time about how inclusion and economic gain can be achieved together.” — Groundwork Ventures
We, humble ventures, believe the best way to realize opportunity is through collaboration & partnerships between startups, investors, and established organizations. We have found an ideal partner in AEDP that was looking to support entrepreneurs from underserved communities: displaced veterans, women and people of color.
One of the five presenting founders representing the veteran community was Michael Madon of Ataata. What might possibly be even more impressive than Ataata’s next generation security awareness platform is Madon’s background as a recognized expert in the field of cybersecurity and value creation:
- VP, BD, RedOwl, Inc., a rapid-growth security-focused software company
- Deputy Assistant Secretary, the US Treasury Department, recipient of US Intelligence Community’s highest award
- Military Intelligence Army Officer, recipient of the Bronze Star
- M.B.A., Wharton; Masters in Security Policy, Columbia; B.A., Cornell
The startups began three months ago and were provided curriculum-based programming, mentorship and access to capital. Startups were also afforded co-working space in Alexandria, VA, although not mandatory. The next cohort will begin February ’17. Below are the presenting startups from the first class of humble ventures.
Demo Day Presenters:
PermitZone from South Carolina: PermitZone’s tech platform manages permitting requirements so builders can stay focused on customers and moving projects forward.
Dark Cubed from Virginia: The Dark Cubed Cyber Security Platform delivers enterprise-grade capability without impossible investment or armies of analysts.
CareSet from Texas: CareSet decodes Medicare claims data to guide new drug launches, using the largest single cohort of patients available.
ataata from Virginia: ataata’s data-driven web and mobile platform delivers interactive, engaging security awareness videos — reducing risks, time, and cost associated with security breaches that result from human error.
True Made Foods from NYC: True Made Foods is making American food nutritious again, using fresh vegetables to naturally sweeten their products and drastically cut back on added sugar — a tasty, healthy alternative.
DNSFilter from South Carolina: DNSFilter’s cloud-delivered web filtering service prevents attacks before they happen and blocks inappropriate content and malware.
SCOUT from Oregon: SCOUT’s comprehensive mobile app connects the military community with brands desiring to reward them with a discount, offer, or special experience.
Gastro Girl from Maryland: Gastro Girl’s telehealth platform supports GI patients in between office visits by connecting them to providers with the digestive health and nutrition expertise they need to feel better.
Printocracy from Texas: Printocracy enables the 3D printing & rapid manufacturing ecosystems to grow their businesses with scalable quoting-enabled software solutions.
SenSound from DC: SenSound is a social enterprise that believes holistic, restful sound experiences in clinical environments is key to improving patient outcomes.
MoVi Interactive from Connecticut: MoVi Interactive is a mission-driven company dedicated to leveraging the power of games to generate positive health outcomes.
upace from DC: upace is the only mobile platform that enables recreation centers and gyms to engage, communicate and retain their members.
Partnership on the Potomac is designed to bring together our humble family of sponsors, evangelists, and economic contributors to tackle challenges, grow from lessons learned, and establish benchmarks with cultivating & connecting ecosystems. To learn more about what we’re doing, please visit humble.vc.
Thank you to all who made this event a success including the participating panelists, investors, corporations and the extended humble ventures family.
Inclusive Economies and Innovation Panel:
- Elizabeth Dougherty, US Patent & Trademark Office
- Josh Anderson, Patriot Boot Camp
- Kai Wright, Ogilvy & Mather
- Stephanie Landrum, Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
- Monica H. Kang, InnovatorsBox
Participating Investors/Investment Firms:
Hivers and Strivers, Core Capital, QED Investors, Veteran Crowd, StreetShares, Office of Investment at SBA, Estee Lauder Innovation, Revolution, Vinetta Project, TDF Ventures, Dingman Center Angels, GE Ventures, Kiwi Ventures, Department of Defense, 3Si Ventures, Hanover Research, Razor’s Edge Ventures, Equilateral Ventures, DataTribe, Route 66 Ventures, Village Capital, New Richmond Ventures, Groundwork VC and many other angel investors and family offices.
Participating Corporations:
Ogilvy CommonHealth, Ogilvy Red, MedicalRecords.com, Mount Sinai, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Mana Health, Sony, Georgetown University, National Venture Capital Association, and many more.
