Untapped’s Future of Work Studio-Accelerator Program
A look inside this unique Virtual Program For Entrepreneurs Building Future of Work Startups (applications open!)
Untapped Ventures is proud to announce the launch of our new pre-seed virtual studio-accelerator program!
Due to the unprecedented shift we have experienced as a result of the ongoing pandemic, the theme of the accelerator is innovation in the “Future of Work”.
This 9-month accelerator is designed to help experienced entrepreneurs build venture-scale startups in the Future of Work space.
We launched this accelerator with a simple goal: use our startup studio resources to help brilliant founders launch and grow companies aiming to disrupt the workplace. The Future of Work spectrum is wide-ranging and includes startups building new productivity tools (think Zoom and Slack) as well as technology ventures using hardware (like Virtual Reality devices) to innovate within the industry.
Focus Areas
This program is for experienced entrepreneurs building tools, services, and technology that makes work easier, more effective and enjoyable.
While we are open to any kind of innovation in this space, we are really excited about ventures working to solve problems in the following areas:
- Increasing Productivity
- Bringing Personal Development, Passion, and Purpose to the workplace
- Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Reducing the Startup Failure Rate
- Delivering Well-Being to The Workplace
- Discovering New Models of Work
The graphic below shows a curated map of example startups that fit into each of the above categories. These are the types of ventures we’re looking to build. Venture-scale, tech-oriented, potential unicorns disrupting the workplace!
Logistics
This year's program will accept only 25 entrepreneurs in the cohort. These founders will undergo an intensive 9-month learning and building program through a two-phased approach.
The first phase runs from March to June 2021 and lays the foundations for cofounders meeting, ideating, and validating an important problem to solve in the Future of Work space. Upon presenting to Untapped’s investment committee, the most promising teams will secure seed-funding and move on to phase two of the program.
Phase two will run from July to November 2021 and is designed to help teams build their product, gain traction, and scale their venture. In November, these teams will have the opportunity to present at a high-profile Demo Day with the goal of attracting the Seed round of funding.
Key Dates
Watch the Info Session recording here.
Applications close: February 12, 2021
Program starts: March 1
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis and, again, there are only 25 spots in the program. It’s critical to apply early as the cohort is already filling up! Applying is really easy- just submit your written application and follow the instructions given at the end to create your video submission. Once we have both of those, you will be notified of the next steps!
Who Should Apply?
At a high level, we’re looking for motivated and ambitious founders who are passionate about solving a big bold problem in the Future of Work space. We care much more about the problem you’re solving than the solution or product- which is why we aren’t requiring founders to have a product built before entering the accelerator. If you do have a product or an MVP- that’s great! But it is not a requirement. See the list below for specifics on what we’re looking for from the applicants of this cohort!
Minimum Requirements
- Clear idea of a bold problem to solve for a specific target market
- Strong venture-backed startup experience
- Proven and demonstrated business results
- Deep domain experience in your selected problem space
- Committed to a 9-month program
- Excited to put in ~40 hours per week building your business (minimum 20+ hours per week)
Ideal Candidate Profiles:
- Entrepreneurs with a previous exit ready to do it again with the help of a startup studio
- Business Cofounder whose gone out and gotten clear market validation on a very compelling Idea
- Technical Cofounder whose come up with a brilliant solution to a big problem, likely hacked out an MVP already
- Venture-backed startup exec who left their full-time job to take a shot — you’re time has come!
- Rockstar startup teams working on an existing solution
About Untapped Ventures
Untapped Ventures has been at the forefront of the entrepreneurial revolution in the Future of Work industry since its evolution. Having already made several investments in the space (see Topia, LifeGuides, and PocketConfidant), Untapped has proven its dedication to innovating and supporting the evolution of the tools, services, and technology we use to get work done.
As a startup studio, Untapped Ventures brings a unique advantage to founders that traditional venture capital firms do not. The Untapped team works directly with founders of early-stage (sometimes even idea-stage) startups to validate business models, test solutions, build products, scale operations, and ultimately grow revenues.
The power of working with a startup studio includes dramatically enhanced speed to market, proven methodology, access to a large network of potential customers, investors, and mentors as well as engagement of the studio’s core team of experts in their respective fields.
Building a venture with a startup studio means getting the people, resources, funding, and support you need to succeed in building a venture-backable tech startup.
We couldn’t have launched this program without the support from our partner the City of Burbank. This accelerator is the result of over six months of planning, strategizing, and innovation. The City of Burbank’s Economic Development Team has been instrumental in creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and thrive.
Learn more and apply to the accelerator: https://www.untapped.ventures/accelerator.
Questions? Contact: Dianna Lesage, Chief of Staff- Untapped Ventures- dianna@untapped.ventures
