Introducing the Techstars Mobility Class of 2017

By Daniel Chui

One of the best parts of my role at Verizon Ventures is working with the Techstars Startup Programs. Especially at this time of year when I get to introduce the 11 new companies that will be a part of the Mobility Accelerator Program Class of 2017. As a refresher, this accelerator program focuses on the rapidly changing mobility and transportation industry with startups looking to push the envelope in the efficient movement of people, goods, and services across all modes of transportation.

The Most International Mobility Class Yet

The incoming class of 11 startups are coming from around the world, including Dubai, Tel Aviv, Munich, Vancouver and across the United States. Each company is building technologies and innovative business models that impact how people and goods move across all modes of transportation.

On October 18th, we’ll be hosting our third annual Demo Day at the Detroit Film Theatre inside the Detroit Institute of Arts. If you’d like to join (it’s free) add your name to the signup form here.

These 11 startups are joining a thriving startup ecosystem in Detroit. According to the new report by the Michigan Venture Capital Association, there has been a 50 percent increase in Detroit-based startups in the last three years. In the last year alone, $62M was raised by startups in Detroit, 28 percent of all statewide venture capital investment.

The 2017 Class of Techstars Mobility

The 2017 class is our most diverse and international class yet, with companies coming from around the world including Dubai, Tel Aviv, Munich, Vancouver and across the United States.

These startups are building solutions in the autonomous, connected, electric and shared vehicle mobility spaces. They are using a variety of technologies including analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics and manufacturing.

• Busbot (New York City): Helps transportation companies optimize their supply decisions to better respond to consumer demand.
• Carma (Washington DC): Monthly car subscriptions. An affordable monthly fee to drive any of our cars with insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance included.
• cycuro (Tel Aviv, Israel): Protects mobility companies from cybersecurity threats to data, systems, and services.
• Damon X Labs (Vancouver, Canada): Proactive sensor-driven safety systems for motorcycles.
• Derq (Dubai, UAE): MIT spin-off with a mission to eliminate road accidents and save lives by using artificial intelligence and V2X communication technologies.
• EcoG (Munich, Germany): Customized EV fast charging experience through a PaaS for value added services & shared revenue streams.
• Fathom (Grand Rapids, MI): Future of underwater adventure through an affordable, easy to use, underwater drone.
• Gridwise (Pittsburgh, PA): Peer-to-peer platform for on-demand drivers that improves their performance and overall driving experience.
• SEEVA (Seattle, WA): Visibility for mobility. Our ecosystem of patented technologies cleans windshields, LED headlights, cameras and sensors fast — so drivers don’t have to scrape or wipe.
• Stealth Company (New York City): Moving people and things across the country.
• Vartega (Golden, CO): Creates low-cost recycled carbon fiber for vehicle lightweighting to enable mobility solutions such as battery technology, connectivity, and autonomy.

This content was originally posted on TechStar’s @Ted SerbinskiTed Serbinski’s Medium channel and can be found here.

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