Durham, NC based LaunchBox Digital has just announced that they are accepting applications to LaunchBox10, a global competition, where successful applicants receive funding and guidance to take their big ideas from concept to market. The program includes seed funding and a 12 week business building program in their Durham, NC offices. You may recall that a number of Social Matchbox presenter alumni participated in the program while it was still held in Washington, DC. If you are reading this and would like to be put in touch with someone who has been through the program drop us a note contact@socialmatchbox.com or @SocialMatchbox). Everyone we have spoken to that has been through this program and similar ones like YCombinator and TechStars talks up the fact that they were connected with advisors who they would not have met otherwise and they got a ton of help polishing their startup when the time came to launch. This sort of program is ideal for an early career entrepreneur who does not have a day job to get in the way of a the 12 week intensive program. It is also an ideal opportunity for a team that has at least some of their product finished and an existing team including design and software engineering talent. If you don’t have a developer or two and a designer in the mix then it is probably not worth your time to apply. The program culminates with demo days, where each new business presents to angel investors, venture capital firms, strategic partners, bloggers and media. So far we have not heard of a lot of startups coming out of Launchbox Digital getting a huge amount of funding, but we have seen a lot of companies exit the program and continue on as companies. If you have a success story or thoughts on the program let us know.
Several local incubators you may want to consider before taking a ride out of state include: College Park, MD based The University of Maryland’s Mtech VentureAccelerator Program, Reston, VA based INC.spire (a business incubator program run by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce), and the McLean, VA based Amplifier Ventures Business Accelerator Program. These are all great options for different reasons so do your homework.
Important dates related to the Launchbox program:
May 20, 2010 – LaunchBox10 Informational Webinar
May 31, 2010 – Early admission application deadline
June 9, 2010 – LaunchBox10 Ask the Alumni Webinar
June 30, 2010 – Final application deadline for LaunchBox10
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