We at MathZee (http://mathzee.com/) went through the Chicago based incubator, Excelerate Labs (http://www.exceleratelabs.com/) this summer. MathZee is a mobile platform that teaches math through application. Our math games develop critical thinking skills while assessing a child’s performance in a non-intrusive manner. At the time of the application, MathZee was nothing more than an idea. We launched our first mobile game Piggy Math (http://mathzee.com/piggy-math/) on the Excelerate demo day (thanks to Apple's app approval team for the perfect timing :-).
We wanted to join Excelerate mainly for the guidance we could get from all the leading entrepreneurs in the midwest area. Some of the mentors of the program are Brad Keywell (Groupon/Lightbank), Blair Garrou (DFJ Mercury), Chuck Templeton (OpenTable), Kevin Efrusy (Accel Partners), Lon Chow (Apex Venture Partners), Mike Gaiss (Highland Capital Partners), Pete Wilkins (Sterling Partners). The program is led by Sam Yagan (OKCupid,Sparknotes) and Troy Henikoff (SurePayroll), who are both amazing entrepreneurs and have great connections in the midwest area. If you need their help, they are more than willing to work with you even on a daily basis.
Excelerate's program is similar to Techstars' as the focus is on getting more and more help from outside mentors and finding a mentor-match for the startups. The program is divided in three months -- meet 60-70 mentors in month 1, develop / polish product in month 2, prepare for investor pitch in month 3. The startups are also provided office space and legal help. But the most value comes from the daily improvements your startup makes through strategic and tactical advice you get from some of the best minds in the country. I strongly recommend this program. If you want to know more about the program or want to talk to Sam or Troy directly, then let me know ( namit AT mathzee ).
We wanted to join Excelerate mainly for the guidance we could get from all the leading entrepreneurs in the midwest area. Some of the mentors of the program are Brad Keywell (Groupon/Lightbank), Blair Garrou (DFJ Mercury), Chuck Templeton (OpenTable), Kevin Efrusy (Accel Partners), Lon Chow (Apex Venture Partners), Mike Gaiss (Highland Capital Partners), Pete Wilkins (Sterling Partners). The program is led by Sam Yagan (OKCupid,Sparknotes) and Troy Henikoff (SurePayroll), who are both amazing entrepreneurs and have great connections in the midwest area. If you need their help, they are more than willing to work with you even on a daily basis.
Excelerate's program is similar to Techstars' as the focus is on getting more and more help from outside mentors and finding a mentor-match for the startups. The program is divided in three months -- meet 60-70 mentors in month 1, develop / polish product in month 2, prepare for investor pitch in month 3. The startups are also provided office space and legal help. But the most value comes from the daily improvements your startup makes through strategic and tactical advice you get from some of the best minds in the country. I strongly recommend this program. If you want to know more about the program or want to talk to Sam or Troy directly, then let me know ( namit AT mathzee ).