The Heritage Group (THG) Accelerator Powered by Techstars is preparing to select its second round of startups for an intensive three-month program of research and development, mentorship and collaboration at The Center – THG’s unique meeting space in Indianapolis, designed to engage, inspire and drive growth through value creation. The goal is to facilitate venture investment while broadening and energizing the local entrepreneurial community.
The first round of startups came from Indiana, four other US states, Canada, Estonia and Germany. They received an equity investment and access to highly knowledgeable mentors across a variety of industry-specific specializations and THG’s enterprise-wide research and development team. Relationships established with local leaders grew into partnerships that inspired two companies in the program to relocate to Indianapolis.
MITO Material Solutions manufactures hybrid nano-additives, enabling composite manufacturers to create tougher, lighter, and more durable products. Co-Founder & CEO, Haley Marie Keith, grew up in northern Indiana, but relocated to Oklahoma after completing her MBA at Oklahoma State University. Haley and her team felt immediately embraced by THG and Techstars. “Everyone who joined us in our program was extremely helpful and came ready to help startups solve problems and evolve, which made the program an unforgettable experience.”
While at the Accelerator, they made several strategic hires, solidified major manufacturing and distribution partnerships, and relocated to Indiana from Stillwater, Oklahoma. “Indianapolis is centrally located – which means our company will have easier access to customers, partners, and talent.” Haley was also impressed with local peers’ work/life balance. “As I’ve gotten to know some of the accomplished professionals here, I love that there is always a recommendation for recreational, artistic, or extracurricular activity that comes up in conversation. I love that there has been a conscious effort by the city and the community to thread that into the heart of Indy.”
Rajan Kumar, Ph.D., CEO and Founder of Ateios, Inc., is improving the ergonomics of wearable technologies, which still rely on rigid batteries. Ateios’ thin-film printed batteries are naturally flexible and stretchable, making it possible to reshape the wearables market. “There were a lot of growing pains during the THG Accelerator from both a business and a technical perspective. We grew as technical founders to help explain our vision to others and building the right partnerships to build a successful business around the vision. Both Techstars and THG were essential in giving us direction and advice to grow our business and as entrepreneurs.”
Rajan and his team, originally headquartered in La Jolla, California, were encouraged by the manufacturing and deep tech culture fostered in the state of Indiana. They were gaining traction but needed to scale manufacturing. “The partnerships in Indiana are critical to helping us scale our technology to convert prototyping contracts to purchase orders without significant capital investment and time to set up facilities.”
Applications for the next round of startups at the Accelerator open February 17th, with a focus on companies innovating in the materials science, environmental services and specialty chemicals fields. The program officially launches on September 7th, culminating in a Demo Day on December 3rd, where companies will pitch their newly polished businesses to an audience of venture capitalists, corporate innovation leaders and industry experts. THG looks forward to welcoming the next group of entrepreneurs to Indianapolis and its thriving startup scene.
Visit THG’s New Ventures Group website to learn more: https://www.hgventures.com/hgaccelerator/
About The Heritage Group
The Heritage Group is a privately held portfolio of companies focused on creating long-term value by building world-class businesses. Since 1930, it has managed a diverse set of business units involved in construction and materials, environmental services, specialty chemicals, and energy and refining. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, and a client network that spans the globe, The Heritage Group’s focus is on innovation, quality and service. At the core of this focus is the Heritage Research Group, the world-class research and development facility operating at the cutting edge of new technology to provide new products, processes and training aimed at improving the way Heritage Group companies serve their clients.
