Startup founders in the Seattle region now have access to a new accelerator program offered by Startup 425, a non-profit organization funded by six local city governments. The new accelerator is designed specifically for first-time entrepreneurs who need assistance in validating their business ideas or raising capital. The 15-week program is based on the curriculum of the Founder Institute, with some unique features such as a track for small business owners working on ideas that may not be suitable for venture-scale investment. The program is fully funded by Startup 425, meaning participating entrepreneurs do not have to pay any fees or give up equity in their companies.
Startup 425, a partnership between Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, and Bothell, offers various programs and events aimed at supporting and growing the local startup community. The organization temporarily paused its activities during the pandemic but resumed last year, now including monthly co-working programs, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, and the new accelerator program. Participating companies in the accelerator are required to either reside in or be building their businesses in one of the six Startup 425 cities, helping to boost the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and economy.
Additionally, Startup 425 places a strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, aiming to provide equal opportunities and resources to individuals from all backgrounds. Levi Reed, an entrepreneur-in-residence at Startup 425 and former leader of the Seattle chapter of the Founder Institute, is actively involved in promoting diversity and inclusion within the startup community. Reed, who recently launched his own investment firm called Twig Ventures, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the accelerator program, supporting and guiding first-time entrepreneurs through their startup journey.
To showcase the impact and potential of the new accelerator program and to engage with the local startup community, Startup 425 is hosting an “Eastside Summit” at Bellevue City Hall as part of Seattle Tech Week. This event serves as a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals. By creating opportunities for startups to thrive and succeed, Startup 425 plays a vital role in driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the Seattle region. With a focus on empowering first-time entrepreneurs and nurturing diverse talent, the organization aims to build a vibrant and inclusive startup ecosystem that benefits the entire community.
By providing access to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, Startup 425 enables startups to accelerate their growth and achieve their full potential. The organization’s commitment to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity sets it apart as a valuable asset to the local startup ecosystem. Through the new accelerator program and a range of other initiatives, Startup 425 continues to drive entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration in the Seattle region, creating a thriving environment for businesses to launch, grow, and succeed.Entrepreneurs in the Seattle region now have an additional accelerator choice to assist them in launching their businesses. Startup 425, a non-profit organization supported by six Seattle-area city governments, announced a new accelerator aimed at first-time entrepreneurs who require help validating an idea or securing capital. The 15-week program was modeled after the Founder Institute curriculum and includes unique features like a track for small business owners pursuing ideas that are not suitable for large-scale investment. Startups participating in the program do not have to pay a fee or give up equity in their companies, as it is fully funded by Startup 425.
Startup 425, a collaborative effort between Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, and Bothell, offers various programs such as monthly co-working programs, panel discussions, workshops, networking events, and the new accelerator to support the local startup community. Following a hiatus during the pandemic, the organization resumed its activities last year, providing much-needed resources and support for entrepreneurs. To be eligible for the accelerator program, companies must be based or building their businesses in one of the six Startup 425 cities, thereby contributing to the growth and development of the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In line with its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, Startup 425 prioritizes supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities and providing equal opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds. Levi Reed, an entrepreneur-in-residence at Startup 425 and former leader of the Seattle chapter of the Founder Institute, brings his experience and expertise to the accelerator program. Reed, who recently established his own investment firm called Twig Ventures, advocates for diversity and inclusion within the startup community, helping first-time entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a business and securing funding.
To showcase the impact of the new accelerator program and engage with the local startup community, Startup 425 is organizing an “Eastside Summit” at Bellevue City Hall as part of Seattle Tech Week. This event serves as a platform for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. By creating opportunities for startups to succeed, Startup 425 contributes to driving innovation, economic growth, and job creation in the Seattle region. Through its focus on empowering diverse entrepreneurs and nurturing talent, the organization aims to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive startup ecosystem that benefits the entire community.
By offering access to resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities, Startup 425 helps startups accelerate their growth and realize their full potential. Its dedication to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of diversity distinguishes it as a valuable asset to the local startup ecosystem. Through the new accelerator program and a range of other initiatives, Startup 425 continues to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration in the Seattle region, creating a supportive environment for businesses to launch, scale, and succeed.
