Spring of 2015 marks the biggest class Tech Wildcatters has ever admitted into their b2b accelerator based out of Dallas, Texas. The current class is very unique across many different verticals, but the common thread linking them all together is a strong focus on enterprise.
According to Tech Wildcatters, this class was particularly tough to select because they got an unprecedented amount of applications from their relationships with influencers in startup hubs the world over. Participants in this class include companies from the UK, Germany, Moscow, Florida, Washington, Fort Worth, Denver, and of course Dallas.
All told there are 15 companies currently going through the program, each of whom has been given $25,000 in exchange for 8 percent equity in their company. They’re fast approaching the pitch day, which will be held on May 22.
“These companies apply because we can connect them to the right customers in the b2b market,” says Molly Cain, recently hired Executive Director for Tech Wildcatters.
Take, for example, the team from Germany. They already have a pilot customer, an oil and gas company, based in the city and Tech Wildcatters is perfect for them.
Also, Tech Wildcatters is the only accelerator that’s truly focused on b2b and positioned in a city where they can take advantage of that. That is, Dallas has the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the world.
Tech Wildcatters has built out a Corporate Innovation Network that seeks to partner these enterprise giants with startups who want to begin working with them. To that end, the 15 startups were treated to a reverse pitch recently where corporate companies came in to talk about their issues and how startups might be able to help in HR, building innovation, merchandising, and gathering more data – to name a few areas.
“Most other accelerators don’t do reverse pitches – this is the first of its kind,” says Cain. “We can get you locked down with some sexy customers, and we care more about revenue and traction which also gets you great investors. This is something we don’t kid around with. Our sweet spot and gift is forming relationships in this sector, and that relationship we can build for the companies is awesome.”
Together with Gabriella Draney Zielke, Cain has helped take Tech Wildcatters to new heights where they have the freedom to begin exploring new ideas and innovations of their own to help startups even more. According to Cain, Zielke’s gift is seeing the future and structuring it, and it’s looking like a bright one for Tech Wildcatters.
The 15 startups currently going through the accelerator are:
- CancerGene Connect: Technology that aims to change service delivery model for genetic risk assessment.
- Capparsa, LLC: Software that empowers business productivity and delights users.
- Chalkbucket Labs: All-in-one platform that automates operations while tracking athletic and business performance.
- Dinemob LLC: Flash sale voucher app targeting restaurant slow hours.
- EKU Power Drives: The nucleus in the electrification of industrial applications.
- Episcale: Technology that eliminates paper-based processes, saves cost, and improves experience.
- Game Time Giving: Mobile app that helps nonprofits raise money by creating fan competitions at sporting events.
- Jackpot Rising: Software that can be integrated by developers to allow users to compete in progressive jackpot contests.
- Pipemail: Platform where developers build apps for email.
- Raspberry, Inc: Enables anyone to send and receive money faster and more safely than credit cards.
- Rent Eval: Rental evaluation solution that makes keeping track of property easier with a mobile application.
- Trafinity Ventures, Inc: Curated research and content discovery platform for the financial industry.
- Veux: Mobile app created for users to give back while they shop.
- Virtual Visit: Platform that connects families of nursing home patients to their loved ones with regular updates sent from the facility.
- Whatever it Takes: Global sports network for planning, preparation, communication, recruiting, and fan interaction.