SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - October 26, 2016) - Today, RocketSpace and Kaleido announced new corporate partners and a call for startup applications for the second cohort of its Logistics Tech Accelerator. Selected logistics industry startups will join the program's diverse group of corporate partners: Ingram Micro, Fiege, Lufthansa Cargo, MAN Trucking and founding member Kaleido, along with RocketSpace and an esteemed list of program mentors. In this first of its kind logistics-focused accelerator, startups and leading corporations are brought together to fuel cross-industry partnerships and work hand-in-hand through a dedicated pilot program.
Led by RocketSpace, who is known for accelerating the growth of tech startups, the program focuses on incorporating startups that align with smart technology trends that will disrupt the logistics industry, from warehouse to transport to trade, including robotics, drones, IoT, autonomous vehicles and blockchain technology. Unlike traditional accelerators, participating startups are not required to give up equity, but are required to have at least one round of funding and a product in market or ready to launch. These requirements help speed up the path toward real business value through pilot testing and potential partnerships with corporate partners.
"Being connected with multiple industry corporations gave us a unique first-hand view into how they want to innovate," said Alex Lisitzky, founder and CEO of SLiCK, who recently raised 1.5 million euros to fuel international growth and expand its product offering. "This insight was extremely valuable because it's immediately something we could take action on. As a startup, this access along with a specific focus on a real pilot program were key to our team completing the program with tangible results and future opportunities already lined up."
The program's unique group of corporate partners represent the industry's diverse international leadership and sectors:
"I'm happy that RIO has the chance to be part of the second cohort of the Logistics Tech Accelerator led by RocketSpace and Kaleido," said Markus Lipinsky, Chief Digital Officer at MAN Truck & Bus AG and CEO of RIO. "From the cooperation with startups, we expect fresh technologies, more agile spirit and simply fun at work! Sure, we also see a potential in discovering new talents to work with in the future. On top of all these opportunities, I personally consider the accelerator not only as a platform to bring startups together with established companies, but also to stimulate and foster the cooperation within the latter."
The program is open for startup applications through November 16, 2016. The cohort will kick off in January with a tailored four-week virtual curriculum focused on sharing the unique business strategies of each participating corporation. Virtual workshops will also take place during this time, with participation of expert mentors in areas such as fundraising, marketing, sales and product, and wrap up with a final demo day in May 2017. Interested startups and corporations can learn more about qualifications and apply to the Logistics Tech Accelerator here: www.logisticstechaccelerator.com.
About RocketSpace
RocketSpace is a technology campus headquartered in the heart of San Francisco. Since 2011, the company has been helping tech entrepreneurs, startups and corporate innovation professionals bring the future to market. The company offers services to its members including programming, consulting, events, and office-as-a-service, which together create the perfect ecosystem and community for innovation to thrive. Select startup alumni include Uber, Spotify, Practice Fusion, and Leap Motion, and RocketSpace's roster of Corporate Innovation Services clients include Schneider Electric, Converse, Tata Communications, Royal Bank of Scotland, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, JetBlue and AT&T. For more information, visit www.rocketspace.com.
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Media Contact:
Deann Sonoda
Email: dsonoda@rocketspace.com
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