ABQid Identifying, Developing Startups

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We’re now accepting applications to ActivateNM: Apply by Sept. 7, 2018!

In spring 2018, we started exploring what would happen if we merged ABQid’s expertise in startup acceleration with WESST’s expertise in business incubation. The result? ActivateNM, our new hybrid accelerator-incubator model that brings together the best of both worlds!

We’re now accepting applications to ActivateNM and seeking applications from early-stage software or software-enabled companies! Companies should be based in New Mexico, be pre- or early-revenue, and have an eagerness to achieve key growth milestones with support from ABQid, WESST, a team of mentors, and fellow cohort participants.

Built on the pillars of “disrupt,” “build,” and “community,” ActivateNM promises to provide cohort companies with the wrap-around support they need to quickly achieve company milestones and become competitive pursuers of equity-based programs, angel investment, or other funding models. Our new program will provide entrepreneurs with a ton of business value and know-how and extensive operational support. Our hope is that by providing these resources through the program, participants can stay focused on the essential questions: Who is my customer? What is my product and business model? How can I get to market efficiently and sustainably?

Our new cohort-based hybrid model is unique from previous ABQid accelerator cohorts in that,

  1. This is a no-equity program. Instead, ActivateNM helps companies figure out which of several funding mechanisms makes the most sense, and then helps them prepare to engage with those sources.
  2. Companies receive a stipend to help cover expenses, but must also pay a small monthly fee to be in the program. The idea is that by paying to participate, founders will feel accountable to themselves, their team, and their fellow cohort members.
  3. Office space, amenities, and hands-on support from experts are included. Previously companies were responsible for contracting with experts such as accounting, marketing, or software consultants on their own. Now they can count on a certain amount of value being provided through the accelerator itself and the extensive resources already available through WESST and ABQid.

If you’re ready to start defining and working towards growth milestones in your software or software-enabled company–or know someone who is–apply today! ActivateNM begins October 15, 2018, and we are accepting applications now through September 7.If you have any questions, please contact us at info@abqid.com.

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ABQid Partners with the Air Force Research Lab

We’re excited to announce a new partnership with Air Force Research Laboratory Tech Engagement Office to develop new ways to connect the Laboratory with existing technology businesses and entrepreneurs in New Mexico. The agreement is part of AFRL’s desire to accelerate innovation by working more effectively with the private sector, and ABQid’s desire to help build successful high-growth companies in New Mexico.

The goal is to better familiarize the private sector with the technological needs of the Air Force and engage them to help address those needs by creating commercially viable solutions for the Air Force.

“For the Air Force to maintain its edge in protecting this country, we must be more innovative and be able to adapt quickly to changing technology. That can be a challenge for the government. We see entrepreneurs and innovators in the private sector as an underused resource to assist us with this challenge by bringing their innovation into our labs and helping us find nimble solutions,” said Matt Fetrow, Director of the AFRL TEO.

ABQid and the AFRL TEO will follow a lean process over the next couple of months to identify synergies between Air Force technological needs and existing industry capabilities. We’ll then develop programming designed to better connect the two.

“We know that New Mexico has some very successful innovative tech companies, and we believe that we can bring them into a space where they can work towards solutions for AFRL as while creating products that are commercially viable,” said T.J. Cook, Executive Director of ABQid.

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Apply now for the projectY Lean Startup Bootcamp in Los Alamos

We’re excited to announce the projectY Lean Startup Bootcamp in Los Alamos! The new eight-week program will assist individuals starting a business in Northern New Mexico (in or north of Santa Fe). Thanks to generous sponsorship, the program is free for up to 10 participants. Click here to apply.

The program, based on the Lean Startup methodology, is open to entrepreneurs located in and north of Santa Fe who have identified a market problem or need, as well as a proposed solution, and are committed to moving forward with their idea. Applications, available at the end of February and closing March 16, will not discriminate against industry type or market scope; participants may range from high-growth technology companies to mom-and- pop lifestyle business concepts. Instruction provided to each participant through the projectY Lean Startup Bootcamp is valued at $2,400.

The series of 4 two-hour workshops will run every other week in April and May 2018, and participants can also expect a minimum of 10 hours of self-paced work outside of each workshop. Each workshop’s format will include both instruction as well as hands-on activities among participants, and cover topics ranging from customer discovery and product/concept testing, to self-assessment and team formation, as well as basic business concepts such as equity allocation.

If you’re a New Mexico-based business located in or north of Santa Fe, consider applying! projectY is an awesome partner, having hosted more than 200 events and had over 2,500 individuals from around Northern New Mexico come through its doors for various entrepreneurial programming activities since its inception in June 2016. Our partnership is the first step the coworking space has taken to introduce a formal multi-week program.

Graduating participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and may also be eligible for select ABQid funding opportunities, promotional efforts and ongoing statewide network and partner events.

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Congrats 2017 Health and Wellness Cohort Graduates!

Congratulations to our 2017 Health and Wellness Cohort Graduates! Launch Day 2017 on October 26 was a huge success as the community rallied around six startups on their road to high growth in New Mexico. HUGE shout out to the awesome advisors and mentors who gave countless hours to these awesome companies.

Missed the event? Head over to our Facebook page to catch the live stream, including keynote presentation by Josh Stevens, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Crosslink Capital.

Here are a few photos to highlight Launch Day, which included mock board meetings with 12 leaders in business and health, to the evening presentations, to the final reception:


Marsha Battee of SANEsuite in a mock board meeting session.


Katlyn Jennings of The Kombucha Project in a mock board meeting session.


Jeff Nyquist of NeuroTrainer fits in a customer learning session.


Mohamed Khashaba of TakeStep on the Launch Day stage.


Brock Predovich of Bravrr, creators of BruxRelief, on the Launch Day stage.


A community member samples NeuroTrainer’s VR brain training.


A community member talks with Ralph Peña of The Egg Project about the company’s first product, ARTIE.

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ABQid welcomes Harold Lavender

We are excited to announce that Harold Lavender has joined the ABQid team!  Harold will be working to expand what ABQid can do for the community and build awareness of our startup accelerator.  As a well known lawyer, businessman, and State Investment Council member, Harold will be a key asset in helping ABQid accomplish its goals.  His experience and passion for helping the local entrepreneurial community is vital to the ABQid mission.  We are very grateful to have Harold aboard and can’t wait to begin working together!

Harold

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