Since its founding in 2012, the StartR non-profit accelerator program has provided resources, mentoring and access to funding opportunities to more than 230 teams. The program is offered in six tracks—Rady, Inclusion, Impact, Veteran, Teen and Blue, each providing unique opportunities to learn from experts and receive guidance for building a sustainable business. In total, companies that have participated in StartR have gone on to raise more than 158 million dollars.
Traditionally, twice a year, StartR teams have the opportunity to pitch their startups in front of the San Diego business community at a live event called StartR Demo Day. While the event will not occur in-person due to social distancing guidelines, the show will go on February 16th in a virtual format. Get familiar with the StartR teams below, and RSVP to attend Demo Day here.
MPact International
A scalable platform designed to measure and understand diversity of perspectives, openness to change, and psychological safety in organizations. Because when employees feel valued and safe, customer value grows too.
Rady School alum: Maisha Cobb (MBA ’21)
Rooted Reusables
Rooted Reusables helps companies meet zero waste goals by providing reusable food ware products and services. We are rooted in our mission is to eliminate the dependence on single-use plastics and other single-use alternatives.
Rady School student: Lauren Hackney (FlexEvening MBA ’23)
Lift Seltzer
Microdosed, cannabis-infused seltzers with 2mg THC and 6mg CBD for a light, uplifting, social buzz; whether for celebrating, socializing, or hanging out, Lift Seltzer is here to provide a refreshingly new type of experience.
Rady School alum: Mark Thever (MBA ’13)
Rola
Rola is a social media aggregate and digital networking platform that removes the tediousness and inconvenience from the networking process.
Rady School student: Cedric Paige (MSBA ’22)
TrueVote
TrueVote is a social platform for empowering Americans to be politically informed and engaged, in order to increase trustworthiness, accountability, and ultimately effectiveness throughout our political ecosystem.
Zack Doherty
Kryos
We are developing the most powerful portable cooling garments for personal and industrial use.
José Ricardo Suárez
Learn more about the Rady School’s California Institute for Innovation and Development and StartR Accelerator Program here.