Jumpstart Foundry seeks to aid the growth of fledgling tech-oriented businesses in the Southeast by focusing on three key areas: The Foundry, Fund and Future.
The Foundry
Jumpstart Foundry (JSF) accelerates the growth of fledgling tech-oriented businesses. Started in 2010, JSF is a formal, mentor-driven 14-week business acceleration program held over the summer months – with the goal of launching successful companies, prime for funding, at an Investor Day in late August.
Those startup companies — keying on the areas of healthcare IT, information & data and social engagement tools — will derive resources and guidance from a hand-selected group of mentors who bring a wealth of experience from a variety of fields.
Additionally, Jumpstart Foundry will help grow Middle Tennessee’s entrepreneurial and investment communities — focusing on “The Future” — by offering a series of training courses and seminars, called Jumpstart Fundamentals, geared toward expanding those communities’ understanding and interaction.
The Fund
Realize that we’re talking about two different, yet linked things here.
The Funds to support the efforts Jumpstart Foundry are supplied by Solidus Company and Solidus-TNinvestco.
Additionally, JSF will help you, build an exciting company, craft your story and meet the right investors to raise Funds required post graduation. We judge ourselves by our success rate in this effort. To date, we are successful 62% of the time – not perfect, but good. We plan to improve our track record as we increase our angel / VC contacts and build our reputation.
The Future
We want the best. Getting in is hard, and it means something special. Are you among the best?
Seed funding. The Foundry fills the startup funding gap by providing just enough capital to get your idea off the ground. Your new company receives $15,000 in seed funding.
Advice and Mentoring. The Foundry fills the experience gap by bringing together the best and the brightest in one place and surrounding you with incredible proven mentors for the 14-week program. With this much talent in one place you’ll get great advice on your product and strategy, thereby ensuring the best possible start for your new business.
Connections. Companies running through The Foundry get immeasurable benefits that come from introductions and connections to potential partners and customers. At the end of the program, each company also has the opportunity to pitch during an investor event that we organize.
A great co-founder. In exchange for The Foundry program, seed funding, advice, mentorship, connections, and investor day, Jumpstart Foundry receives a 6% equity stake in your new company. Jumpstart Foundry receives “founders stock” which is common stock, just like yours. We want to be thought of as an experienced and well connected co-founder so we have the same risk and reward system that you do.
The 2012 Schedule
Jan 30th: Applications open
Feb 9th: Early Application deadline
Feb 22nd: JSF 4 a Day (open house for early applicants)
April 2nd: Application deadline
April 7th: Finalist notified & interviews scheduled
April 16th: Contract & Orientation Package sent
May 20th: Program begins
Aug 23rd: Program ends