About AlphaLab
AlphaLab is a startup accelerator created by Innovation Works to help capital-efficient startup companies launch quickly and successfully.
Twice a year up to six companies in the software, web services, mobile, gaming or agile hardware space are selected to participate in an intensive 20-week program. During these weeks companies will rapidly iterate on their products and work with mentors, advisors, and the AlphaLab team to hone their business models. The program culminates in the AlphaLab Demo Day: a chance for companies to pitch what they’ve been working on to angel investors, VCs, and press outlets from around the nation. Read about our latest Demo Day in TechCocktail.
Startups accepted into the AlphaLab program receive:
Funding
Companies receive $25,000 from Innovation Works in exchange for 5% common stock in their company. Innovation Works (IW) is AlphaLab’s parent organization and the Pittsburgh region's largest and most active seed-stage investor. Since 1999, IW has invested over $50 million in over 150 companies including ModCloth, Vivisimo, Bossa Nova Robotics, ShowClix, and DeepLocal.
Learn more about Innovation Works >>
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Advisors and Mentors
AlphaLab has attracted a large community of mentors and advisors here in Pittsburgh and across the nation who have a sincere interest in helping these companies succeed. Through weekly educational sessions, one-on-one meetings, and networking events, companies will interact with a vast array of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and domain experts who are more than happy to provide feedback or take a more hands-on approach in guiding the company in the right direction.
Meet our advisors and mentors >>
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AlphaLab Team Support
The AlphaLab team regularly meets with each company to advise or assist in critical areas of product and company development. The team’s business acumen and experience in both the technology and startup industries is indispensible when helping companies navigate through beta tests, investor pitches, go-to-market plans, and fundraising strategies.
Meet the AlphaLab team >>
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i6 Agile Innovation System
All AlphaLab companies participate in the i6 Agile Innovation System, a program designed by Innovation Works and Carnegie Mellon University’s Donald H. Jones Center for Entrepreneurship to help entrepreneurs build the long-term habit of engaging with potential customers early and often, leading to more successful products and companies. The i6 program provides AlphaLab companies access to additional funds, workshops, and an extensive mentoring program.
Learn more about the i6 Agile Innovation System > >
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Services
Through AlphaLab’s partnership with Pittsburgh law firm, Cohen & Grigsby, companies have the option to receive free and discounted legal services, including a complimentary incorporation package. Through AlphaLab's Global Accelerator Network membership, companies are given access to additional discounts on products and services including Amazon Web Services, Apple and Zipcar.
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Office Space
Each company receives an office in our 5,000 square foot facility, situated in Pittsburgh’s historic SouthSide neighborhood, between a slew of coffee shops, restaurants, and other startup companies.
Take a look around >>
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Entrepreneurial Community
AlphaLab is a community hub of entrepreneurship and technology in Pittsburgh and often hosts user group meetups and events like Open Coffee Club and Innovation Happens that are designed connect startup entrepreneurs with the corporate and investor communities.
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