Accelerators shouldn't slow you down.
That's why we tailor our program to every founders' goals. After investing $100,000 in an early-stage software company, we work with the founder to build a customized plan for our program. Over the course of six months, founders receive tools and training to help refine their product, acquire new customers, and prepare for fundraising.
Companies leave AlphaLab with a clear plan to reach their next stage of growth and receive ongoing support in a variety of ways.
We set founders up for success during our program and beyond.
In the first half of our program, we lay the groundwork to achieve your goals.
$100,000 investment and 2% equity
Introduction to our team
Set goals and create a plan to achieve them
Select software tools and receive training from the AlphaLab Toolbench
Introductions to our network of alumni
Review Product
Deliver customer acquisition plan
In the second half of our program, we shift to leveraging what you built in Q1.
Leverage newly acquired tools from AlphaLab Toolbench
Prepare for fundraising
Vetted one-pager and investor presentation
Introductions to investors and mentors
Customized financial model
Portfolio Showcase
We have a variety of ways to support you after AlphaLab ends.
Up to $800,000 in follow-on investment from the Innovation Works seed fund
Continued access to our office space
Invitations to portfolio programming and events
Founder Success Stories
Rachel Reid, CEO
"AlphaLab provided the encouragement, network, and structure I needed as a solo-founder. Solo founder life can be very isolating so it was great to be surrounded by knowledgeable people to help bounce ideas off of. I started at AlphaLab in the first few months of launching my beauty brand and I was able to take it from $0 to $250k in revenue our first year."
Rich Kucera, CEO
"Starting a company is daunting and lonely, even when you have a founding team. AlphaLab gave us a community, a home, and a structure to discuss ideas and challenges. Before entering the program, we didn’t have any customers. By the end, we had landed three key accounts that continue to help drive growth today."
Ryan Green, CEO
"AlphaLab was where I wanted to be. They were a top accelerator based in Pittsburgh and had all of the resources and network access that I could have hoped for. My only ask was that I needed help finding a technical co-founder. Eventually, they were the ones who introduced me to Brian Finamore, Gridwise’s co-founder and now CTO."
The AlphaLab Team
Aaron Tainter
Aaron oversees operations and works closely with companies to help guide them through accelerated stages of development. With a background in finance, he is always working with companies on their financials, operational plans, and fundraising strategies. He enjoys watching a variety of sports, taking his sons on adventures around the city, and playing golf when he has the time.
Jim Wrubel
Jim brings over 20 years of experience in building and scaling technology businesses. He has deep experience in software development, product management, AI and machine learning, and digital marketing. Jim volunteers as a mentor with The Moms Can Code School and with Code.org and is an avid marathoner and triathlete.
Micah Headley
Micah is the first point of contact for founders at AlphaLab. With a background in marketing, he often helps founders refine and share their story. He also manages AlphaLab Toolbench and helps founders choose and leverage the right tools to scale their business. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, lifting weights, and refurbishing electronics.
Jordan Marinkovich
"I'll make sure you can leverage all of IW's networks, resources, and programs."
Rae Mauer
"I'll help prepare you for events such as showcases and venture fairs."
Jane Joseph
"I'll help you refine your messagining and build brand strategy."
Peter Erin
"I'll work to connect you to relevant investors."
Dwayne Tabb
"I'll provide web design and content assistance as you need it."
Sophie Burkholder
"I'll teach you the basics of venture capital and fundraising."
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