TechLaunch Reboots with BullPen, Based Around the Pitch

On Nov 15, 2016

TechLaunch, the Morristown-based investor-led technology accelerator, reintroduces itself with BullPen, a monthly series of pitch events where three or four tech companies will present to an audience and a mixed panel of investors, at a university location in the New Jersey metropolitan area as well as NYC.

Beginning today, applications to TechLaunch will be accepted on a rolling basis with the first BullPen event slated for mid-January 2017. The industry focus of applicants to the new TechLaunch will be within the Internet of Things (IoT), although if a mobile app or e-commerce venture is sufficiently impressive, the accelerator will gladly accept it.

The conceptual shift away from a more traditional accelerator model was adopted in order to create a more dynamic system through which a higher quality deal flow is matched by an expedited investor due diligence process, according to TechLaunch founder, Mario Casabona. He adds, “We are focusing on early stage companies that either already have a minimal viable product (MVP) or are in the process of creating one and are looking to grow or secure investors. It may be as simple as helping them perfect their pitch or perhaps assist in some core business strategy which may have eluded them until that point.”

Casabona also explains that, for any company that may need help to prepare for BullPen, TechLaunch will assign that company to one or more mentors –  from a pool of 140 – to provide “flash mentoring” in preparation for the event. An additional and critical departure from the traditional accelerator model rests in the fact that at no time before or after BullPen is there any economic obligation from either TechLaunch or the participating companies.

Aside from the monthly BullPens, TechLaunch will be holding quarterly networking events, called TechLaunch CONNECT, for the entrepreneurs, mentors and investors to network and get to know the companies. And finally, there will be an annual event at which BullPen favorites will be invited to present their investor pitch to an audience of invited guests and Angel investors similar to a Demo Day.

Formed in 2012, TechLaunch has launched 26 tech focused companies onto the marketplace. Today, the accelerator focuses on identifying and nurturing early stage ventures toward growth opportunities via mentoring, coaching, and providing access to resources and capital. Its core objective is to generate Quality Deal Flow for early stage investors and prepare entrepreneurs for the Due Diligence Process.

 

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