The Shift: Tech businesses hit new accelerator
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Northwest Arkansas' newest business accelerator announced its first lineup of companies this week.
Why it matters: Accelerators are important to build a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, attract out-of-market talent and draw even more venture capital to NWA.
Context: Announced in October, the Bounds Accelerator is a collaboration between Cartwheel Startup Studio and the University of Arkansas.
- Bounds accepts U.S. tech-focused companies working in the retail, transportation, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain industries.
The latest: The first group includes:
- Amplio — A platform to help warehouses liquidate used equipment.
- Glyphx — 3D data modeling for inventory control.
- Hashku — Brand engagement and marketing on gaming and other platforms.
- Indexer — Syncs data between non-fungible tokens and blockchain.
- Mycelium Networks — A sort of crowd-sourced data network.
- New Forge — Augmented reality training software.
- Ship.com — An online retail product shipping platform.
- Spark — A cryptocurrency payment system.
- Trackstar — Warehouse management applications.
- Vendoor — Tracks data between vendors and retailers.
What's next: The businesses begin the 16-week Bounds program tomorrow when they're scheduled to meet in person at a private orientation in Bentonville.
- The companies will compete for a cash award on demonstration day, open to anyone, which is planned for April 29.
💻 The Shift is a regular feature to catch up quick on what's happening in Arkansas' economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.