Three companies from Atlanta and one from Savannah are among 10 start-up firms making up the first class of a new business accelerator program being launched in a partnership with Cox Enterprises.
The start-up boot camp, called Techstars Atlanta, is based in Ponce City Market. The for-profit program, which began in 2007 in Boulder, Colo., provides entrepreneur teams with intensive coaching, office space, funding and a chance to pitch their ventures to potential investors.
Techstars, which also has start-up programs in New York, London, Boston, Austin and other cities, takes a small stake in the ventures in exchange for its help.
“Techstars Atlanta brings new ideas, people and passion to our city and region,” said Cox Enterprises Executive Vice President Alex Taylor. “Tapping into these bright, entrepreneurial thinkers is good for our company and good for our city.”
Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises is the owner of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Techstars said it got applications from start-ups in 69 countries for its first Atlanta class, which starts Aug. 1.
Among the start-ups are:
LaaSer, of Atlanta, which is working on ensuring that 911 calls on cell phones provide accurate locations for emergency responders.
Real Meal Delivery, of Atlanta, a home delivery service of made-from-scratch family meals.
Bark, of Savannah, which seeks to protect children by detecting online messages indicating cyberbullying, sexting and signs of depression or suicidal thoughts.
Drizzle, of Los Angeles, aims to give website owners an easy way to charge customers who want premium content either by subscription or one item at a time.
Preesale, of Brussels, Belgium, will help create and sell tickets for events to targeted customers via Facebook.
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