Nine Startups Accepted Into 2018 Jones + Foster Accelerator

Nine early-stage startups looking to grow and thrive in the Seattle ecosystem were accepted into the Jones + Foster Accelerator at the University of Washington. The Accelerator at the Foster School’s Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship provides a framework for student-created ventures to define and reach measurable goals over a six-month period. Each startup receives mentorship by top entrepreneurs and investors in the region and those who meet their milestones can earn up to $25,000 in follow-on funding.

Forty-seven student-led startups have now earned awards through the Accelerator. Including the recently graduated 2017 cohort, forty-two are still in business today—partnering with the NFL, building a better battery, empowering thousands of young girls, disrupting the stem cell space, creating rustic gear for the modern adventurer, and helping provide data-driven solutions to aid and disaster relief.

The nine companies accepted into the 2018 cohort are:

Astrolabe Analytics offers software solutions that make battery testing and report generation easy and fast. Astrolabe Analytics accelerates battery innovation with a B2B software-as-a-service offering that empowers engineering teams with powerful data management and analysis capabilities. “Smarter tools help teams become 20% more productive,” said COO Claire Baron, “and our product helps bring battery tech to market 15% faster.”

BridgeCare Finance offers unique payment plans for childcare and preschool provided directly to parents and through employers. “It is the only solution of its kind to help families just like yours,” said Co-founder & CEO Jamee Herbert.

Culture Bites offers the only employee engagement solution that improves a team’s culture through a simple and affordable subscription box service. Each box addresses workplace pain points with experiential 60-minute culture meals. “At Culture Bites we’re creating a world where every workplace is not just a great place to work, but an empowering, democratic environment,” says Co-founder Rob Goehrke. Culture Bites aims to provide the tools needed to build and maintain healthy workplace culture bite by bite. “The key to physical fitness is to exercise frequently in small increments,” added Co-founder Tegan Molloy. “Culture Bites is like a cultural fitness plan—for the office!”

The Dough Boys edible cookie dough is constructed through a unique process that begins with omitting eggs from the recipe for a snack that isn’t meant to be baked to be enjoyed. “The Dough Boy’s has introduced Seattle to its first safe-to-eat cookie dough,” said Co-founder William Hubell. “Our product satisfies any cookie dough cravings, so you can finally enjoy your favorite treat straight from the jar.”

Lonely Produce works with local farmers to find a place for their excess goods while providing customers with easy access to fresh goods at a reduced price. “We do this through a convenient online platform where our farmers can market, sell, and distribute their surplus supply,” said Co-founder Andrew Clapp. “Produce lovers can purchase their favorite local farmers’ goods at reduced rates and have them delivered directly to their door.”

Eco Carbon Technology (ECT) engages in the design, development, and manufacturing of proprietary carbon-based products that provide specific solutions for unfulfilled needs of the environment. ECT’s microparticle solution called BeeToxx protects honey bee colonies exposed to harmful pesticides. Co-founder Dr. Waled Suliman, who was a former beekeeper in Libya, realized that there were no reliable products for beekeepers to use to protect their bees. “BeeToxx not only helps,” said Operations Manager Rachelle Muzones, “but ensures the agriculture can continue to meet the demands of the ever-growing population.”

SclObo is a streetwear apparel brand created for gamers by gamers. Each piece of clothing comes with a collectible card and art specific to the card. “Gamers are an underserved group in fashion,” said Co-founder Niko Richardson. “So, we want to be one of the first brands that is made specifically for them, while also giving back to the community.” A portion of the proceeds from each sale are donated to charities and underserved schools. “Gaming is an outlet people use to get a sense of community,” said Richardson. “We don’t want to just save the world in the games we play, we want to help improve and the save the world we live in.”

Seattle Strong Coffee is a local cold brew coffee company that emphasizes a smooth and drinkable cold brew. “Seattle Strong uses locally-roasted beans and is brewed without any cream, sugar, or other additives,” said Co-founder Evan Oeflein. “Seattle Strong is also lower in acidity and higher in caffeine than regular drip coffee—with almost no calories.” Founded out of UW’s very own entrepreneurship program, Seattle Strong offers a variety of packaging options to fit every need, and they work with local retailers and distributors to supply several tech, consulting, and construction offices across the region.

Vita Inclinata Technologies is developing a patent pending Load Stability System to mitigate the deadly and costly swing that occurs in helicopter sling load operations. This deadly swing occurs often in operations involving helicopters, construction cranes, and in firefighting. “Vita is the first company to solve this systemic issue with their stability system increasing operational effectiveness by 25 times,” said Market Research Analyst Renee Owen. “With the first prototype completed and further development of both the hardware and software in progress, Vita plans to have this life saving technology in rescue helicopters by the end of the year.”