Take Your Startup to The Next Level

The Trailblazer Software Accelerator fast-tracks visionary software startups by providing hands-on expert support and critical resources. This targeted approach helps to solidify go-to-market strategies and boost venture capital readiness, fueling platform development and business growth.

This intensive program is curated for ambitious pre-seed/seed stage startups, ready to focus on accelerating their growth. For the first three months, participants will work on building their business and getting ready to raise capital. Following the program’s pitch competition finale, participants will receive two additional months of dedicated support from serial entrepreneurs that will assist in the capital raising process.

 

How we help

Your success is our success. We provide personalized advising, up to $125K in non-dilutive funding for services, and unparalleled access to a network of experts and resources. This accelerator gets promising startups capital-ready, boosting the product, skills and connections needed to reach the next level.

 

Who Can Apply?

  • Startups based in Ohio or planning to relocate.
  • Startups with a venture-backable model or plans to develop one, with an understanding and willingness to pursue venture capital.
  • Founding teams with complementary skills and resources to achieve a minimum viable product (MVP).
  • Founders who are solving significant problems with the potential for high growth and scalability.
  • Startups with demonstrated initiative and tangible progress, supported by evidence of market validation.

 


 

Why Apply?

  • Gain 360-degree support with no fees or equity stakes required.
  • Receive up to $125K* in expert services to get your software startup ready to raise capital.
  • Access dedicated Entrepreneurs-in-Residence for tailored advising and mentorship.
  • Work with subject matter experts and business analysts who understand the sector.
  • Tap our network of tech and venture capital experts who are eager to help you through curated workshops and break-out sessions.
  • Enjoy lifelong entry to an influential alumni network.
  • Seize the chance to pitch to leading investors and corporates.

*JumpStart covers 100% of the first $50K of eligible expenses and 35% of the next $215K of eligible expenses.

 


 

Program Highlights

  • 3-month hybrid program blending virtual learning with in-person sessions.
  • Additional 2-month advising support by a dedicated Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
  • Regular cohort sessions for networking and collaborative growth with peers, subject matter experts, and investors.
  • An in-person investor showcase to conclude the program.

A Partner For Growth

During this three-month accelerator, we’ll provide customized support so you can make substantial strides toward growing your software startup. Surrounded by a team of experts, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on key business and product development strategies to prove product-market-fit and accomplish key go-to-market milestones. This proven format is designed to prepare your startup for enterprise clients and venture capital investment.

Additionally, the two-month post-program support is designed to keep you on track to achieve key business goals and advance fundraising efforts through the guidance of an experienced entrepreneur.

 

Meet The Experts

Surround your startup with industry leaders and health care experts. The accelerator provides direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs and sector specific advisors.

Entrepreneurs-In-Residence

Camille Heard

Co-Founder & CEO at FELOH

Christine Rizk

Founder at Sozo, Dough and Fashion Project

Dana Allender

Founder of SUN

Gene Groys

Founder of OnShift

Pree Walia

CEO & Founder of Preemadonna

Subject Matter Experts

George Mehok

Director, Corporate Services at JumpStart Inc.

Josh Borstein

Investment Principal at JumpStart Ventures

Manny Larcher

Deal Flow Associate at JumpStart Ventures

Virginia Stewart

Executive-in-Residence at JumpStart Inc.

Mentors

Courtney Gras

Startup Community Lead at AWS

Gerald Hetrick

CEO at Docket & Professional EOS Implementer

George Koenig

Founder of Content Status

Jim Harris

President of Plug and Play Partners, LLC

Kristie Beck

CEO of Proformex

Patrick Russo

CEO of OnStation

Steve Shin

COO at Netstock

Accelerator team

Alison King

Director, Burton D. Morgan Mentoring Program at JumpStart

Chris Smith

Director, Preferred Partnerships at JumpStart

Haley Burk

Director, Network Management at JumpStart

Jaclyn Williams

Sr. Analyst, Market Research at JumpStart

Kaleigh Gallagher

Vice President, Tech Services and Network Management at JumpStart

Ke’Lani Hall

Venture Analyst at JumpStart

Phelan Spence

Manager, Business Strategy Services at JumpStart

Rachna Lather

Director, Commercial Strategy at JumpStart

Tyler Kohrt

Program Manager at JumpStart

Will Stabler

Tech Deal Flow Associate at JumpStart

Zeenat Nadvi

Venture Analyst at JumpStart

Access Exclusive Services

Gain access to up to $125K in high-impact business and product development services through our Preferred Partner Program, including but not limited to the following service providers:

Amazon Web Services
Whether you’re looking for generative AI, compute power, database storage, content delivery or other functionality, AWS has the services to help you build sophisticated applications with increased flexibility, scalability, and reliability

Big Kitty Labs
BigKittyLabs is a Software Design and Development Agency with over 14 years of experience in deploying high-performance mobile and web solutions for businesses of all kinds.

Foundershield
Founder Shield is a risk management partner for rapidly evolving, high-growth companies. Their mission is to create the most seamless, intuitive and responsive experience for purchasing and administering insurance for your company.

HubSpot
HubSpot is a customer platform with all the software, integrations and resources you need to connect your marketing, sales and customer service. HubSpot’s connected platform enables you to grow your business faster by focusing on what matters most: your customers.

oBuilds
oBuilds is a custom-software development firm working extensively in the healthcare space, with a track record of producing HIPAA-compliant mobile apps, web applications and analytics tools.

Thompson Hine
Thompson Hine caters to startup entrepreneurs and investors alike with coastal-level experience and cost-effective pricing. Their dedicated practice group, comprised of investors, entrepreneurs and seasoned legal practitioners, provides the same level of representation as the large East and West Coast firms and significantly more economical price points.

Transform Labs
Transform Labs helps clients in manufacturing, retail, financial services, logistics, healthcare and more remove friction around engaging and serving customers with product design software solutions.

Vouch
Vouch is a full-service and technology-driven insurance solution, using a mix of technology innovation and people-driven communications to provide the best customer experiences and underwriting practices, meeting the needs of modern technology executives.

WynHouse Software LLC
WynHouse provides market validation and customer discovery services, buildout of software products and design/development of brand guidelines, logos and websites.

Trailblazer Software Accelerator Application

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