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Startup Incubators In Indiana - 2024

Explore the essential List Of Startup Incubators In Indiana to fuel your entrepreneurial journey and ignite innovation in the heartland.

Lisa Shmulyan
Founder 101
February 15, 2024

Indiana is full of startup incubators that help new businesses grow. These incubators provide many programs and resources. They give support at all stages of a business, from starting to scaling. This includes mentorship, money, office spaces, and chances to network.

Indiana's startup scene is known for its variety. For example, gBETA offers seven-week courses in fields like Agriculture and Biotech. They help with early ideas and growing businesses1. High Alpha focuses on B2B SaaS startups during a 100-day program. It's great for tech businesses wanting to solve business problems1.

The Indiana SBDC has the Export Indiana Accelerator Program (EIAP), which lasts 12 weeks. It's made for exporters and shows Indiana's aim to grow businesses internationally1. Programs like PAX Momentum and the Techstars Sports Accelerator offer money and equity. This helps startups grow quickly1.

For a full list of these incubators, visit the IdeaGist Virtual Incubator directory. It has a lot of information on how to find the right support for starting and expanding your business.

Key Takeaways

  • Indiana has a diverse range of startup incubators catering to various industry sectors.
  • gBETA and High Alpha provide tailored programs to support early-stage ventures and B2B SaaS startups respectively1.
  • The Indiana SBDC’s Export Indiana Accelerator Program is dedicated to helping startups expand internationally1.
  • The IdeaGist Virtual Incubator offers a comprehensive list of Indiana startup support resources.
  • Funding programs such as PAX Momentum and Techstars Sports Accelerator provide significant financial backing and equity opportunities1.

Introduction to Startup Incubators in Indiana

Indiana is a thriving place for new entrepreneurs and technology creators. It has many incubators that help startups grow, making it a central spot for business creators.

Places like Elevate Origins help new startups with two special programs, depending on if they make money yet or not1. gBETA has a 7-week program that helps early startups to get seed funding or join equity programs, boosting Indiana's tech scene1.

High Alpha launches B2B SaaS startups with a 100-day accelerator, giving them what they need to grow bigger1. These efforts show Indiana's dedication to its technology sector and its entrepreneurs.

The Indiana SBDC's Export Indiana Accelerator guides both new and current exporters to understand international markets, offering tools for managing business overseas1. PAX Momentum has an 8-week program for Climate Tech startups, with substantial funding and benefits1.

The Techstars Sports Accelerator supports tech startups with a 3-month program and initial investment, in return for a small share of the company1. This help underscores the support structure in Indiana for businesses at different stages.

In Indiana, the tech industry employs over 182,000 people and adds $23.6 billion to the economy, showing strong growth potential for future business leaders2. Notable startups like TrendyMinds and Greenlight Guru draw big investments, making Indiana's business scene vibrant2.

High Alpha

Formed in 2015 by Eric Tobias, Kristian Andersen, Mike Fitzgerald, and Scott Dorsey, High Alpha Indiana focuses on corporate software startups. This venture fund zeroes in on the early stages of the tech industry. Since starting, it made 88 investments and notched 10 exits, marking its presence in Indiana's startup scene.

Overview and Background

From Indianapolis, High Alpha Studio goes beyond providing money. It boosts startups with product knowledge. This helps turn groundbreaking ideas into successful companies. With High Alpha Indiana's backing, startups get more than cash. They gain crucial SaaS knowledge and mentorship, pushing their growth even further. Up to now, High Alpha has set up 36 companies, showcasing its impact on the tech environment3.

It also backs companies across the U.S., showing its broad investment approach.

Key Features

High Alpha stands out by being both a venture studio and a venture capital firm. This combination ensures startups get comprehensive support. They help with everything from the initial concept to scaling B2B SaaS products. The focus on early-stage investment makes High Alpha an essential ally for SaaS startups.

Moreover, High Alpha reaches into the tech world beyond just funding. By aiding through accelerators like the Indianapolis Tech Scene, they boost the SaaS sector's growth, which might go up by 17.3% in 20194. Their mission to uplift Indiana's SaaS ecosystem clearly drives their comprehensive investment strategy.

Techstars Sports Accelerator

The Techstars Sports Accelerator stands out by backing sports tech startups. It's in the heart of Indianapolis, linking sports with new tech. The program runs for 13 weeks and focuses on mentorship, networking, and reaching out worldwide.

Unique Value Proposition

This accelerator in Indianapolis focuses on sports tech startups. It mixes tech progress with sports, helping startups grow. The program starts on May 31st, 2024, with applications due by June 19th. It ends with Demo Day on December 13th, 20245.

Techstars pairs startups with top partners and mentors for solid guidance. Aaron Gillum and Steve Simon highlight its draw for top innovators. Carlie Irsay-Gordon from the Colts also helps, guiding founders in their startup journey5.

Programs like Global Sports Venture Studio show Techstars' commitment to sports innovation6. Partnerships with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Adidas enhance the mentorship. This helps startups connect with a wide network.

To learn more about the Techstars Sports Accelerator, or its impact on sports tech startups, visit the official page6.

LISC Indianapolis

LISC Indianapolis shines as a key player in community development and startup support in Indianapolis. It champions local startups, boosting both the economy and healthcare innovation. With 18 key investments, it shows its serious focus on community growth and increasing economic opportunities7.

LISC Indianapolis gives essential support to startups across different sectors. It helps these businesses grow by providing funds ranging from $5,000 to $250,000. This kind of support is similar to other loan programs and increases their financial options8. Plus, LISC's plans include loans that can last up to twelve years. This offers new businesses the stability they need for the long haul8.

The positive effects of LISC's community development are clear. They fill critical needs for businesses in healthcare and economic growth. LISC's investments help not just individual startups but also the broader Indianapolis area7.

As a key figure in Indianapolis startup support, LISC keeps proving its importance in the economic scene. Its work with emerging businesses shows its wider aim to improve community growth and ensure lasting progress. Through careful planning and smart investments, LISC Indianapolis is essential in creating a strong environment for entrepreneurs.

Innovatemap Ventures

Since its start in 2014, Innovatemap Ventures has made a name in venture capital in Indiana. They invest in entrepreneurs who need money and know-how. Especially, they help tech startups, aiming to boost digital innovation.

Innovatemap focuses on digital products and services. They cover everything from B2C mobile apps to B2B SaaS, supporting a wide range of new businesses9. With eight investments and two big wins, their dedication to changing businesses stands out10.

They’ve worked with top companies in central-Indiana, including Mira Award hopefuls and winners9. Innovatemap helps different clients, from fresh startups to big tech firms, pushing forward in Indiana’s startup scene9.

Their method starts with the "dream state," answering key questions before moving to design and launch9. This shows their depth in guiding from idea to market.

Innovatemap’s home base in Broad Ripple offers a unique spot outside the usual tech areas9. This location boosts creativity and community through events and meetups9.

Their workspace is built for creativity, with open areas for meetings and projects9. With 19 skilled professionals, Innovatemap Ventures stands as a key force in Indiana’s venture capital scene, turning innovative ideas into reality9.

Purdue Ag-celerator

Launched in 2015 with a $2 million investment, the Purdue Ag-celerator is a leader in aiding AgTech startups. Purdue University has created 223 startups since 2013. These startups have collected $352 million in funding. Currently, 210 are still operating11. This shows the Ag-celerator's key role in this growing business community.

Foundation and Focus

The Purdue Ag-celerator was initiated to boost tech ventures in the agriculture field. It aims to give Purdue innovators a strong start. This includes funding support and access to Purdue's vast intellectual property. Out of the startups, 128 have licensed Purdue Intellectual Property11. The program supports inventors across ten Purdue colleges, driving forward agricultural progress.

Purdue Ventures, part of the university, has contributed over $15 million in early seed funding. It shows how deep their commitment is to turn ideas into successful businesses11. An important success story is Anu, once known as Heliponix LLC. It received $100,000 from the Ag-Celerator Fund12. Many other Purdue startups have also gained from this kind of support, expanding their reach.

The Ag-celerator offers more than just money. It builds partnerships with faculty and industry professionals. This helps startups apply their AgTech innovations effectively. Startups gain from seed funding, mentorship, and strategies to enter the market.

The success of the Ag-celerator can be seen in Akanocure Pharmaceuticals. It wrapped up its seed funding with $750,000 due to various investments11. This success shows the effectiveness of focused funding in agriculture. Purdue continues to lead in AgTech, impacting agriculture both locally and worldwide.

B-Start Pre-Accelerator

B-Start is a pre-accelerator program in Bloomington, Indiana. It supports and guides fresh businesses. The program helps new ventures grow with structured mentorship, workshops, and resources.

Participants get one-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and local investors. The program lasts several weeks and ends with a pitch day. Here, participants show their business ideas to potential investors.

B-Start greatly impacts the local startup scene. It has helped many startups by providing necessary resources. For example, Indianapolis has become a top city for entrepreneurs, partly thanks to such programs13.

The program also offers academic support. It's similar to those at universities like Stanford, UC Berkeley, and Harvard. These universities support student startups with funding and resources. More information can be found here14.

Joining B-Start improves startups' strategies and connects them with Indiana's entrepreneurial network. This enhances growth and sustainability. Through mentorship and collaboration, B-Start boosts the region's business success.

List Of Startup Incubators In Indiana

Indiana is home to a variety of startup incubators and accelerators. Each has something special to offer new entrepreneurs. This comprehensive list Indiana incubators is a quick guide. It helps those looking through the Indiana business resource directory for startup support.

Elevate Origins has two tracks. A 50-day Pre-Seed Track for startups without revenue and a 50-day Seed Track for those making money or in life sciences1.gBETA runs 7-week industry-specific programs. They provide mentoring and funding help1.High Alpha designs and launches B2B SaaS startups in 100 days1.PAX Momentum is for tech B2B startups in Climate Tech. They offer a 8-week program with $$$ and services1.Indiana SBDC's Export Indiana Accelerator Program (EIAP) helps businesses reach worldwide markets. They offer training and support1.

The startup support network Indiana includes Techstars Sports Accelerator. They offer a 3-month program for sports tech startups with a bundle of services and investment1.THG Accelerator supports hardtech fields with a 3-month program. They've helped startups raise $25M since 20191.Tech Point aids tech companies to grow. They connect them to talent, learning, and investors1.

In Indianapolis, accelerators and incubators offer programs with $20K to $50K funding. They last 30 days to 8 weeks15. Names like The Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurship and 16 Tech support tech, life sciences, and engineering sectors15.For specific sectors, Pax Momentum covers Cyber, Climate Tech, and more15.

Around the state, 13 incubators and accelerators can be found. They're in cities like Bloomington and Anderson16.Six are incubators, six are accelerators, and two are angel networks. IdeaGist is the largest virtual incubator. It helps over 3,500 ideas worldwide from all UN countries16.

This directory is key for finding the right support. It's essential for startups in Indiana's vibrant ecosystem.

Conclusion

In Indiana, startup incubators are key to growing new businesses. They help shape bright entrepreneurial minds and bring innovative ideas to life. High Alpha and Purdue Ag-celerator stand out by focusing on specific industries like enterprise SaaS and agricultural technology. This lets entrepreneurs pick the incubator that fits their needs best. They can use the right resources to grow faster.

Indiana's economy is growing strong, thanks to efforts like the $1 billion innovation bill. This bill includes $500 million for new and mid-stage companies. There’s also $100 million just for innovations. This shows Indiana's big support for new businesses17. From 2012 to 2016, jobs in the state increased by 10%. This makes a great base for startups17. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation also got $188 million in back taxes. $126 million of this is going to Regional Cities projects, making a great business environment even better17.

Choosing the best incubator is very important for startups in Indiana. They need to think about what the incubator specializes in and what it offers. They should look at resources, mentors, and chances to get funding. With so many good incubators and a supportive environment, Indiana is a prime spot for startup success. The state works hard to help startups grow. This makes Indiana a great place for new businesses and innovations.

FAQ

What types of startups benefit from Indiana's incubators?

Many startups gain from Indiana's incubators. This includes tech, agriculture, sports tech, healthcare, and more. They get specialized programs to help them grow.

What resources do startup incubators in Indiana typically provide?

They offer mentorship, networking, funding, workspaces, and expert advice. These resources aim to help new ventures succeed.

What is High Alpha, and what kind of startups do they invest in?

High Alpha, based in Indiana, invests in corporate software startups. They focus on early-stage B2B SaaS ventures. Since 2015, they've made 88 investments, including 10 exits.

How does the Techstars Sports Accelerator support startups?

This 13-week program provides mentorship, networking, and global reach. It targets startups in sports and technology, helping them scale with Techstars' network.

What is the role of LISC Indianapolis in the startup ecosystem?

LISC Indianapolis boosts community growth by supporting healthcare and economic mobility startups. With 18 investments, they focus on improving community welfare.

What types of startups does Innovatemap Ventures focus on?

Innovatemap Ventures backs tech-driven startups. They offer capital and expertise to help revolutionary business ideas succeed. They've completed 8 investments and 2 exits.

What is the Purdue Ag-celerator, and what is its mission?

The Purdue Ag-celerator, launched in 2015 with a $2 million fund, supports AgTech innovations. It aims to advance agricultural technology with its resources and funding.

What makes the B-Start Pre-Accelerator unique?

B-Start aids early-stage ventures in Bloomington, Indiana, regardless of industry. Its structure offers resources and support for innovative ideas, helping the startup community.

Can you provide a list of all startup incubators in Indiana?

The list includes High Alpha, Techstars Sports Accelerator, LISC Indianapolis, Innovatemap Ventures, Purdue Ag-celerator, and B-Start Pre-Accelerator, among others. They offer varied resources for different startup needs.

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