SAN FRANCISCO, CA and VIGO, SPAIN--(Marketwired - April 06, 2016) - Today, RocketSpace and Kaleido announced the launch of its Logistics Tech Accelerator, connecting disruptive startups with tech-driven corporates to fuel cross-industry innovation. The new program combines RocketSpace's unique tech ecosystem and open innovation expertise with Kaleido's pioneering tech approach to disruptive logistics solutions. This will be the first in a series of corporate industry accelerators introduced by RocketSpace.
Unlike traditional corporate accelerators, the Logistics Tech Accelerator will use an open innovation model to draw from the diverse expertise of multiple corporate members, selected startups and industry mentors. Together, they will be challenged to rethink logistics and work hand-in-hand on a pilot program, resulting in a go-to-market solution.
"The current corporate accelerator model needs to be enhanced -- first, by embracing open innovation," said Duncan Logan, Founder and CEO of RocketSpace. "This tech accelerator program will take advantage of our role at the intersection of startups and corporates, and an independent, non-traditional accelerator approach to foster coopetition within a rapidly-changing industry."
Kaleido, the founding corporate member, will lead other corporate logistics industry partners interested in collaborating with disruptive startups to find new revenue streams and accelerate time to market. Participating logistics-related startups will be from emerging tech spaces such as smart warehouse, smart transport and smart commerce/trade. Among other benefits, participating startups will gain brand exposure and be able to validate their product through paid pilot testing with multiple collaborators. Consistent with other RocketSpace programs, startups are not required to give up equity to participate in the Logistics Tech Accelerator.
"A tech approach to all logistics projects is a must and part of our core business," said Xoán Martínez, CEO of Kaleido. "To accelerate our initiatives, it's critical to evolve toward an open innovation approach where we can pair our global logistics knowledge with the industry's brightest startups to create cutting-edge tech solutions."
The Logistics Tech Accelerator challenges participants to accelerate with purpose and achieve measurable results. This new accelerator model includes a private demo day which precedes paid pilot testing and is structured to progress beyond a proof of concept to a commercially viable product.
The program is open for applications now through May 6. The first cohort of startups will kick off in June with a five-week online curriculum for startups focused on fundraising, marketing, sales and product development, and wraps up with a final public demo day in September. Interested startups and corporates can learn more about qualifications and apply to the Logistics Tech Accelerator here: http://info.rocketspace.com/logistics-tech-accelerator. To learn more about the Industry Tech Accelerator program in general, go here: http://info.rocketspace.com/industry-accelerator-program.
About RocketSpace
RocketSpace is a technology campus headquartered in the heart of San Francisco. Since 2011, the company has been helping tech entrepreneurs, startups and corporate innovation professionals bring the future to market. The company offers services to its members including programming, consulting, events, and office-as-a-service, which together create the perfect ecosystem and community for innovation to thrive. Select startup alumni include Uber, Spotify, Practice Fusion, and Leap Motion, and RocketSpace's roster of Corporate Innovation Services clients include Schneider Electric, Converse, Tata Communications, Royal Bank of Scotland, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, Samsung, and ABinBev. For more information, visit www.rocketspace.com.
About Kaleido
Kaleido is a global logistics operator specializing in energy, automotive and raw material transport worldwide, with a unique tech approach. As a disruptive player in the logistics industry, the company's commitment to the Logistics Tech Accelerator aims to encourage the smart technology trends of transport & logistics. As a result of its ingenious, brave and committed attitude along with a strong R&D effort, they have created a stunning Open Innovation Ecosystem, which seeks clever answers to logistics problems.
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Contact Information:
Press Contact:
Deann Sonoda
dsonoda@rocketspace.com
(415) 508-8295
