Meet the New Class of Startups: NVP Labs Fall 2019
Since 2015, Audible has worked with Newark Venture Partners (NVP) to launch promising early-stage tech companies to the next level. Through mentorship, investment and partnerships with companies such as Audible, dozens of B2B tech startups like MoCaFi, 1Huddle, and ClassTag have moved their companies and employees to Newark, New Jersey, home of Audible and NVP’s headquarters. These budding startups are committed to Newark and furthering the revitalization and the entrepreneurial spirit of the city.
This October, NVP welcomed the seventh cohort for NVP Labs, the 12 week bridge-to-seed accelerator program, introducing corporate and community partners to seven talented founders. With over 2,600 companies vetted for this fall 2019 class, NVP Labs is becoming one of the most competitive incubator programs in the world. Companies hail from Newark, Holmdel (NJ), NYC, Boston, New Milford (CT), Ottawa and London, are now working in Newark to tackle problems in mental health, senior care, news media, inventory management, retail analytics and insurance AI.
“MindRight meets students where they are — on their phones — and gives youth of color the opportunity to heal from trauma as a result of systemic oppression like poverty, violence, discrimination and racism.” — Ashley Edwards, Co-founder, MindRight Source: Forbes.com
Another company making waves in the health industry is Speak2 Software. By leveraging smart speakers, adults in Senior Living communities can make voice commands to better reach loved ones and access to more efficient and improved care. Not only will this spark greater community engagement, but it will also aim to solve for the rising costs of health care.
“Senior living should be about comfort and joy – and Speak2 helps innovative senior communities achieve that while better managing staffing resources and costs.” —Matt Smith, CEO, Speak2 Software Source: Thriveglobal.com
Audible employees have contributed to the success of past companies in many ways, from serving as mentors, offering suggestions and attending Demo Days, an event that highlights the program’s progress in attracting exciting startups to join Audible in growing Newark’s tech corridor. Many of these Audible employees were on hand to welcome the fall 2019 cohort, and are excited to help the companies thrive during the 12-week program and beyond.
Shira Schindel, Manager of Strategic Content Partnerships, attended and was impressed by the new cohort. “As a member of Audible’s content team, I was excited to attend this year’s NVP kick off. The room was supportive and energized with possibility of what’s to come!”
“This cohort of NVP companies are some of the most advanced we've ever had, and they belong to outstanding founders who could have their choice of accelerator programs,” said Allison Williams, Director of NVP Labs. “One of the things that makes NVP such an exciting choice for them is the support we get from our LP network and the many experts and mentors that have helped guide our founders to success. The Audible network, in particular, offers a range of support that is unmatched by any other accelerator program.”
To learn more about NVP Labs, visit Newark Venture Partners' website.
