Vancouver-based Spring Activator and the Seattle-based Fledge accelerator — two institutions focused on fostering startups with social impact — are partnering to co-launch FledgeX, a virtual accelerator for impact-focused companies around the world.
The virtual accelerator will give founders access to mentorship from anywhere in the world, and aims to increase accessibility and “good growth” for entrepreneurs in remote communities who might otherwise be unable to access quality mentorship and resources. Entrepreneurs can access Seattle and Vancouver’s vibrant communities regardless of their location or accessibility.
The virtual acceleration program will use regional facilitators to lead workshops twice per week. Workshops will include speakers and mentors sourced from Spring and Fledge’s combined international network. Their combined network includes names like Ryan Spong (CEO, Foodee) and Ambrosia Humphrey (VP Talent, Hootsuite)
“We’ve seen that entrepreneurs in smaller communities value access to an accelerator to grow and connect on a global scale and maximize their positive impact,” said Keith Ippel, CEO of Spring Activator. “Here at Spring, we’re lucky to have Vancouver’s vibrant startup community to lean on and hope to spark other communities with the same spirit that has allowed us to grow so quickly.”
Applications are open now until August 16th, and the program runs from September 28th to November 16th with an anticipated seven cohorts of seven entrepreneurs from all over the world.