Ten Innovative Tech Startups Shine in Geekz Ventures 2025 GROWTH Pre-Accelerator Program
In the dynamic landscape of technology, the need for innovation that resonates with diverse communities is more pressing than ever. Recently, Geekz Ventures announced the completion of its GROWTH pre-accelerator program for 2025, showcasing ten exceptional tech-enabled startups that have risen to the occasion. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these startups span industries from media and SaaS to fintech and entertainment, highlighting the drive for scalable solutions that serve multiplatform needs.
The GROWTH pre-accelerator program is a pivotal initiative by Geekz Ventures dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders who are launching early-stage tech ventures. Brandon Wilkins, the program manager at Geekz Ventures, emphasized the innovative spirit of this year’s cohort: "The ideas are bold, their execution is sharp, and they're poised to make impactful waves in their respective markets."
This year’s program consists of a comprehensive 10-week curriculum that includes targeted mentorship, hands-on training, and equity-free grant funding. Founders are introduced to seasoned industry experts, gaining valuable insights related to launching and growing their businesses. Notable figures such as serial entrepreneur Mykolas Rambus and media executive Alex Hughes have lent their expertise to these emerging entrepreneurs.
One standout element of the program was a workshop focusing on the power of storytelling in pitch decks, led by Mike Lightman, founder of Hate Your Deck. Lightman encouraged founders to present their ideas with curiosity instead of overwhelming data, drawing a parallel between successful pitch decks and children's stories that captivate the audience. This approach can significantly enhance investor engagement.
In addition to business growth, Geekz Ventures prioritizes founder well-being. Chantel Cohen, a licensed therapist and certified executive coach, conducted sessions focused on work-life balance and sustainable leadership. The importance of maintaining well-being while navigating the entrepreneurial landscape cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for long-term success.
This year's cohort is particularly focused on addressing fundamental market gaps that are often overlooked in the mainstream tech ecosystem. According to Cary Wheelous, founder of Hayti and a Geekz Ventures alumnus, this pre-accelerator program offers vital resources and capital to founders aiming to build solutions specifically tailored for their cultural communities.
Let’s explore the promising startups that completed the 2025 Geekz Ventures GROWTH pre-accelerator program:
1. Troodie: An AI-powered social commerce platform that facilitates restaurant growth and customer retention by allowing creators to monetize their recommendations.
2. Beebz: A video-centric marketplace enabling users to discover and book local businesses through engaging short-form videos.
3. BlackLaunch: A networking platform that empowers Black professionals and entrepreneurs to foster community connection and collaboration.
4. PaintLabs: Innovating fan engagement at sports venues with customizable, speedy body art, enhancing the overall spectator experience.
5. ConcordeApp: A B2B SaaS platform transforming relationship-building into a structured, data-driven process.
6. Runwei: A chat-based platform designed to simplify access to non-dilutive capital for entrepreneurs, making funding opportunities more accessible.
7. CloutBank: Developing an AI-driven credit infrastructure that addresses the specific needs of digital creators, recognizing their income relationships in a modern context.
8. Fanatech: An interactive platform that deepens fan engagement in sports, providing tools to increase loyalty and monetization.
9. Tykoon AI: Focusing on supporting underrepresented student-athletes, this platform simplifies brand development and marketing efforts.
10. Budget University: An online platform delivering financial literacy education to middle and high school students to equip them with essential money management skills.
As these startups prepare to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the support from Geekz Ventures places them in an advantageous position to reshape various markets. By providing the resources, mentorship, and community needed to nurture their innovative ideas, Geekz Ventures continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The GROWTH pre-accelerator program is a pivotal initiative by Geekz Ventures dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders who are launching early-stage tech ventures. Brandon Wilkins, the program manager at Geekz Ventures, emphasized the innovative spirit of this year’s cohort: "The ideas are bold, their execution is sharp, and they're poised to make impactful waves in their respective markets."
This year’s program consists of a comprehensive 10-week curriculum that includes targeted mentorship, hands-on training, and equity-free grant funding. Founders are introduced to seasoned industry experts, gaining valuable insights related to launching and growing their businesses. Notable figures such as serial entrepreneur Mykolas Rambus and media executive Alex Hughes have lent their expertise to these emerging entrepreneurs.
One standout element of the program was a workshop focusing on the power of storytelling in pitch decks, led by Mike Lightman, founder of Hate Your Deck. Lightman encouraged founders to present their ideas with curiosity instead of overwhelming data, drawing a parallel between successful pitch decks and children's stories that captivate the audience. This approach can significantly enhance investor engagement.
In addition to business growth, Geekz Ventures prioritizes founder well-being. Chantel Cohen, a licensed therapist and certified executive coach, conducted sessions focused on work-life balance and sustainable leadership. The importance of maintaining well-being while navigating the entrepreneurial landscape cannot be overstated, as it is crucial for long-term success.
This year's cohort is particularly focused on addressing fundamental market gaps that are often overlooked in the mainstream tech ecosystem. According to Cary Wheelous, founder of Hayti and a Geekz Ventures alumnus, this pre-accelerator program offers vital resources and capital to founders aiming to build solutions specifically tailored for their cultural communities.
Let’s explore the promising startups that completed the 2025 Geekz Ventures GROWTH pre-accelerator program:
1. Troodie: An AI-powered social commerce platform that facilitates restaurant growth and customer retention by allowing creators to monetize their recommendations.
2. Beebz: A video-centric marketplace enabling users to discover and book local businesses through engaging short-form videos.
3. BlackLaunch: A networking platform that empowers Black professionals and entrepreneurs to foster community connection and collaboration.
4. PaintLabs: Innovating fan engagement at sports venues with customizable, speedy body art, enhancing the overall spectator experience.
5. ConcordeApp: A B2B SaaS platform transforming relationship-building into a structured, data-driven process.
6. Runwei: A chat-based platform designed to simplify access to non-dilutive capital for entrepreneurs, making funding opportunities more accessible.
7. CloutBank: Developing an AI-driven credit infrastructure that addresses the specific needs of digital creators, recognizing their income relationships in a modern context.
8. Fanatech: An interactive platform that deepens fan engagement in sports, providing tools to increase loyalty and monetization.
9. Tykoon AI: Focusing on supporting underrepresented student-athletes, this platform simplifies brand development and marketing efforts.
10. Budget University: An online platform delivering financial literacy education to middle and high school students to equip them with essential money management skills.
As these startups prepare to thrive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, the support from Geekz Ventures places them in an advantageous position to reshape various markets. By providing the resources, mentorship, and community needed to nurture their innovative ideas, Geekz Ventures continues to play a crucial role in enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Topics Business Technology）
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