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Ford-backed Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, today announces 10 startup companies it will support through September with funding and business development training as they bring to life future mobility and transportation solutions.
“Techstars Mobility pays forward the startup legacy of Ford Motor Company by supporting these smart and ambitious inventors, developers and thinkers who are creating innovative solutions to a wide range of future mobility challenges,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company.
Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, is a startup mentorship-driven accelerator program that aims to foster innovative transportation solutions that help alleviate growing global challenges such as traffic congestion, parking availability, air quality and emissions.
The 10 winning entrepreneurs move to new offices in downtown Detroit starting next week through early September. Each startup company receives up to $120,000 in funding, plus three months of intensive training in business development, customer acquisition and recruitment, as well as guidance from top business mentors, advisors and investors in mobility.
They present final proposals to investors and industry leaders on Demo Day, Sept. 10.
The 2015 class for Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, include:
Ansik, which makes an app to improve the process of automotive service – making it efficient and affordable for everyone
CDL Warrior, a communication and productivity platform for the trucking industry that connects truck drivers to their supply chain partners and improves efficiency, visibility and compliance
Classics & Exotics, which brings the sharing economy into the car enthusiast’s garage, allowing classic and exotic car enthusiasts to offset their ownership costs by renting their cars to prescreened, highly qualified candidates
Cosmos Browser, a mobile Web browser that delivers the Internet via SMS without requiring data or Wi-Fi
Elegus Technologies, which is a lithium-ion battery separator made from Kevlar that can enable longer-lasting batteries
Gear Brake, a universal, easy-to-install brake light module that can detect when a vehicle is slowing and automatically illuminate the brake lights, reducing the risk of a rear-end collision
Motoroso, which combines content, community and commerce for automotive enthusiasts to help them discover, connect and buy everything that powers their lifestyle
My Dealer Service, which empowers automotive service departments with digital connectivity and workflow management – elevating efficiency and creating an unprecedented customer experience
SPLT, a social ride-sharing app designed to connect people with similar routes, share the fare, save money, reduce traffic and emissions and change the way people meet and move in cities around the world
WISE Systems, which provides real-time routing and analytics software to help on-demand delivery companies
Launched in December of 2014, Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, received hundreds of applicants representing 42 countries and six continents. The 10 chosen startup companies are led by a diverse group of entrepreneurs between ages 18 and 43, with backgrounds in engineering, science and computers. The group includes graduates from Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, among other leading universities.
Next year and in 2017, two more classes of 10 startup companies will be selected to come to Detroit and develop additional solutions for future mobility challenges.
In addition to Ford, Techstars Mobility, driven by Detroit, is backed by Magna International, Verizon Telematics, Dana Holding Corporation, Honda R&D Americas and McDonald’s.
This is just one way Ford is driving innovation. This year, the company also announced Ford Smart Mobility, which is its plan to deliver the next level in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer experience and big data.
As part of this effort, Ford is conducting more than 25 mobility experiments around the world to test breakthrough transportation ideas to create better customer experiences, more flexible user-ship models and social collaboration that can reward customers.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market wherever they choose to build their business. With 18 mentorship-driven accelerator programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world’s most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey. Techstars provides access to over 5,000 founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and do more faster. Techstars makes entrepreneurship more accessible by providing access to capital, guidance, marketing, business development, customer acquisition, and recruitment. For more information, visit www.techstars.com.