Conductor, Metova and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Join Forces to Launch 10x Cyber Accelerator to Bolster Arkansas’ High-Growth Ventures
CONWAY (January 24, 2017)—The Conductor today announced a partnership with Metova, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Startup Junkie to launch the 10x Cyber Accelerator, a 20-week accelerator designed to scale Arkansas’ high-growth tech and tech-enabled ventures. The accelerator will provide targeted support to growth-oriented ventures with a specific focus on offering recommendations for scalable software and world-class cybersecurity technology.
“As a world leader in mobile, web and cybersecurity, Metova is proud to support Arkansas’ high-growth ventures through this demand-driven, open-innovation accelerator model,” said GB Cazes, COO of Metova. “The entrepreneurial programming paired with intense assessment and improvement in cybersecurity and code scalability will be a difference-maker for the state’s high-potential companies.”
The 10X Cyber Accelerator program consists of a growth-oriented, practical, peer-driven entrepreneurship education curriculum, management assistance and support services, access to capital, and connection to an expanded network. The program is designed to provide the foundation needed to accelerate companies’ annual revenues and develop resilient software and cybersecurity technology platforms.
“This accelerator has the ability to change the face of Arkansas’ technology and entrepreneurial landscape,” said Mike Preston, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The AEDC is proud to be supporting this program.”
Eligible companies are Arkansas-based, growth-oriented firms with annual average revenues from $100,000 to $10,000,000. Selected companies must commit to having at least one member and up to two members of the senior executive team available, engaged, and in attendance at program meetings. During the 20-week program, required meetings will be once a week for up to three hours. Twenty companies will be selected for the inaugural cohort of the accelerator.
Glenn Crockett, co-founder and CEO of Dave Creek Media, will serve as the Director of the 10x Cyber Accelerator.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with these businesses and helping them use technology to reach their fullest potential,” Crockett said. “I’m excited to carve out time to help companies accelerate growth within our state.”
The application period for the 10x Cyber Accelerator opens on Wednesday, January 24. Applications are due February 16, and the inaugural cohort will be announced February 23. The 20-week accelerator will begin on Tuesday, March 6, and will take place in Conway on Tuesday nights from 3-6 p.m. The program will run through June 19, and will culminate with a Demo Day that will be open to the public.
For more information about the 10x Cyber Accelerator, visit arconductor.org/10xcyberaccelerator. Eligible companies are invited to apply to the Accelerator at http://bit.ly/2FS8IdW.
About the Conductor
The Conductor, a public-private partnership with the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie Consulting, drives innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in central Arkansas through high-impact programming, one-on-one consulting, commercialization support, talent development and collaboration.
About Metova
Founded in 2006, Metova set out to build beautiful mobile applications while creating a great place for people to work. Today, Metova serves the world’s leading companies providing mobile, web, connected home, connected car, and cybersecurity solutions that change how people live, work and play through technology. Metova’s work environment promotes a unique culture of teamwork, creativity and personal development that has attracted leading engineering, strategy and design talent. To learn more, please visit metova.com or metova.com/jobs.
About Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Created in 1955 to make Arkansas more competitive in the post-World War II era, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating positive growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively.
Contact: Kim Lane, 501-416-1026 or Kim@ARConductor.org; Jeff Standridge, JeffS@ARConductor.org
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