Innovation Depot Launches Boost 2, Driving Startups to Secure Their First Customers

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Building on the success of the inaugural cohort, Innovation Depot proudly announces the launch of Boost Cohort 2, an advanced program designed to help early-stage founders refine their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and secure their first customers. Boost addresses a critical gap in the startup ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurs who have validated their tech ideas and are now working towards making their ventures full-time pursuits.

Key Features of Boost:

• Tailored for Emerging Startups: Boost continues to cater to early-stage founders who are ready to transition from idea validation to tangible market entry.
• Customer Acquisition Focus: The curriculum emphasizes customer discovery, MVP iteration, and the strategies necessary to secure the first paying customer.
• Comprehensive Support: Participants will benefit from the network of Innovation Depot’s mentors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of early customer engagement.
• Hands-On Learning: The program provides practical, objective-driven sessions, allowing founders to test and refine their products in real-world scenarios.

“We are thrilled to welcome a new group of founders into Boost, a program that directly addresses the critical steps from MVP development to securing that pivotal first customer,” says Ritchie Kruunenberg, Director of Marketing & Operations of Innovation Depot. “Our goal is to provide these entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and network they need to transform their ideas into viable, market-ready businesses.”

Trevor Newberry, Co-Founder of AppThink and Director of Product at Harmony Venture Labs, also expressed his enthusiasm: “With Boost, we’re addressing a crucial gap in entrepreneurial training—securing that all-important first customer. The program is designed to not only guide founders through the process of product development but also to help them learn, iterate, and ultimately sell their products. We’re eager to see the positive impact this cohort will have on the Birmingham startup ecosystem.”

Meet the Second Boost Cohort

We are excited to introduce the innovative founders selected for Boost Cohort 2. This cohort showcases the diversity and creativity that Innovation Depot fosters:

Eric & Olivia Lott, Vendtor

Hunter Harper & Matt Byars

Jason Mann, Thrive14

John Walter, Proxylink

Katrina Jones, Sportsify

Lee Benson Martin, Mealvana

Rebecca Dobrinski, CommuServe

Shekinah Joy Lee, Purposed Joy

William Glass, Ostrich

As they progress towards launching their MVPs and gaining their first customers, Innovation Depot is committed to providing an environment that supports growth and collaboration.

About Innovation Depot:

Innovation Depot, a 501(c)3 nonprofit tech and entrepreneurial support organization. Housed in a 140,000 square foot building in downtown Birmingham, The Depot offers various programs for aspiring founders as well as incubation space for scaling companies. For more information, please visit innovationdepot.org.