BOSTON, MAY 15, 2019 - MassChallenge, a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators, today announced the more than 100 early-stage startups that have been accepted into the 2019 MassChallenge Boston program. Rigorously selected by a community of close to 200 expert judges, this year’s competitive cohort represents the top 9% of applications from around the world, including 61 countries and 25 U.S. states.
Through a global network of zero-equity accelerators, MassChallenge identifies the world’s highest-impact, highest-potential startups and helps them successfully launch and grow. MassChallenge Boston, the flagship program for MassChallenge, has more than 10 years of proven experience working with entrepreneurs at the leading edge of their field. To date, more than 1,900 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $4 billion in funding, generated over $2.5 billion in revenue, and created over 120,000 total jobs.
“We are thrilled to welcome a really exceptional group of startups this year. Our founders, without exception are at the vanguard of their fields, tackling complex and high-impact opportunities ranging from air pollution to rare neurological disease to network security.” said Cait Reimers Brumme, Managing Director, MassChallenge Boston. “As we celebrate our 10th year, we remain laser focused on supporting these pioneers achieve success and are grateful for our renowned community that makes our unique model so effective.”
Since March, MassChallenge Boston’s world-class network of investors, serial entrepreneurs, corporate executives, academics, and more have evaluated applications based on each startup’s ability to demonstrate high impact and high potential in their fields, which range from scientific breakthroughs to industry disruptions.
Of the more than 100 startups selected:
- 33% healthcare and life sciences
- 32% are high tech
- 20% are general, retail and consumer goods
- 10% are social impact
- 5% are cleantech and energy
Reflective of the organization’s efforts to foster a more inclusive ecosystem, MassChallenge is also proud to share that 49% of the Boston cohort has at least one female founder and 20% has at least one founder of color.
As part of the 2019 cohort, startups will have unrivaled access to expert mentorship, top corporate partners, and more than 20,000 square-feet of co-working space in Boston’s dynamic Innovation and Design Building all at zero cost and for zero equity. Startups will also engage in evidence-based curriculum, which has been designed to address key challenges throughout each phase of the early-stage lifecycle, including discovery, development, deployment, and distribution. At the close of the program, startups will compete for more than $1M in cash prizes at the 2019 MassChallenge Boston Awards held on October 24.
Click to see all of the company’s in the MassChallenge Boston 2019 Cohort
More details to follow on the startup showcase to be held on 16 July!