TLDR:
- Venture Mechanics, led by Ron Wiener, aims to boost the Seattle-area startup ecosystem with an incubator and event space.
- Wiener is bringing in investing organizations and funds, along with over 100 mentors, to support startups through the program.
GeekWire’s in-depth coverage tells the story of Venture Mechanics, a company founded by Ron Wiener to fill the void left by Techstars’ departure from Seattle. This unique company is running an incubator/accelerator program and organizing events to create connections within the startup ecosystem. Wiener, an investor and serial entrepreneur, has opened a space in Bellevue, Washington, focusing on providing support to startups through co-working offices, conference rooms, and a variety of events.
Venture Mechanics has already accepted two companies into its incubator program, with a dozen more in the evaluation process. The company is working closely with investing organizations and funds, including Alliance of Angels and smaller venture funds, to provide mentorship and support to startups. Unlike larger programs like Techstars and Y Combinator, Venture Mechanics does not take an equity stake in the startups it supports. In addition to the incubator program, Venture Mechanics hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Summit for Under-Represented Founders and Venture Weekend.
Through events like the Launchpad Expos, Venture Mechanics is providing startups with opportunities to pitch their ideas to potential investors. The company is also actively working to support diverse groups in entrepreneurship, such as women, military veterans, indigenous people, Latinos, and the LGBTQ community.
Overall, Venture Mechanics is working to build a strong and supportive startup ecosystem in the Seattle area by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to emerging entrepreneurs.
