firsttime

Valley Ventures

 
June 1, 2020
Application
Open
 
 
July 7, 2020
Application
Closes
 
 
October 5, 2020
Virtual Accelerator
 Sessions Begin
 
 
November 12, 2020
Virtual Accelerator
Sessions Finish
 

The Valley Ventures accelerator is a BlueTechValley accelerator based out of the Water, Energy, and Technology (WET) Center at Fresno State. Valley Ventures' goal is to promote the growth of participating ventures by facilitating engagements with entrepreneurs and industry leaders as well as providing access to funding opportunities and generating revenue.

Valley Ventures alumni have increased sales, funding, and impact. Throughout the six weeks of the online accelerator this fall, a new cohort of ventures will work with entrepreneurs and industry leaders from the water, energy, and agricultural sectors. Speakers who have built and sold companies, investors familiar with cleantech, and executives who run strategic interests will provide guidance.

  • Details: This fall, Valley Ventures will be virtual, hosting a series of webinars Mondays through Fridays throughout the six-week accelerator.

  • Eligibility: Cleantech ventures with water, energy, or agricultural technologies that are ready to deploy or increase market share in California.

  • Cost: This six-week accelerator costs $500 per venture, with a refundable deposit of $200 when participating ventures complete the program. Checks are to be made out to the Fresno State Foundation. Select applicants will progress to online interviews. A handful of finalists will be selected after due diligence.

  • Timeline: Virtual accelerator sessions begin on October 5, 2020, and end November 12, 2020. There may be an opportunity for in-person meetings in Fresno, CA.

The ‘sweet spot’ in terms of ventures considering VV5:

• Employ a team of two or more

• Achieved Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or above, i.e. 7-pilot demonstration; 8-commercial design; or, 9-ready for full-scale

• Interested in applying for grant funds for pilot demonstrations in 2021

• Seeking projects with strategic partners

• Considering raising investor funds of seed stage or series A


For questions or feedback, please email Jeff Macon, venture development manager, at: jeffmacon@mail.fresnostate.edu

Program Partners