Michelson Runway
The Michelson Runway EdTech Accelerator program is designed to help entrepreneurs build relationships with institutional decision-makers in postsecondary education, perform research and testing for product-market-fit, and attract follow-on funding through our network of investors and corporate partners. We believe in user-centered design and adapt our programming to the needs of accepted startups. We are looking to invest in companies working on programs, products, and/or services that improve equity, access, and efficacy in postsecondary education (higher education, workforce development, and/or lifelong learning). Our program lasts for 4 months and is a combination of in-person events in San Francisco, CA and virtual workshops. The accelerator kicks off in person in February and ends with an in-person Demo Day in May. Select startups will receive a $25K-$150K equity investment via a SAFE note (an agreement popularized by Y Combinator) with up to an additional $150K investment in follow-on funding. Best of all, cohort companies will join our invigorating community of 200+ startups, with hundreds of entrepreneurs working on products and services that will power the future of education for generations to come. Program features include: Over $400,000 in partnership benefits and perks from services like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, FounderSuite, Zipcar, and more; Legal advisory services support from the program's legal partner; Up to four months of desk space for team members at Runway's co-working space in downtown San Francisco ; Product feedback and guidance from best-in-class entrepreneurs, educators, researchers, and other experts; Advice on best practices in user testing, customer acquisition, and product delivery for the postsecondary education landscape; Access to a virtual entrepreneur community and our web-based presentations on topics like intellectual property, monetization, fundraising, and more.