Keeping up with parallel18: March Updates
March is definitely the make-it-or-break-it month at parallel18 and we’d like to get you updated as to why. Buckle up and read ahead!
First off, we’re talking about the #WomenInHistoryMonth and during the week of March 8th we wanted to give visibility to our female-led #P18Startups. Our goal is to help them — and those who come after — to get the investment opportunities they need to grow their companies, because a strong entrepreneurial community is based on diversity.
And speaking about boss-ladies, during that same week, our very own Marketing Manager, Wanda Fraguada, and Outreach Manager, Marie Custodio, headed for Austin, Texas to participate in SXSW 2019. Marie became our superstar as she took the stage on Sunday, March 10th, to speak all about Puerto Rico as the startup ecosystem that everyone should keep an eye on. Way to go, Marie!
Now, did you know March is where the middle of the action happens for our acceleration curriculum? That’s right. As we write this, our Gen.6 #P18Startups will go through Midpoints Evaluations, where we’ll observe the companies growth and development over the course of the program so far. We’re honestly thrilled to share their milestones with the community, so stay tuned so you don’t miss any startup highlights.
Furthermore, applications for pre18’s second cohort are OPEN NOW and we’re feeling beyond EXCITED! Our pre-acceleration program comes back this summer, after a successful first generation and countless petitions from eager local entrepreneurs. The initiative is exclusive for Puerto Rican startups, or Puerto Ricans in the diaspora that want to come back, that are in the process of launching their business or growing their traction. Last Summer, after 40 companies completed the pre-acceleration process, 16 of them went on to join the our Gen.5. (NOTE: pre18 has its own social media, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Applications close on April 15th at 11:59 p.m. Spread the word!
And, in case you were wondering what is up with our participants and alumni, here are some:
Startup highlights in a nutshell
- Gen.3 #P18Startup Claimbot announced they have raised $615K in seed funding. With participation from the Google Assistant Investments program, Notley Ventures, Social Starts and several individual angel investors.
- Gen.1 #P18Startup SRG Studios, formerly know as Space Rhino Games, in partnership with NBC Universal, had their new game, Jaws.IO, selected for Apple’s global App Store feature.
- Gen.5 #P18Startup, Golazzos, is leveraging a partnership with RCN Media in Colombia.
- CleanCult has been taking over, and Yahoo! News and Fast Company were the latest media outlets that highlighted the Gen.3 startup.
- Gen.6, #P18Startup DataWifi stood out during Rockstart’s Web and Mobile Demo Day under the spokesmanship of its co-founder María Claudia Osorio.
IT’S A WRAP! A lot has been happening, as usual, but this is about it on updates, for now! If you’d like to keep up with us, subscribe to our monthly newsletter. We’ll see you soon! Stay awesome.
