We Help Companies Accelerate their Growth.
KickLabs works with a selected group of companies that are typically ready to start acquiring customers and generate revenue. Our focus is to connect our companies with prospective partners and key customers so they can build relationships that accelerate the growth of their businesses. KickLabs does not compete with Y Combinator, Tech Stars, Angel Pad, 500 Start Ups or other technology incubator programs. KickLabs is a natural landing pad for companies that may have completed one of these top incubator programs or are establishing a presence in Silicon Valley. Seed funding may be readily available today, but after a start up graduates from an incubator program or secures seed funding, they need to find ways to turn their idea into a viable business. That’s where we excel. We help our entrepreneurs accelerate the growth of their business. We facilitate meetings and relationships with major brands, business partners, investors, professional services, ad agencies and portfolio companies.
We Focus on Strategic Business and Market Development.
We focus on how we can help entrepreneurs effectively grow their business model and grow as a leader. During in depth meetings prior to joining KickLabs, we mutually create goals, develop a plan for achievement, and determine how we can add maximum value. In most cases, the primary goal is to secure business and technology partnerships and launch customers who can help companies gain initial market traction. The core KickLabs team is comprised of industry veterans and experienced technology entrepreneurs, providing a solid network that KickLabs companies can leverage as they evolve their businesses. Since many of the companies within KickLabs share a similar macro target market, we anticipate a significant amount of collaboration and utilization of each other’s technology platforms. KickLabs will receive a portion of equity from participating companies based on the stage of the company.
We Provide a Collaborative Environment and Access to Service Providers.
We provide access to advisers and mentors, as well as top tier service providers that specialize in working with start-ups, including banking, benefits, human resources, marketing, public relations, outsourced development, and funding. In partnership with RocketSpace, KickLabs provides a turnkey office environment for companies that choose to reside with us. We host regular networking sessions with KickLabs companies and we are closely aligned with Alpha, the premier founder-networking group in Silicon Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities do you provide?
We have a partnership with RocketSpace, the preeminent co-working facility in San Francisco. We provide dedicated workstations, all the beverages that you can consume, connectivity, meeting rooms, and an energetic, collaborative environment. However, KickLabs companies need not be in residence. We accept companies that work in their own space.
Do you provide start-up capital?
As part of the program, we don’t generally provide start-up capital. However most of the companies that join KickLabs have already raised some initial capital or may have recently graduated from an incubator program. We are very closely aligned with Transmedia Capital, which has funded many of our alumni companies.
Do you have application dates?
Our proposition is different from our friends at Y Combinator, Tech Stars, Angel Pad and 500 Start Ups. Instead of a class structure with enrollment dates, we have open enrollment that allows us to accept companies, as they are ready.
How long is the program?
The normal length of our program is 3 to 6 months. Our companies extract the most significant amount of value during this period. After 3 months, our companies can move within RocketSpace or we help them find a new home. Following the initial program, we continue to help our companies through ongoing Innovation Sessions and leveraging our network.
What are your selection criteria?
We focus on digital media, specifically: mobile platforms, video distribution, analytics, advertising, social gaming, commerce, social media, and cloud based technology. Ideally, the company has raised a small seed round and has some traction with a minimum viable product or are tracking to launch a product within several months. We are looking for hungry entrepreneurs that have the 3 Ps – passion, presence, and perseverance. We expect a lot from the entrepreneurs that join us and in exchange, we provide unwavering support while part of KickLabs and beyond.
Can I participate in events?
KickLabs and RocketSpace host many valuable networking and industry events. Companies can attend most of these at no charge as part of the KickLabs program.
We Provide the Opportunity to Engage Brand Partners.
One of the most unique opportunities for our companies is access to our brand, agency, and technology partners. We host monthly Brand Innovation Sessions, with a selected partner. These sessions allow companies to get direct access to some of the most powerful brands in the world. KickLabs companies present their business during a 30 to 45-minute working session. These sessions have resulted in numerous business relationships and strategic investments, providing a huge jump-start for the KickLabs companies. A partial listing of the participating brands include: P&G, Best Buy, Red Bull, Samsung, Verizon, AMEX, IPG, Hewlett Packard, bSkyb, and WPP.
We Provide Access to Industry Luminaries.
A critical component to growing a start-up company is getting access to the right people at the right time. KickLabs is privileged to be associated with a group of over 20 experienced executives, leaders in the industry that can provide input, introductions and inspiration to KickLabs companies. Our esteemed advisory group consists of experienced entrepreneurs that have contributed to the growth of companies including: Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Zynga, Digg, Monster, Omniture, IPG, Publicis, and many more media related companies. KickLabs hosts events that provide exceptional networking opportunities and attract industry experts.
