Looking ahead to tomorrow's Betaspring Launch Day, when 13 startups will strut their stuff
Seeing startups present at the conclusion of accelerator programs and trying to divine their potential is a bit like meeting a toddler and trying to figure out what kind of grades she'll get in college. It's just really early, and all of the fledgling startups seem so fresh-faced, energetic, and full of potential.
That's what was on my mind on Monday evening, when I got an early look at the thirteen companies that will present in Providence tomorrow as part of Betaspring's fall "Launch Day." (A group of investors saw the company's present Tuesday morning.)
Betaspring essentially doubled in size this year, by accepting a spring and fall cohort of entrepreneurs. Here's what the fall group is up to. I've starred the ones I think are most likely to succeed, and offered an explanation in bold as to why. Just my opinion — and I hope a few of the non-starred ones keep me humble by proving me totally wrong. (In the photo above is Kirsten Lambertsen of Kuratur, which collects social media posts and transforms them into nicely-designed "web magazines.")
★ AutoBike. Designing and marketing a bike that shifts gears automatically, based on road conditions. "The continuously-variable rear hub has an unlimited number of gear ratios, so you can always find that perfect gear," says co-founder Sean Simpson. The computer that decides when to shift is powered by the bike's movement. AutoBike is targeting consumers who don't bike much today, and plans to initially market the AutoBike in housing communities for active seniors. Pricing will start around $1000. A former executive of Giant Bicycles has signed on as an advisor. AutoBike has already raised $250,000, and is hoping to raise an additional $500,000.
Why It's High-Potential: No manufacturer yet owns the category of bikes with automatic transmissions, and there's a nice opportunity to sell them through channels other than bike shops, which tend to cater to people who are already serious cyclists. (At right, Simpson and Kevin Smith of AutoBike.)