CONNECT & Co-Merge Partner on Acceleration Services for Startup Entrepreneurs

Collaboration Provides CONNECT Springboard Companies Access to Co-Merge’s Free Incubation Space Continue reading →

Aug 07, 2014 /prREACH/ -- CONNECT, a regional program that catalyzes the creation of innovative technology and life sciences products in San Diego County, and Co-Merge Workplace, a coworking space located in downtown San Diego’s financial district, today announced a strategic partnership to provide business acceleration and incubation services for startup and early-stage companies. Branded as “CONNECT Co-Merge”, the partnership will benefit CONNECT members by providing complimentary incubation space to Springboard Capital Competition winners at Co-Merge and CONNECT will refer its members and Springboard companies to the downtown facility.

Says Ruprecht von Buttlar, CONNECT Vice President, Business Creation & Development: ”CONNECT Co-Merge will provide Springboard entrepreneurs an attractive alternative to collaborate, grow their business and network with other entrepreneurs in downtown San Diego. Importantly, the incubator will also allow potential investors access to a variety of start-ups and it complements the accelerator services CONNECT is known for.”

Springboard Capital competition companies that meet the necessary requirements can incubate for a three-month period. Following the three-month period, companies will be able to become members of CONNECT Co-Merge. Co-Merge will manage the CONNECT Co-Merge incubation space and refer companies not enrolled in Springboard to join CONNECT’s accelerator program.

Says Michael Kenny, Managing Partner at Co-Merge: “Co-Merge is excited to partner with CONNECT, one of the leading resources for entrepreneurs and innovators. Combining the programming excellence of CONNECT with the facilities and collaborative environment of Co-Merge Workplace will result in much faster time to market and lower initial outlay for emerging companies. Downtown San Diego is an optimal location for what could be the first of several similar facilities not only in San Diego but other cities around the world.”

To drive CONNECT program content Co-Merge will provide space to CONNECT staff associated with programs such as FrameWorks Workshops, Springboard Panels, Meet-ups and Springboard Alumni reunions. CONNECT Co-Merge facilities and resources will also be available to CONNECT members at a discounted rate.

For more information about CONNECT Co-Merge, please contact Ruprecht von Buttlar at [email protected] or Michael Kenny at [email protected].

About CONNECT Over its 27-year history, CONNECT has assisted in the formation and development of more than 3,000 companies in the San Diego region and is widely regarded as one of the world's most successful organizations linking inventors and entrepreneurs with the resources they need for commercialization of innovative companies in high tech and life sciences. The program has been modeled in more than 50 regions around the world. CONNECT has been recognized by TIME, Inc. and Entrepreneur magazines and in 2011 won the national State Science and Technology Institute’s 2011 Excellence in Tech Based Economic Development Award for Building Entrepreneurial Capacity. In 2010 CONNECT was the recipient of the Innovation in Economic Development Award from the U.S. Department of Commerce for creation of Regional Innovation Clusters. CONNECT manages the San Diego, Imperial Valley, Inland SoCal Innovation Hub (iHub) designated by the state of California Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development in 2010. Key to CONNECT’s success has been San Diego’s unique "culture of collaboration" between research organizations, capital sources, professional service providers and the established industries. Connect.org

About Co-Merge Workplace Located in San Diego’s Financial District, Co-Merge provides members with access to professional office space, conference rooms for meetings of any size and event space for networking, training and seminars. Members subscribe as hourly users with no minimum monthly charge and no setup fees. Co-Merge is an ideal workplace for freelancers, start-up firms and consultants. Co-Merge also provides an alternative workplace solution for companies seeking a downtown presence. Co-Merge is an excellent resource for a flexible workforce plan that incorporates telecommuting and hoteling practices. co-merge.com