How accelerators are changing the local ecosystem

At Splash Oakland, April 23, hear how local accelerators are shaping the city

While business relocations garner the most media attention, much of Oakland’s tech sector is homegrown, with nearly 500 companies employing 7000 people.

The City’s creativity and cross-sector innovation coupled with affordable workspaces are fertile ground for startups.  An important component of Oakland’s tech economy is the local accelerators that provide tech companies with support around financing, business design and growth strategies among other things. These mission-driven accelerators reflect Oakland’s diverse economy and bring cutting-edge approaches to supporting local businesses and growing their industries.

Each accelerator has a different focus area: music industry, solar industry, cooperative businesses and global social impact. Together, they make a powerful and compelling picture of Oakland’s tech economy. 

On April 23, Thursday, the second day of Splash Oakland, to be held at the Kaiser Center on the beautiful Lake Merritt, I'll be moderating a panel with founders and CEOs of some of Oakland's best accelerators that have emerged only in the last few years. On my panel will be Emily Kirsch, CEO and Co-Founder of SfunCube, the world’s only incubator and accelerator dedicated to solar, Jose Lopez, Chief Technology Officer at DevLabs, a network of technology entrepreneurs who believe that software-based companies can solve some of the most difficult problems of today’s world, Vinitha Watson, Executive Director of Zoo Labs, a music accelerator that gives business design and startup training to music making teams, and Rani Croager, the Founder of Uptima Business Bootcamp, a member-owned business accelerator whose graduates become owners. 

Come hear how these organizations are helping support new startups and creating a tech ecosystem that is as diverse and innovative as Oakland itself. 

Speaking of diversity, if you join us early that day, Splash Oakland guests will be treated to tasty treats made by local Oakland artisans during lunch at the rooftop terrace. Check out samplings of the menu and the local culinary entrepreneurs participating!

(Come mingle with hundreds of top venture capitalists representing $10B-plus in capital under management, including Khosla Ventures, Greylock and Javelin Venture Partners, and learn from founders/CEOs including Marco Zappacosta, Co-founder & CEO of Thumbtack and Adam Goldenberg, CEO of JustFab, Slava Rubin, Founder & CEO of Indiegogo, at Vator Splash Oakland on April 22nd and 23rd. Get your tickets here!)