The Incubator Program

We assist companies through two primary incubator programs:

Custom Engagements - A custom engagement with a client is our most typical form of engagement.  This program seeks to address the unique problems a company faces. We recruit a team of advisors from the CleanLaunch Network to work with the Client to resolve issues, find solutions, and advance the company’s progress. The team of advisors is selected, in partnership with the Client, to address particular areas of need for each Client.  The goals of Custom Engagements are developed specifically with a company because the issues a Client faces may be unique, but the process for working with the Client is consistent and well-defined.  Fundraising from angel or venture capital investors is often a key goal for Clients (learn more about our approach to fundraising).  Typical engagements range from 4-12 months.

CleanLaunch leverages the existing program structure of the highly successful Denver Ventures at Stapleton (CTEK Stapleton), who’s roots trace back to the Boulder Technology Incubator in 1989. CTEK Stapleton has a 78% success rate with start-up companies, and has created hundreds of new jobs and has helped place millions of dollars in angel and venture capital investment with early stage companies.

Reviews - Reviews are one-time meetings, though there could be a brainstorming or post-review meeting scheduled as well. Reviews are typically a two-hour interactive session between a Client and a team of Advisors, with some limited preparation and follow-up. Reviews are meant to give the Client a breadth and depth of understanding about the topic from a diverse group of industry experts. Examples of current Reviews are:

• Business Plan Review: Business viability assessment and strategy development, brainstorming and refinement, marketing and operations planning, market/competitive analysis, financing strategy.
• Disclosure Review: Assessing the viability of an invention, commercial potential, patent issues, licensing versus new business potential, possible applications, business modeling, etc., typically done for University Technology Transfer departments.
• Presentation Review: Critique and coaching of a presentation, including slides or other displays, personal delivery and effectiveness, used for entrepreneurs preparing to present to funding sources, Board members, press, etc.
• Feasibility Review: The Feasibility Review works with an individual who has an idea, concept or seed stage prototype and is seeking professional advice on the viability of the idea, including issues surrounding competition, product development, delivery, marketing and sales. Often these entrepreneurs are looking for expertise that can help them decide if they should leave their current employment or commit more time and capital to the project. This Review often takes multiple meetings.

Joint Programs

Ancillary programs can be offered by CleanLaunch and other partnering organizations, including the South Metro Chamber, SBDC’s, CORE, Rockies Venture Club, TIE Rockies, and others. These services provide education and training, marketing and networking opportunities for Client companies to build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.