Download - Rocket Hatch Overview

Building a dynamic North Alabama economy fueled by a vibrant and diverse startup community

Overview + PROGRAMS

© Rocket Hatch, 2015

2Rocket Hatch Community Accelerator

www.rockethatch.org


www.rockethatch.org

GETTING STARTED

Rocket Hatch started at the beginning of

2014 as an idea of a group of

entrepreneurial individuals with backgrounds in creative, social and tech

startups. We saw the need for a support

community for entrepreneurs that

wanted to focus their efforts in the

commercial space, leveraging modern

technologies and business frameworks to launch new companies that could

create value locally while selling globally.

Many of us had seen first hand the

startup movement taking hold around

the world and transforming it rapidly. We

understood that starting a business in 2014 was way different than just a

decade ago. First the internet, then the

cloud and now mobile technologies had

changed everything, and we knew we

wanted to join in, but we did not want to

leave our home, Huntsville.

We knew Huntsville had all the critical

elements to be a thriving startup

ecosystem. However, disruptive commercial startups were not common

and if they existed were disconnected to

the local scene.

In April of 2014 we decided to change

that by supporting the first Weekend

Startup competition in town. In May, we incorporated Rocket Hatch as a 501(c)(3)

non-profit with the mission to unleash the

untapped entrepreneurial potential of

North Alabama through an open,

inclusive and collaborative startup

community. Only a few months later we could not be more proud of what our

emerging startup community has

accomplished and the role we have

played as a catalyst. This success pushes

us to continue with this mission.

Will you join us in this effort?

Rocket Hatch Community Accelerator

www.rockethatch.org

To unleash the untapped entrepreneurial potential of

North Alabama through an open, inclusive and

collaborative startup community.

THE&ROCKET&HATCH&MISSION


www.rockethatch.org

10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,0000

PopulationMale Female

90+85-8980-8475-7970-7465-6960-6455-5950-5445-4940-4435-3930-3425-2920-2415-1910-14

5-9<5

OUR DEMOGRAPHICS SUGGEST GREAT POTENTIAL

20%


www.rockethatch.org

CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS DEMAND A NEW APPROACH

Total Population Huntsville Metro

683,871

Graduated College 44.2%

20-35 y/o 139,464Double Income No Kids

35-45 y/o 90,602Double Income With Kids

45-55 y/o 109,992Mid-Life Executive & Spouses Returning to Work

Population In Prime Entrepreneurial Age

339,988

If only 10%+ of Potential Entrepreneurs Succeed the economic impact is huge

Small Businesses3,399 x $1M = $3.3B

Medium Businesses339 x $10M = $3.3B

High Growth Businesses33 x $1ooM = $3.3B

10%* = Potential Entrepreneurs

33,998GLOBAL&ENTREPRENEURSHIP&MONITOR&REPORT,&BABSON&COLLEGE*

Combined Economic Potential

$10B


www.rockethatch.org

COMMUNITY: THE SUSTAINABLE ACCELERATOR It all ends and starts with the community.

To become sustainable, the community itself

needs to organically transform in the accelerator.

This means our efforts have to focus just as

much on cultural change and values as on

training and mentorship.


www.rockethatch.org

A FRESH APPROACH FOR HUNTSVILLE

The best way to achieve sustainable

startup acceleration is to nurture the

community that is already here. Like the internet, our community should be a

diverse network with multiple nodes and

engines so that a single failure cannot

bring down what we have achieved. In

the past few years, we have seen how

creating an environment of community and sharing helps new leaders emerge

and connect to create the new startup

community we want to emerge.

Entrepreneurs, innovators, mentors,

angels and other key players are starting

to converge but much still needs to be done.

We have a great R&D legacy thanks to

the Department of Defense and NASA,

we want to leverage it for diversification

and growth.

Build Strong Local Networks That Reach Out Regionally

In the past several decades, because of

immigration and population growth, a

diverse pool of talent and resources has been accumulating. This growing

demographic includes millennials who

grew up here, stay-at-home spouses,

minorities and immigrants ready to start

their own businesses. Our target

community wishes to engage in new and creative forms of entrepreneurship that

can make our economy more diverse

and resilient, our community more

interesting and inspiring, and improve our

quality of life.

The South East region is raising as an entrepreneurial hub, led by pioneering

efforts in cities like Chattanooga,

Nashville, Atlanta, New Orleans and

Memphis. It only makes sense to join in

and bring the best to North Alabama.

We believe there is an opportunity for

great growth by tapping into our local

strengths but also reaching out to the rest of the region and Alabama for

connection, inspiration and resources.

For the last several years, our founders

have been reaching out to the

community both locally and regionally to

learn, connect and develop a strategy that draws from the experiences and

lessons learned from our neighbors, but

that is also distinctly North Alabamian.

Our principles are simple: to create

community we need to be open, lean,

and smart. We understand that building a community is the effort of many. We

celebrate all those trying to build

community and try to partner and

support all worthwhile efforts.

Rocket Hatch Community Accelerator

www.rockethatch.org


www.rockethatch.org

INCLUSIVE, LEAN & SMART

Rocket Hatch is a Startup:

We follow the path our entrepreneurs

have to follow

Inclusive

An acceleration network:

We are engaging with all

players in the community.

Always looking to partner and

collaborate, our partners include: entrepreneurs,

investors, mentors, incubators,

government, universities, and

nearby communities.

Players:

To spawn innovation, our communities need to interact.

Scientists and artists,

engineers and physicians,

technicians and bankers,

artisans and lawyers,

educators and public servants, government and

private–all are welcome.

Lean

As agile as our startups:

We are a bootstrapped

accelerator. We have spent

our time doing customer

development, understanding the problems faced by our

local entrepreneurs and

stakeholders (our funders and

sponsors).

It’s not about the building:

Social capital comes first. We operate virtually utilizing

existing infrastructure and

spending our resources in

activities that create lasting

value: Engagement,

Connection, Learning, Launching, and Accelerating.

The fancy building can wait.

Smart

Strategic Partnerships:

We have established

relationships with key startup

communities in our region and

beyond.

We are licensing and adapting

proven programs, creating

new ones only when we see a

market opportunity.

Our local partnerships provide

us with physical locations, infrastructure, funding, and

sponsorships.

Our community network

provides volunteers, speakers,

mentors, facilitators, services,

infrastructure and funding.


www.rockethatch.org

Community ValuesHatchers come from the community we support and exemplify the

culture we are striving to create. Our

culture comes from our core values:

+ Collaboration+ Trust

+ Open communication

+ Encouragement+ Inclusiveness

+ Risk-taking

+ Fail forward

Rocket Hatch as the startup community we nurture is a

“do-acracy” where what Hatchers do

supersedes what they have or who

they know, what or where they studied or worked.

Hatchers are always looking to grow

themselves, their business, their team and their community.


www.rockethatch.org

“Thanks to Rocket Hatch, there is some very good new energy. I was pleased to meet many of the players and I will be happy to support you on other events —thanks for all this help to our community!

Peggy SammonSerial Entrepreneur | CEO GeneCapture


www.rockethatch.org

In just over a year, Rocket Hatch reached out to a diverse community of leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and stakeholders looking to create

and open, inclusive and dynamic startup ecosystem.


www.rockethatch.org

C O MMU N IT Y MET R IC S

1,700+Total Community

941Interested

597Engaged

115Volunteers

38Mentors

990 959

Followers

40%Women

25-34Median Age

40+Rocket Hatch

EVENTS

1,596Attendees

50++From other

communities

Au g u st 1 s t , 2 01 5

28Companies

35Entrepreneurs


www.rockethatch.org

A NEW CONVERSATION HAS EMERGED

25+ stories, interviews and blogs on local and regional

media and TV


www.rockethatch.org

“There is a lot of momentum right now for startups in Huntsville. I think Rocket Hatch is a major reason for that. The Sip ‘n Hatch events, Will This Fly? and other programs they are hosting are getting people working together.

Harrison DiamondBusiness Relations Office, Office of the

MayorCity of Huntsville


www.rockethatch.org

FROM IDEA TO STARTUP

OUTREACHSocial media is both a marketing tool and a

virtual venue for our startup communityconnecting people, places, ideas and events.We dig deep and wide into the local and

regional entrepreneur networks online.

OUTREACH, EVENTS and CO.STARTERS programs create complementary cycles that help new entrepreneurs engage, connect and learn as they progress in their journey to create new startups. The cycles are designed to

create a community of mentors that give back once they become successful entrepreneurs.

EVENTSRocket Hatch both supports and hosts a

multitude of entrepreneurship events in theregion. Our goal is to help develop multiplegroups and venues that support a tightly

connected startup community.

BOOTCAMPS+COMMUNITYSuccessful startups need community. We

help entrepreneurs through one-on-onementorship, peer-support groups and provenprograms like CO..STARTERS which helps

move from idea to startup in 9 weeks.

Entrepreneur Startup

OUTREACH BOOTCAMPSCOMMUNITY

O N B O A R D I N G G R O W T H

Engage

Learn

Launch

Accelerate

EVENTS

Connect


www.rockethatch.org

OUR PROGRAMS

Engage Launch

Accelerate

Complementary programs that guide and support entrepreneurs in their journey.

Connect Learn


www.rockethatch.org

P R O G R A M S

B R A I N TR U ST

Many ProgramsOne Mission:

Support the Entrepreneur


www.rockethatch.org

This (mostly) monthly meetupfor the starters and creators of North Alabama that has been successful at attracting a diverse group of creatives, tech and social entrepreneurs.

This is a venue to get out of our silos, mix and match, share and learn together to realize the innovative startup ecosystem we all know must emerge in our area


www.rockethatch.org

Rocket Hatch events inspired and brought together an eclectic mix ofengineers, designers, artists, entrepreneurs, inventors, investors. Our goal is togenerate excitement but also forward momentum for our startup community.

We will bring together investors and entrepreneurs to discuss and share experiences in investing, pitching for funding and growing high-tech startups

Investor Day is a high-energy event including panels for investors and entrepreneurs, speed dating and networking in a fun and dynamic format


www.rockethatch.org

A celebration of the diversity of the creative and entrepreneurial spirit in North Alabama. Will This Fly? provided a platform for local innovators to pitch their ideas.

Finalists got the stage to tell investors, mentors, and potential partners why their concept is awesome.

This fast-paced pitch event was the first moment in the limelight for new startup ideas around the Greater Huntsville Area.

INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

SHOWCASE


www.rockethatch.org

“We made several key connections from the competition. This includes some potential partners as well as our IP attorney. Startup companies need local advisers and there is no better way to find them than at a competition where you are surrounded by like minded people.

Paul GradlWill This Fly? Competition WinnerCo-founder Weld-3D

23

iXs

$150KJump Start Foundry (Nashville)

$150KJump Start Foundry (Nashville)

$7KGIGTANK (Chattanooga)

$80KGIGTANK (Chattanooga)

Startup Bootcamp (Netherlands)


www.rockethatch.org

CO.STARTERS

Rocket Hatch licensed CO.STARTERS, a proven 9-week program from the Company Lab in Chattanooga that teaches entrepreneurs to examine assumptions and turn business ideas into action using lean business modeling

methods in a simple and intuitive way with the help of a supportive community.

As part of this effort we engaged and educated a select group of experienced entrepreneurs to serve as mentors and facilitators using the CO.STARTERS curriculum and approach.

Our goal in 2015 is to develop further the mentorship culture around the program providing additional opportunities to engage, connect and activate local mentors and entrepreneurs.


www.rockethatch.org

The 9-week CO.STARTERSprogram that teachesentrepreneurs to examineassumptions and turnbusiness ideas into action.

CO.STARTERS presents leanbusiness modeling methodsin a simple and intuitive waywith the help of a supportivecommunity.

costarters.rockethatch.org

36 Entrepreneurs 29

startups


www.rockethatch.org

“I learned so much more with my CO.STARTERS cohorts than I did at college; and I have a business degree. I got the support I needed as I was getting ready to open my studio and was introduced to the North Alabama Revolving Loan which provided the initial funding I needed to get started.

Teri HartmannCO.STARTERS GraduateOwner Designbyhart


www.rockethatch.org

“It was clear from the quality of the materials that the CO.STARTERS applicant provided that she had a good understanding of her business. She was able to respond quickly and articulate key business metrics such as competition and market potential.

Mary Ellen JudahExecutive Direct0r

North Alabama Revolving Loan Fund


www.rockethatch.org

The Brain Trust surrounds entrepreneurs with a supportive community that is vested in the success of their startup ventures.

Brain Trust brings together peers, mentors, coaches, and other stakeholders in a safe, productive, and fun environment.braintrust.rockethatch.org

BRAIN TRUST


www.rockethatch.org

A PROGRAM AIMED AT ENTREPRENEUR SUCCESS

Round Tables

Entrepreneurs can join a

confidential, invite-only round

table cohort focused on

mutual support and personal

growth.

Round Tables meet once a

month to discuss problems

and uncover innovative

solutions.

The Brain Trust is the place to start or come back after any of the other Rocket Hatch programs.

One-on-One

Access mentoring sessions

that focus on entrepreneur

development and startup

progress..

Meet mentors that are in a position to help you get to the

next level.. Get paired based

on your needs or choose a

mentor through networking.

General Meetings

General Meetings allow

entrepreneurs to meet and

mingle the Brain Trust

community at-large.

These business owners’ specific mixers supplement

community-wide events

produced by Rocket Hatch

and our partners.


www.rockethatch.org

“We asked Rocket Hatch to help us organize a one-time meeting of local food entrepreneurs, and they said, “No.” Instead, they helped us have a Food Hatch - three

meetings that culminated with a big event centered around local food businesses. And we’re still meeting, still making connections, and still supporting and collaborating with other business owners. It was exactly the kick-start that we needed.

Caitlin Lyon & Michelle NovoselCo-founders Pizzelle’s Confections &Food Hatch Huntsville


www.rockethatch.org

Rocket Hatch true power comes from its committed volunteers that share our vision and want to build an entrepreneurial community that can stand side by

side to any other, anywhere in the world.


www.rockethatch.org

Modern & SmartPartner

Graphic ColorSponsor

RegusSponsor

The NookSponsor

LOCAL PARTNERS & SPONSORS

CO.STARTERSPartner

MetabahnPartner

Rosita’s FarmPartner

Zero Point FrontiersPartner

Design LabPartner

ONE Unity MediaPartner

InCrowd CapitalPartner

NARLFPartner

Downtown Huntsville, Inc.Partner

Rainspace ComputingSponsor

Pizzelle’s ConfectionsSponsor

www.rockethatch.org