Telluride Venture Accelerator (TVA)

A 501(c)(3) community foundation program that invests human and financial capital in innovative enterprises. TVA aims to build and strengthen the entrepreneurial community in the Telluride region to create a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Program Details:

• 5-month residential business accelerator program
• Runs February through June annually
• Accepts up to 6 companies per cohort
• Companies graduate 15 companies as of 2015
• Supports 3 additional "Partner" companies

Investment & Equity:

• $30,000 investment per company
• 5% equity stake per company
• Over $100,000 in additional perks available through relationships with Global Accelerator Network (GAN), f6s.com, and affiliate partners

Focus Areas:

• Outdoor recreation
• Travel and tourism
• Health and wellness
• Natural resource management
• Prioritizes technological products and services (software, mobile apps, hardware)
• Focuses on businesses with potential to operate virtually from Telluride and/or impact regional entrepreneurial ecosystem

Program Benefits:

• Over 1,000 hours of mentor time per company
• 85+ world-class mentors: successful entrepreneurs and business leaders from full-time residents to frequent visitors
• Business model development and testing
• Operational planning
• Fundraising preparation
• Leadership development
• Mentors provide extensive professional networks and perspective
• Unique aspect: Mentors interact in relaxed setting rather than after work hours

Track Record (as of 2015):

• 15 graduated companies
• 3 local "Partner" companies supported
• 1/3 of first 3 cohorts are women-owned
• $9 million raised by TVA companies in 3 years
• 60% of 2013-2014 cohorts raised over $300k within first year (exceeding GAN benchmark of 30%)
• Average investment capital raised: $552,000 per company within 1 year of graduation
• 4 companies fully funded within weeks of Demo Days (2 from 2014, 2 from 2015)
• 6 new high-growth companies now based in Telluride as result of TVA

Demo Day & Fundraising:

• Companies present to Telluride's unique investment community at Demo Day
• Roadshows in Boulder/Denver and San Francisco

Contact Information:

• Website: www.tellurideva.com
• Director: Thea Chase (thea@tellurideva.com)
• Program Manager: Ashley Nager (ashley@tellurideva.com)
• Telluride Foundation info: 970-728-8717

Application Process

Application Period (for 2016 Cohort):

• Opens: September 1, 2015 at 12:01 a.m.
• Closes: October 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. MST

Application Platform:

• Online through website
• Visit www.tellurideva.com

Cohort Details:

• Program runs: February through June
• Accepts up to 6 companies per cohort

How to Apply:

1. Visit www.tellurideva.com
2. Complete online application
3. Submit before deadline: October 15 at 7:00 p.m. MST

Contact for Questions:

• Director: Thea Chase (thea@tellurideva.com)
• Program Manager: Ashley Nager (ashley@tellurideva.com)
• Phone: 970-728-8717 (Telluride Foundation)