The Hatch Five
We are thrilled to announce the Hatch Five! This summer five startups will receive office space, professional mentoring and working capital to develop their businesses. Hatch is fostering startups through anintense accelerator program. These five companies will complement the foundation of a growing technology and startup cluster in the Greater Norfolk area.
The five startups are aligned with the area’s focus on technology, ranging from a web based product that allows musicians to collaborate and record music in real time; a wireless camera mounted on tugboats, tankers and other large vessels; an iPad application for public speakers; a web based application for finding affordable medical services; and a mobile GPS game. The companies were vetted through a rigorous selection process that included an online application, interviews and screenings.
Care Direct, is a web-based platform that will revolutionize how consumers find and manage health care services by allowing health care consumers or their caregivers create profiles with information necessary to confirm their eligibility for services. This information is verified by documentation that consumers upload (or snail mail) to the platform. Similarly service providers create profiles on CareDirect with descriptions of their services, real time information on service availability, and specific eligibility criteria. Unlike the many websites currently available that contain long outdated lists of unfamiliar services, consumers can trust that the information on CareDirect is always up to date. That’s because CareDirect shifts the burden of accuracy to the party with the greatest incentive to maintain it – the care providers. So when consumers search for services, only those services that are available and for which they meet eligibility criteria are returned.
Podium Pro, is an iPad app for public speakers, teachers, preachers and students. Podium Pro combines all the best features that speakers can only get by juggling multiple other programs, devices and aids. We will deliver a simple and affordable solution in the form of an iPad application.
Tug Cam, is a collision avoidance platform for tugs and barges. Designed to eliminate “blind spots” on barges. Tug Cam is purpose build for the harshest environments, contains one or more wireless transmitters, rechargeable battery and night vision/ultra low-lux camera(s). Optional add-on features include sensors, alarms, additional cameras and more. The TugCam can generate an ROI within 12 to 18 months with reductions in insurance premiums while improving navigation and preventing losses to property or life.
VinylMint, allows multimedia professionals to create and share projects with each other anywhere in the world. Vinylmint’s core technology enables users to store, transfer, and manage high-gigabyte project files and any external digital assets. Vinylmint’s technology has an open application programming interface to empower users to use the content production tools their familiar with, build productive internal communities around projects and existing tools, and use a rich media library to form transactional communities between contractors and customers.
Zombie Tag, enables real-time geo-location tracking in an active mobile GPS game. Combine the growing genre of the Zombie Apocalypse and your phone to score, rank and create your own events and challenges based on the real world. From college campuses and running trails to your favorite locations around town. With realtime data shown on the dashboard as well as on all the players mobile devices. Whether on the battlefield or the playground with our geo-engine see who, what and where. Zombie Tag is the first product, with the focus on the geo-engine, this is what drives military, police, fire and rescue interest, as well as additional products.
In addition to developing their startups, Hatch will provide each startup with:
• Three months of premium downtown office space in a Norfolk office building with a view of the new Plot park.
• Essential business support, including legal, accounting and marketing services.
• Support from mentors from successful businesses owners.
Through a partnership between We Are Titans and the City of Norfolk, Hatch is committed to growing and building Norfolk’s technology and entrepreneurial community, having held several events where hundreds of companies have showcased their ideas, set-up mentoring programs, and worked with virtually every major technology-related community organization in Norfolk. Hatch’s founders are committed, passionate members of the Norfolk tech community and are entrepreneurs with decades of experience in technology, media and early-stage venture capital. Hatch’s team has successfully founded, built, run, sold and financed businesses.
Hatch is also made possible from its local business community. Several companies xTuple, Kauffman and Canoles, General Ideas and Dominion Enterprises to name a few, contributed capital to help the Hatch Five.
For more information about Hatch, contact Zack Miller or @zackmiller84
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