RocketSpace returns for second Logistics Tech Accelerator [VIDEO]

Co-working entrepreneurial tech firm RocketSpace is preparing for re-entry – back into the world of logistics, that is. And it’s currently seeking participants through the next few weeks.

The San Francisco-based firm that helped several logistics startups spread their wings earlier this year said today that a second Logistics Tech Accelerator will be launched in January 2017. Those startups that have secured at least one round of funding and have a logistics product either in market or ready to launch can apply between now and Nov. 16.

The RocketSpace accelerator program, known as a “cohort,” will again have the support of Lufthansa Cargo and founding partner Kaleido, but will also be joined by new partners, technology firm Ingram Micro, logistics provider Fiege, and the Volkswagen Truck and Bus Group’s MAN Truck & Bus unit. These corporate partners will provide expertise and mentorship throughout the five-month program.

In the Logistics Tech Accelerator’s Cohort 1 program, startups and logistics corporations were brought together “to fuel cross-industry partnerships and work hand-in-hand through a dedicated pilot program,” RocketSpace said. The Cohort 2 program structure will be similar, with a focus on startups that align with smart, disruptive technology trends involving anything from warehouse to transport to trade. Innovative technologies expected to be featured in Cohort 2 include robotics, drones, the “internet of things,” autonomous vehicles and blockchain technology. Unlike traditional accelerators, participating startups at RocketSpace aren’t required to give up equity to the corporate partners.

“Being connected with multiple industry corporations gave us a unique first-hand view into how they want to innovate,” said Alex Lisitzky, founder and CEO of SLiCK, a Belgian logistics startup using cloud-based technology, which participated in Cohort 1 this year and recently raised €1.5 million to expand its business. “This insight was extremely valuable because it’s immediately something we could take action on. As a startup, this access along with a specific focus on a real pilot program were key to our team completing the program with tangible results and future opportunities already lined up.”

“From the cooperation with startups, we expect fresh technologies, more agile spirit and simply fun at work,” said Markus Lipinsky, chief digital officer at MAN Truck & Bus AG. “Sure, we also see a potential in discovering new talents to work with in the future. On top of all these opportunities, I personally consider the accelerator not only as a platform to bring startups together with established companies, but also to stimulate and foster the cooperation within the latter.”

After all applications are accepted by the Nov. 16 deadline, Cohort 2 will kick off in January with a four-week virtual curriculum focused on sharing the business strategies of each participant. Next, virtual workshops will take place, providing startups with access to expert mentors in areas such as fundraising, marketing, sales and product development. By the end of the cohort, the startups will wrap up with a final demo day in May 2017. Interested startups can learn more about qualifications and apply to the Logistics Tech Accelerator here.

For more on the accelerator program, check out this RocketSpace video: