Startup 425 launches accelerator program for first-time entrepreneurs

Published October 30 2024

Startup 425 - a collaborative effort to expand entrepreneurship throughout Eastside communities - has launched an accelerator program designed to support burgeoning entrepreneurs in both venture-scale and small businesses.

The 15-week program kicked off Sept. 30, in partnership with The Founder Institute. The City of Bellevue administers the accelerator, with support from Startup 425 partner cities Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Issaquah and Renton. The inaugural cohort consists of 37 entrepreneurs, with at least five business founders from each partner city.

The accelerator will provide access to entrepreneurial resources and Silicon Valley-level training through educational events, networking opportunities and connections to support services.

"Bellevue believes in innovation through collaboration, and the city has taken a partnership approach to supporting startups," said Mayor Lynne Robinson.

Fully funded by the Port of Seattle and Amazon, the program is free to participants, allowing future companies to gain the basic knowledge needed to launch their businesses without paying an entry fee or giving up equity in their companies.
Levi Reed, the program's coordinator and Startup 425's resident entrepreneur, said the accelerator program works to prioritize business founders from underrepresented communities.

"About 35% of the cohort consists of small business founders focused on targeting an underserved niche," said Reed. "These companies are usually self-funded or take on debt to become established, making this accelerator opportunity extremely helpful."

Already feedback from accelerator participants has been positive. Redmond resident Komal Kashiramka, who was looking for expert mentorship to refine business strategies for her automated roti-maker company, said the accelerator's environment has helped foster focus and accountability. "I've already gained significant value from the one-minute hot seat pitch practice," she added.

Interest in the accelerator has been extremely high, with 170 entrepreneurs applying to the inaugural cohort. In the future, the city hopes to expand the program's capacity.

Visit Startup 425's accelerator to learn more about the program or sign up for next year's session.