Startup program giving local entrepreneurs leg up

BOSTON — In an industrial space along Boston's Seaport, ideas were percolating as part of the MassChallenge.

It’s part Shark Tank and part American Idol for local entrepreneurs. MassChallenge provides office space, grant money, networking, mentors for startups and getting all those perks is selective. Every year about 4,000 companies apply, and only 128 companies are selected through a tough screening and pitching process.

Stephanie Rowe is one of those who landed a seat this year with her company Joulez. It works to get girls interested in technology through room decoration.

“She can program it and she can make it do anything she wants,” Rowe said.

It’s her dream company, and acceptance into the MassChallenge program meant the difference between success and spinning her wheels.

"I think I actually cried. I was so excited. To me it meant - you're on the right track,” Rowe said.

So while Rowe sits at one seat, other companies in totally different fields surround her, like Rate Gravity, which is working to redefine how people fiancé their home. Sonic Boom is another MassChallenge participant and it is developing technology that helps video editors find music to fit their video. There’s also a company called Buttery, which is an alcohol delivery start up.

Since 2009, Mass Challenge has helped 1,200 start-ups launch their ideas, creating more than 60,000 jobs.

The nonprofit has no equity in any of them and support comes with "no strings attached."

Managing Director Scott Bailey says it's part of their mission to grow companies furthering Boston’s "innovation" reputation around the world.

“We can have much greater scale and much greater impact by doing it the way we do,” he said.

MassChallenge will begin taking applications in February for its next class.

Cox Media Group