Program is focused on delivering disruptive technology experiences to local communities, consumer businesses and enterprise organizations.
MISSOULA, Mont. — Blackfoot Communications, sponsor of the C2M Beta technology accelerator, announced the Fall 2021 cohort of companies participating in its 12-week intensive program. Blackfoot conceived the program to accelerate innovation and empower promising, early-stage Montana and Idaho startups to drive impact and value in the Rocky Mountain region.
C2M Beta adopts a startup studio-based approach designed to nurture good ideas into fundable ventures through its mentor-guided and structured innovation process. Mentors and industry experts coach founders through each stage of the venture-building process using the methodology and curriculum of guided learning modules curated from Silicon Valley’s best accelerator programs.
“Now in its fourth year and having provided guidance for more than 50 founders across the Rocky Mountain region, we are excited to see how this year’s cohort will benefit from all the terrific resources from Blackfoot and the C2M Beta team,” said Joe Fanguy, vice president of network and systems at Blackfoot Communications. “We are so excited to be a part of the journey as these entrepreneurs discover their product/market fit along with an understanding of operational success.”
Hosted by seasoned entrepreneurs Stefanie Sample — CEO of The Insight Studio — and longtime Microsoft product executive Dave Danford, the program guides founders through the steps necessary to validate their ideas, prototype solutions, harness customer feedback, and prepare for discussions with seed round investors. The program’s cohort-design allows founders to interact with peers, experts, and investors to refine concepts and create viable companies.
C2M Beta recruited mentors and experts from Boise, Missoula, the University of Montana Blackstone Launchpad, New York, Portland and Seattle to help participating entrepreneurs. The C2M Beta accelerator utilizes an “equity-free and no fees” approach to provide early-stage companies with valuable access to program resources without the cost barrier that might otherwise prevent their participation.
In addition to the program, C2M Beta and Blackfoot Communications will sponsor a startup community with weekly meetings and workshops for cohort founders to connect, learn, and collaborate among themselves and alongside seasoned founders and advisors from throughout Montana and other technology centers.
C2M Beta is a member of the GAN and GSSN global startup and startup studio networks that provide the program access to hundreds of similar programs, mentors, and advisors.
The four cohorts were selected based on criteria that gives preference to startups that: (1) offer disruptive technology experiences, (2) impact the Montana and Idaho region and (3) include female founders.
Fall 2021 Cohort Members
2Revol
2Revol is the 2 girl revolution giving respect to the food creations of the world. Their mission is to help restaurants stop serving their creations in trash. Our vision at 2Revol is to pioneer the use of reusable containers for leftovers, take-out, and delivery for local restaurants.
- Founders: Angela Gruss, Sarah Moyer
- Location: Billings, MT
Gatherboard
GatherBoard allows community-driven leaders to efficiently and meaningfully elevate human connections and local commerce connections within their community on our free-standing community events platform.
- Founder: Molly Bradford
- Location: Missoula, MT
Bridgible
Bridgible is the first online tennis coaching marketplace that connects players with great coaches all across the world. By moving coaching online, players can access personalized feedback regardless of time or location.
- Co-Founders: Chase Bartlett and Preston Bartlett (link)
- Location: Missoula, MT
Frontier Psychiatry
Frontier Psychiatry is a completely virtual telepsychiatry practice based right here in Montana. All appointments occur online with video conferencing technology.
With your help, they are on a path to making psychiatry accessible to all Montanans by 2025.
- Founder: Eric Arzubi
- Location: Billings MT, Remote
About C2M Beta
C2M Beta represents the spirit of (C)onnecting (2)to (M)ore—people, technology or both. C2M Beta’s “sprint”-based process with its cohorts is aimed at continual progress and involves a team of seasoned executives joining the journey of each participating startup company. For more information, visit www.c2mbeta.com.
About Blackfoot Communications
Blackfoot designs, builds and manages the communications infrastructure that drives the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit found within its communities, enabling businesses to grow, connect and thrive. For more information, visit www.blackfootcommunications.com.