BetaSpring announces Founders League for Rhode Island startups

Betaspring, the Providence, Rhode Island accelerator, has announced its involvement in a new "next-gen entrepreneurial platform" called Founders League.

Based on a program by the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Founders League will give startups, students and aspiring entrepreneurs a place where they can connect, learn and build their businesses. It’s for entrepreneurs at all stages of development who need inspiration and support.

Basically Founders League will help startups who don't make it into, or aren't yet ready for, Betaspring's accelerator program.

The platform will be based out of Betaspring's headquarters at 95 Chestnut Street in Providence. They'll provide leadership, and be the driving force behind community co-working, educational programming and networking events. The accelerator will also oversee the planning process for the platform's long-term operating plan.

The Providence Chamber of Commerce, Brown University and the University of Rhode Island are also platform partners.

Here's what Betaspring had to say on their website about their decision to launch Founders League:

"Why does Betaspring, which is pretty busy running our accelerator program, want to be in the lead getting this platform going? Last spring, 15 of the 16 companies that went through the accelerator decided to stay in Providence. This fall, we expect several companies from our current cohort to do the same. Many of our most effective mentors live and/or work within 60 miles of our headquarters. A strong startup ecosystem in Rhode Island is important to their success. We live here, work here and take pride in our East Coast swagger. If we can work with committed partners to keep our community on an upward trajectory, you bet we are going to give it our best effort."

Betaspring's inspiration for Founders League was General Assembly. They say they've been paying close attention to GA's programs that they "can, and should, emulate." Betaspring says they now get an opportunity to learn from GA's successes.

“Many positive things have happened in the startup community over the last few years and the community is stronger and more connected than ever before," said Betaspring managing partner and co-founder Allan Tear. "It’s great now to build on that momentum and apply what we have learned to help a broader community of founders and entrepreneurs in Rhode Island.”   

Over the next 12-weeks, a team will convene groups of entrepreneurs, mentors and community partners to solicit input on how the platform can be rolled out to support a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rhode Island.

Founders League will officially launch in December.

Betaspring has outlined some of their guiding principles for the platform:

• An iconic physical nexus: Place matters. Creating synergies and circulation are among the most important components of successful entrepreneurial communities and their support platforms. Physical consolidation will make it easier to create a “critical mass” of activity that bolsters programmatic efficiency and social connectivity for entrepreneurs. The long term vision is to build an “entrepreneurial campus” of interconnected services and resources.
• Co-working community: Co-working communities provide entrepreneurs with access to a strong community of peers and a physical space to work that is conducive to entrepreneurial success. Incubation also helps move entrepreneurs and new ventures through a pipeline of programs, supports and services that can significantly increase success for a new venture.
• Attract and connect students: Students represent an important resource and a key asset in Rhode Island’s effort to build a strong entrepreneurial community. Students are attracted to programs that meet and reflect their needs.  The Founders League will build on current efforts to offer a special track for students that adapts and responds to their needs, interests, and social behaviors.
• Self-sustaining business model: The Founders League will transition to a self-sustaining business model within three years.
• Enhanced programming: Building on the foundation laid over the last three years at the Rhode Island Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Founders League will offer a robust continuum of programming and services to match the spectrum of needs within Rhode Island's entrepreneurial and start-up community.
• Engage more entrepreneurs: There are many steps to creating a venture and people need different entry points and supports along the way. The Founders League will place strong emphasis on creating a dynamic and activated environment that attracts and meets the needs of a diverse community of entrepreneurs. The platform will be geared towards high-growth entrepreneurship and offer multiple channels to serve experienced entrepreneurs, as well as those who are just beginning to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations.

For more on Betaspring, go to: www.betaspring.com

If you're interested in finding out more on Founders League, email foundersleague@betaspring.com.