Venture for America Company Spotlight with The Brandery located in Cincinnati, Ohio:
Founded by J.B. Kropp, Dave Knox, Bryan J. Radtke and Robert W. McDonald, The Brandery is a seed stage consumer marketing venture accelerator, which was ranked as one of the top 10 programs in the United States. The Brandery runs a three-month-long program in Cincinnati, Ohio that is focused on turning your great idea into a successful, brand-driven start-up. Started in 2010, they annually select 8 10 companies for the program, with each receiving $20,000 in seed funding, three months of mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch to angel investors and venture capitalists at the end of the program.
General Manager of The Brandery, Mike Bott, tells us more:
1. Tell us about The Brandery.
The Brandery was started out of a need to support local entrepreneurship. We found start-ups needed a place to get help with their ideas, as well as connect with other resources and mentors. With Cincinnatis reputation as a leading branding and consumer marketing hub, we decided to focus our effort by helping consumer-focused companies. We have established great relationships with the leading branders and marketing strategists in the world to give our start-ups the resources they need to build powerful brands and experiences.
2. Name a fun fact about The Brandery.
The tap in the Branderys Tap Your Idea is certainly alive in the office. Both the Brandery logo and tagline were inspired by the rich brewery heritage of the area, and Cincinnatis Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. ensures the Brandery companies always have a fresh keg on tap. And, it’s not just for the regular happy hours!
3. What does your ideal Venture Fellow look like?
For the Brandery, the ideal Venture Fellow is someone whos interested in marketing and start-ups. They should be an outgoing, self-starter who wants to help build cool user experiences. Its imperative that theyre the right combination of an ideas person and someone who can drive something to completion.
4. What is the daily office routine like?
Theres lots of activity. Budding entrepreneurs with ideas, current and former Brandery companies, Greater Cincinnati business partners, mentors, investors, and potential customers come and go throughout the day. Some are scheduled meetings, some are just drop-ins. It makes for an energetic, collaborative and supportive environment. Epic foosball matches can breakout at any time day or night. Brandery businesses help each other problem solve and have a good time. Definitely a high-energy place.
5. Additional thoughts and comments.
Applications for the Brandery Class of 2012 will be accepted from March through May.
To find out more about The Brandery:
Web: http://www.brandery.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Brandery/116938575027685
Twitter: @brandery