FAQs

 

  • We are an accelerator based in Indianapolis, Indiana, specializing in hardtech. This includes product-based solutions in spaces like battery recycling, infrastructure technologies and materials, specialty chemicals, waste and water management as well as SaaS and IoT for hardtech.

  • The Heritage Group (THG) is a fourth-generation, family-owned, and privately held business managing a diverse portfolio of operating companies in heavy construction and materials, environmental services, and specialty chemicals. THG employs thousands of people around the world, with operations across North America, Europe, and China.

    Driven by innovation and research, THG’s in-house R&D team specializes in helping our diverse set of companies evolve and adapt to a changing marketplace by providing cutting-edge solutions and exploring new opportunities in its state-of-the-art facility in Northwest Indianapolis, IN.

    THG has a rich history of making successful strategic acquisitions, building partnerships, spinning out startups from internal innovations and expanding our core businesses.

    While we’re a family company at heart— innovation is in our DNA. We build build long-term relationships with our customers, vendors, and partners so we can create a safer, more enriching, and sustainable world.

  • The Heritage Group is uniquely positioned to leverage our expertise in hardtech to help accelerate the growth of startups in a variety of ways. With more than 40 operating companies across several core verticals and world class R&D facilities, THG is positioned to provide robust mentorship, R&D experiments/testing and coveted pilot opportunities to startups in a hardtech sector.

    Our 13-week intensive accelerator goes beyond standard benefits such as investment and programming by offering access to more than $1M in lab services per cohort, lead and support mentors, investor connections and potential pilot opportunities with one of our more than 40 operating companies and corporate partners.

    The value of this opportunity is best expressed by THG Accelerator alumnus, Brian Spicer, Co-Founder of Innovakote,

    “This was an incredible opportunity as a founder, and The Heritage Group is an organization that really cares. I learned more in 3 months than I have in years of experience in business. I give this opportunity the highest endorsement!”

  • Pilot opportunities with affiliate companies

    Access to in-house lab resources

    $150k convertible note

    State-of-the-art facility with accelerator space

    Diverse mentor network

    Targeted program workshops

  • We are looking for hardtech, early-stage startups (pre-seed to Series A) interested in working with experienced entrepreneurs and innovators to drive growth and disrupt industry practices.

    SaaS companies supporting industries adjacent to The Heritage Group companies are also encouraged to apply but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • The Accelerator team will pre-screen applicants and stay in touch with them throughout the process. We may schedule calls with applicants up to the application deadline of May 6, 2022 to gather additional information.

    By late May, top finalists will be reviewed by a screening committee and THG accelerator team may reach out for another round of questions with those founders.

    Final decisions will be made and communicated no later than June 24, 2022.

  • The Heritage Group Accelerator is an immersive experience. Startup founders will be in residence during our 13-week program. This allows founders invaluable access to our facilities, industry experts, mentors, venture capital professionals and a team of support personnel who will be dedicated to their success.

  • Companies will begin working with THG professionals to identify LEAP (Lab testing, Experiments, Audits/Assessments and potential Pilot) opportunities immediately upon acceptance into the accelerator. Our THG team will help founders design and execute LEAP projects throughout the 13-week program.

    Additional programming such as mentorship, topic-specific workshops, and other programming will be provided to support the companies with their growth and scaling goals.

    The team will also enjoy the best the City of Indianapolis has to offer, including off-site activities at local bars, restaurants, and other cultural venues, as well as giving back to the community through days of service.

  • Pilot opportunities will take place at The Heritage Group company and/or customer locations in the U.S. (most likely in the Midwest).

    Founders may seek interaction beyond just pilots. Our LEAP Model includes

    – access to the lab resources

    – thought partners to help with design of experiments

    – audits at customer sites or our sites

    – pilots where it makes the most sense.

  • The Heritage Group Accelerator does not take equity upfront. We offer a $150k convertible note that will automatically convert when a company raises $750k in follow-on funding.

  • The Heritage Group Accelerator. LLC is the entity that will be on your cap table.

  • Companies accepted into THG Accelerator receive a $150k convertible note. Beyond that, the goal of the Accelerator is to make each of the startups investable. All startups will be given the option to pitch to our investment professionals during and/or after program. Startups who pitch will go through the HG Ventures evaluation process for further investment.

    Of the 29 alumni companies, HG Ventures has further invested in 5 of them. Our alumni have collectively raised more than $37 Million in the last 3 years.

  • Two members of the HG Ventures team will serve as mentors and workshop leads during program. Engaging with various VCs throughout the program enables you to begin building relationships and understanding exactly what VCs expect form formal pitches. You will have the opportunity to pitch to the HG Ventures team but we recommend waiting to do that pitch until you are fully ready to raise - which may be after you’d graduated the program.

    Founders are encouraged to stay in touch with both THG Accelerator team and THG ventures as they raise beyond program.

  • YES. Our goal is for the startups going through our accelerator to be investable, either by us or by a member of the VC community. We engage with hardtech angel investors and early-stage VCs throughout the program so you will have opportunities to establish relationships with VCs and CVCs who invest in your industry.

    Obtaining funding from these introductions is the sole responsibility of each company.

  • For mentorship opportunities, please contact Larissa Clinton at larissa@hgaccelerator.com.

    For details on the program, please contact Ashley Bryan at ashley@hgacceleratorcom.

  • Please contact Nida Ansari, Managing Director of the Accelerator, at nansari@thgrp.com to discuss your startup.