NewME Brings Silicon Valley to Detroit with PopUp Accelerator; Local Partners Include MTAM

DETROIT - May 2, 2013 - PRLog -- NewME Accelerator is inviting local technology start-up rock stars to participate in the Detroit PopUp Accelerator this summer. In partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, and local community partners Mobile Technology Association of Michigan (MTAM), TechTown, Bizdom, and Wayne State University, NewME PopUps bring together entrepreneurs working on innovative technology products for an in-depth, high-intensity weekend of collaboration and production.

The three-night event on May 29-31 features one-on-one coaching from NewME experts, a two-part workshop titled “The Art of the Pitch” that will provide the secrets to a perfect pitch and standing out among other founders. The weekend culminates with “Demo Day,” a night where start-ups will network with key players in Detroit’s tech scene, special guests from Silicon Valley, and ultimately pitch their idea to a panel of judges that consists of local and Silicon Valley investors.

NewME PopUps have taken place in Miami, Fla. and Washington, D.C. “Initially I had a totally different plan. Just these two days alone has helped my pitch and delivery,” said Mark Teasley, an attendee from DC. “Everything has advanced, and I learned so much. It’s great for any entrepreneur to take advantage of. Learning what VC’s want and how to perfect your pitch was valuable. It was a great opportunity and I was glad to be apart of it.”

Angela Benton, founder and CEO of NewME Accelerator, is looking forward to ‘popping-up’ in Detroit.

“There is already so much entrepreneurial energy in Detroit right now we can’t wait to be a part of it,” Benton said. “An added benefit is the resiliency of Detroit as a city. It’s something we wholeheartedly believe in at NewME and is a key part of our core values.”

NewME PopUps, in partnership with Google for Entrepreneurs, accelerate entrepreneurs across the country.

“Our mission with Google for Entrepreneurs is to grow entrepreneurial communities and equip them with the resources and technology they need to tackle big ideas and build amazing companies. We're truly excited to be teaming up with NewME to bring this series to Detroit and can't wait to see the big ideas that come from the teams here,” said Mary Grove, Director of Global Entrepreneurship Outreach at Google.

The NewME Detroit PopUp will be hosted at TechTown Detroit, a collaborative workspace that fosters business and seeks to accelerate the entrepreneurial community in Detroit.

"We are honored that the NewME Accelerator  asked TechTown to host the Detroit pop-up event," said Leslie Smith, president and CEO of TechTown. "The partnership complements our ongoing efforts to expand programming in support of the Detroit's most promising technology-based enterprises. Our city is emerging as a hub for innovation, and this opportunity clearly showcases the achievement. We have no doubt that the participating start-ups will help seal a return visit."

MTAM's Executive Director Linda Daichendt was enthusiastic about the state-wide non-profit's participation with the event, "As the state's trade association for the mobile/wireless technology industry, we know that a large percentage of start-up businesses in Michigan are incorporating the use of a wide variety of mobile technologies as part of their business. That being the case, its very important for our organization to play a role in encouraging entrepreneurship in the state, and Detroit is at the heart of those efforts."

Founders will network and pitch their ideas on Demo Day at Wayne State’s Welcome Center Auditorium, just blocks from where they will spend the weekend perfecting their idea.

PopUp participants will pitch to win a potential slot a future session of NewME Accelerator in San Francisco and a prize pack valued at approximately $45,000 from partners like Google, Rackspace, Microsoft, ZenDesk and more.

The NewME Detroit PopUp accelerator is $99 per participant. Interested entrepreneurs can register at http://bit.ly/Rs5aP3. Members of MTAM or Mobile Monday Michigan can take advantage of a 20% discount off the registration price; email info@GoMobileMichigan.org to request the discount code. Note: membership in the organization's will be verified.

About NewME

Launched in June 2011, NewME is an immersive entrepreneurial experience that takes startup founders to the next level.  We accelerate  risk-taking, game-changing, and troublemaking entrepreneurs around the world through our 12-week program based in San Francisco and PopUp series among additional programs and products.  NewME’s mission is to be a catalyst to inclusiveness for technology entrepreneurs by changing the status quo and making Silicon Valley accessible.

About Google for Entrepreneurs

Google for Entrepreneurs empowers entrepreneurs around the world through programs, partnerships, and Google products. With over 50 programs in 110 countries, Google for Entrepreneurs seeks to grow entrepreneurial communities and to equip entrepreneurs with skills and resources to pursue their big ideas. To learn about the programs, or to grow your own skills through free online courses, visit Google.com/entrepreneurs or on Google+ at google.com/+GoogleForEntrepreneurs.

About TechTown

TechTown is Detroit's business growth center, helping to create and advance companies through its incubation and acceleration services. The organization believes in a holistic approach to economic development, supporting not only technology-based businesses, but also retail and neighborhood enterprises. Its entrepreneurs also gain unique access to research, academic and technology assets through TechTown’s partnership with Wayne State University. TechTown is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is located within the Woodward Technology Corridor SmartZone. To learn more about TechTown, visit techtowndetroit.org.

About the Mobile Technology Association of Michigan

MTAM is a non-profit trade association for Michigan’s mobile / wireless industry. The organization's mission is to increase the use of Michigan-based mobile/wireless technology products and services in-state, nationally and globally; to increase the productivity and profitability of every industry vertical in Michigan via the use of these technologies; and to create sustainable jobs and increased entrepreneurial opportunities in the state based on the use of these technologies, thereby achieving substantial growth of Michigan’s economy. Information about MTAM can be found at GoMobileMichigan.org.

MTAM is also the statewide producer of Mobile Monday Michigan – a mobile / wireless industry networking and education organization which is a branch of an international organization. Here in Michigan we currently have 4 chapters (Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Grand Rapids) with over 2500 members state-wide, and additional chapters in the planning stages for 2013.