$582.5M In Capital Raised &
•3 Initial Public Offerings
35 Exits Netting Over $1.42B In Shareholder Value
22 Years of Accelerating &
•23 Classes to Date
222 Membership Companies
in 20 Industries
357 Founder Peer Mentors &
•3 Member Chapters
0 Equity Taken &
•0 Fees Charged
Starve Ups was Oregon's first startup accelerator, and is its only scalerator, which is defined as an end-to-end accelerator. Starve Ups was founded by founders and is solely made up of a community of startup founders and their membership companies.
Formed in October of 2000 the scalerator provides support for founders from inception to acquisition to scale membership companies through all three defining stages of the startup lifecycle, known as the Survive, Strive and Thrive stages.
In turn, founders in Starve Ups have the highest levels of success through scaling daily with the support of their hundreds of peer co-founders, who collectively provide proven peer mentoring, highly established networks, vetted strategic partnerships, direct investment and funding sources, and every possible startup resource available.
This is the stage where Starve Ups helps founders select their corporate structure, build prototypes and MVPs, recruit advisory boards, initially raise funds and/or run crowd funding campaigns, garner early stage vendors, make initial hires, build go to market strategies, etc.
This is the stage where Starve Ups helps founders build upon their marketing strategies, sales processes and sales cycle management, VAR and partnership development, team building efforts, ongoing fundraising rounds, suitor relationship building efforts, advanced strategic development, etc.
This is the stage where Starve Ups helps membership companies build their overall exit strategy options, identify buyers, build investment banker relationships, build their value prop for being acquired/merged, and complete their transactions. Then, they work to become angel investors and support the next generation.
Unlike a conventional accelerator, this is not a short training course followed up by voluntary ‘alma mater’ and alumni-based support. It is a full-on, always-on, end-to-end, ‘whole business life cycle’ (and beyond) partnership, based on guaranteed mutual support. They even have a post-exit investment strategy.
- Innovation Investment Journal
Over the past 22 years, Starve Ups membership companies have consistently, and exponentially, outperformed national averages for startup companies.
6x
More likely to stay in business
4x
More likely to secure funding
4.8x
The purchase price at exit
4x
More likely to exit
21x
Active participation by members
Join our newsletter for communications about our upcoming events and useful content for founders and investors.
Each year we accept a new Class of companies to join our scalerator for zero cost and zero equity, only with the expectation they will pay their mentorship forward. We believe the most important factor in a startup’s success are the characteristics of its founders. While our member companies span 20 industries, all of our founders are united by three common traits:
A life that feels incomplete if they don't found their company
An all in dedication to their startup company’s success
A Pay It Forward approach to peer mentoring and life
Accepting ApplicationsThe scalerator of 223 Oregon-based startups, and their 357 founders, spans 20 industries and is comprised of 23 classes from 3 chapters.
Founders
Chris Fontenot
Overview
Great tasting authentic Cajun food and lifestyle products.
Class
Portland 2019
Exited
Merged/Acquired 2014 By Attensa Inc.
Founders
Ray King & Jay Westerdal
Overview
AboutUs is the wiki Internet domain directory.
Class
Portland 2010
Founders
Todd Lincoln, David Specht
Overview
Agaso specializes in data-intensive web applications, e-commerce, online publishing, customer data collection, and online directories.
Class
Portland 2002
Exited
Initial Public Offering 2021 On OTCQX
Founders
Kevin DeWhitt, Elizabeth DeWhitt
Overview
Agiliyx transforms waste plastic into refinery grade crude oil.
Class
Portland 2005
Founders
Jesse Grandkoski, Travis Parker, Paul Miller
Overview
AirBlaster designs products for snowboarders by snowboarders for the purpose of having fun.
Class
Portland 2005
Founders
Alan Miles
Overview
Heated garments that allow the user to remain warm and control their temperature with the AppWEAR app.
Class
Bend 2019
Exited
Initial Public Offering 2017 On NASDAQ
Founders
Mark Frohnmayer
Overview
Arcimoto designs and manufactures the world's first Fun Utility Vehicle.
Class
Eugene 2010
Exited
Acquired 2007 By FIS Inc.
Founders
Willie Koo & Frank Selker
Class
Portland 2000
Exited
Acquired 2016 By I Am Athlete LLC
Founders
David Embree
Overview
The world's first complete race platform powering the digital side of innovative races, registration through results.
Class
Portland 2010
Exited
Acquired/Recap 2021 By Penrith & Coote
Founders
Ashley Chase
Overview
Organic and gluten free, lightly sweetened with honey Oregon-based granola.
Class
Bend 2019
Founders
Mark Tipperreiter
Overview
The world's first self-assembling blanket lift that creates a "tent for the toes" to relieve the pressure of bed covers on the feet.
Class
Portland 2012
Exited
Acquired 2016 By North Star Games LLC
Founders
Grant Bernard
Overview
The hilarious, fast-paced card game that is great for all ages and group sizes.
Class
Portland 2013
Exited
Acquired 2018
Founders
Bryan Sims & Steve Sims
Class
Portland 2008
Exited
Acquired/Recap 2018 By San Francisco Private Equity
Founders
Junea Rocha & Cameron MacMullin
Class
Portland 2015
Founders
Avery Bloom, Dave Lowensohn
Overview
Honest, actionable business intelligence for retailers.
Class
Portland 2018
Exited
Acquired By Traffk Inc.
Founders
Chris Logan, Adam Greene & Randall Hansen
Class
Portland 2015
Founders
Jordan Gal
Overview
Products built to make your ecommerce business more successful.
Class
Portland 2017
Founders
Michelle Huggins
Overview
Creative cast covers that are the perfect solution to protect your clothes and cast all the while looking stylish.
Class
Bend 2019
Founders
Michele Davis, Jeffrey Davis
Overview
A gluten free, paleo, vegan dark chocolate and coconut experience.
Class
Portland 2019
Exited
Acquired 2015 By GreenRope Inc.
Founders
Lars Helgeson
Class
Portland 2000
Founders
Madison Page, Dr. Anni Sanner, Derek Schloss
Overview
A heart based approach to exercise.
Class
Eugene 2019
Exited
Acquired 2019 By Pacific Headwear Inc.
Founders
Derek Schloss
Overview
Kick Ass Hats. Better Adventures ™
Class
Eugene 2015
Overview
Cricket Flours crafts gourmet food products made from all natural and sustainable protein made from CRICKETS!
Class
Portland 2016
Founders
Jason Gorske & Adam Gorske
Overview
DIY Bar is a craft workshop meets bar.
Class
Portland 2020
Founders
David Embree
Overview
The DateNight app helps every couple discover and easily plan outstanding dates.
Class
Portland 2019
Exited
Acquired 2015 By Farm To Fit Inc.
Founders
Margot Feves
Class
Portland 2012
Exited
Acquired 2021 By
Founders
Matt & Aimee Gebarowski
Overview
The grading experts for builders.
Class
Portland 2004
Founders
Tommy Jedrzejczyk, Mark Roush
Overview
Scheduling and management software for real estate agents.
Class
Portland 2019
Exited
Acquired Divisionally 2016 By Uniguest Inc.
Founders
Josh Friedman & Andrew Yorra
Class
Portland 2003
Founders
Christine Callahan
Overview
An online bridal boutique for today’s plus size bride.
Class
Bend 2019
Exited
Acquired 2008 By Ellington Inc.
Founders
Juliette Fassett
Class
Portland 2007
Founders
Trista Okel & Michele White
Overview
Empower - The Gold Standard for Transparency & Quality
Class
Portland 2020
Founders
Chris James & Chris Stringer
Overview
Sustainability solutions for our planet.
Class
Portland 2001
Founders
Dan Hodges
Overview
Mastermind communications platform to assess needs, perspective and opportunities via an anonymous knowledge base.
Class
Bend 2019
Founders
Valerie Roth
Overview
Artisanal health tonics that improve the body's systems.
Class
Portland 2018
Founders
Loren Castillo, Megan Benedict
Overview
Portland's own healthy meal prep and delivery service. Part chef, part nutritionist, always delicious.
Class
Portland 2017
Founders
Ken Westin
Overview
GadgetTrak helps prevent laptop theft and secures your mobile devices.
Class
Portland 2008
Founders
Shana Gunson
Overview
Simple and all natural small batch skincare for every woman.
Class
Bend 2019
Founders
Takako Shinjo & Judy Tan
Overview
The original Japanese drinking vinegar company.
Class
Portland 2013
Founders
Vance Naegle, Cary Torkelson
Overview
Turning static images into 3D portals.
Class
Eugene 2018
Founders
Christian Rea, Tor Naerheim, Nate Kay, Jordan Sofro
Overview
The mission is simple. Good prints that do good.
Class
Bend 2019
Founders
Chris Maier
Overview
A growler cooling system, connected online to be a smarter, more efficient beer delivery system.
Class
Portland 2018
Exited
Acquired 2015 By HouseHappy Inc.
Founders
Scott Fouser
Overview
GruntWorks is the conduit between property owners and consumers in the home services lead generation business.
Class
Portland 2013
Founders
Sean Thorne
Overview
Helps students save money at their favorite campus bars and restaurants.
Class
Eugene 2014
Founders
Jennifer Ferguson, Jody Filkins
Overview
Activewear for women, helping them grab life by the handful.
Class
Portland 2018
Founders
Kateigh Williams, Pabel Delgado
Overview
Holistic skin nutrition through a new form of ingestible skincare.
Class
Eugene 2018
Exited
Initial Public Offering 2011 On NASDAQ.
Founders
Bill Lynch, Matt Tucker & Dave Hersh
Overview
Jive is the leading provider of enterprise collaboration solutions and customer communities.
Class
Portland 2005
Founders
Arron Barnes
Overview
Keto and paleo approved nutritious & delicious, superfood infused nut butters.
Class
Portland 2019
Founders
Chris Spencer, Gabrielle Sanders
Overview
Ice cream redefined with both the first commercially available keto ice cream and delicious low calorie ice cream.
Class
Portland 2018
Founders
Katie Brown
Overview
Timeless pieces of made-in-America clothing staples.
Class
Eugene 2018
Founders
Jose Gonzalez
Overview
Craft ciders blended in the spirit of traditional Mexican aguas frescas.
Class
Portland 2019
Founders
Chris Lee
Overview
The digital concierge platform for hotels and hospitality locations.
Class
Eugene 2018
Founders
Joel Siedenburg
Overview
See your customer's journey from digital to in person purchase.
Class
Portland 2019
Founders
Holly Rockweiler, Ryan Krone
Overview
The simplest, most natural & effective vaginal dryness tool.
Class
Portland 2018
Founders
Christina Aiyami Tom
Overview
Developing tools for the biomedical imaging of oxidative stress for disease identification to inform treatment.
Class
Eugene 2019
Founders
Veronica Lieberman, Andrea Tucker
Overview
Fashion technology company that turns inspiration into reality.
Class
Portland 2019
Exited
Acquired by FS&B LLC
Founders
Nathan & Kimmy Gustafson
Class
Eugene 2014
Founders
Donnie Gilman, Quin Trick, Robert Montgomery, John Friess, David Mullan, Rion Friess
Overview
Premium + Enhanced CBD + CBG + CBDV Consumer Hemp Line 'Reducing Or Replacing' Tobacco, Alcohol and Pharmaceuticals With Healthy Vices.
Class
Bend 2021
Founders
Brian Forrester
Overview
Midas Health helps big companies overcome talent shortages by using a.i. to generate and promote digital content.
Class
Portland 2019
Founders
Michael Williamson, Reid Paquet
Overview
Minimalist, multi-use outdoor gear.
Class
Portland 2017
Founders
Christine Janae - Leoniak & Michael Leoniak
Overview
Oomph makes cooking Easier, Healthier and Tastier.
Class
Portland 2020
Founders
George Huff & Steve Giannini
Overview
Opal is a marketing collaboration platform for brands.
Class
Portland 2013
Exited
Acquired 2015 By North America Bancard Inc.
Founders
Eli Alford-Jones
Class
Portland 2008
Exited
Acquired 2003 By Planar Systems Inc.
Founders
Kelly Rupp
Class
Portland 2002
Exited
Acquired 2018 By SOHR Performance & Nutrition Inc.
Founders
Kimberly Johnson
Class
Eugene 2017
Exited
Acquired By Anderson LLC
Founders
Tanya Barham
Class
Portland 2007
Exited
Acquired 2020 By Beaverton Food Co.
Founders
Karen Bonner & Shannon Oliver
Overview
Elevate your food.
Class
Eugene 2014
Founders
Steve Barham, Kevin Smyth, Paul Evers, Bobby Evers, Nate Armbrust
Overview
The future of cold brewed is upon us.
Class
Bend 2019
Exited
Acquired/Recap 2014 By Updata Partners LLC.
Founders
Jill Nelson
Overview
Your real, live virtual receptionist.
Class
Portland 2012
Founders
Kim Kinney
Overview
Converting broken outdoor gear into the new repair economy.
Class
Bend 2019
Exited
Acquired 2013 By SESAC Inc.
Founders
Paul Anthony Troiano
Class
Portland 2000
Founders
Sara Willis
Overview
Chef-inspired sauces, mixers, marinades & more delivered to your door.
Class
Eugene 2019
Exited
Acquired 2011 By HomeAway Inc.
Founders
Brent Hieggelke & Kerry Kelley
Class
Portland 2010
Founders
Christina Kekke, Kimberly Yannarrielo, Kim Thurman
Overview
The future of dance and pole fitness is Sekse Fit.
Class
Bend 2019
Founders
John Hayden
Overview
Real-time customer reviews via opt-in chat platform.
Class
Portland 2018
Exited
Acquired by Johnson & Johnson Vision Inc.
Founders
Travis Rush
Overview
Vision Care. Simplified.
Class
Portland 2016
Founders
Bradley Gauthier
Overview
Sitecast is a suite of configurable API’s to rapidly deploy web projects with ease.
Class
Portland 2015
Founders
Callie Christensen, Kelly Oriard
Overview
Cuddly creatures with intention.
Class
Portland 2018
Founders
Carrie Atkinson
Overview
The original creators, designers and distributors of fun and funky leg wear for the people.
Class
Portland 2008
Founders
Joey Jaraczewski & Andrew Ek
Overview
Do what makes you SOHR with the only protein shake made effective and delicious with organic hazelnut milk and 16g of plant-based protein.
Class
Eugene 2018
Exited
Acquired by Atheer Inc.
Founders
Milos Jovanovic
Overview
Bring your vision to life.
Class
Portland 2013
Founders
Liz Bohannon, Ben Bohannon
Overview
Sseko is direct to consumer ethical fashion brand that produces premium and custom leather goods, footwear and apparel that creates opportunity for women globally.
Class
Portland 2018
Exited
Acquired Divisionally 2016
Founders
Calden Carroll
Class
Eugene 2014
Exited
Acquired 2012 By DexCom Inc.
Founders
Chris Logan & Adam Greene
Class
Portland 2010
Founders
Matt Volm, Matt A-W, Matt Holland
Overview
Tali is your voice-driven productivity assistant that eliminates the friction from tracking time and automates the time entry process.
Class
Portland 2018
Founders
Galen Mittermann, Orion Matthews, Isaac Pino
Overview
Personalized digital thank you cards.
Class
Eugene 2019
Founders
Sarah Smith, Kevin Long
Overview
A Better Way to Search for Campgrounds
Class
Portland 2016
Founders
Janine Kurnoff & Lee Lazarus
Overview
The Presentation Company helps companies tell your story visually and virtually.
Class
Portland 2005
Founders
Nick Poggi, Lauren Schneider
Overview
To enhance lives through meaningful connections, learning and exploration.
Class
Portland 2019
Founders
Eli Alford-Jones, Anja Bump
Overview
Transforming walls and rooms into adaptable, ergonomic and efficiently-utilized spaces.
Class
Portland 2018
Exited
Acquired 2018 By United Language Group Inc.
Founders
Chanin Ballance & Dieter Waiblinger
Class
Portland 2000
Exited
Acquired 2015 By Berlitz Inc.
Founders
John Hayden, Miguel McKelvey & Zach Hoffman
Class
Portland 2000
Exited
Acquired 2014 By Yahoo Inc.
Founders
Todd Silverstein
Class
Portland 2012
Founders
Bryan Erickson
Overview
Providing IP lawyers with artificial intelligence tools.
Class
Portland 2018
Exited
Acquired 2008 By MediMedia Inc.
Founders
Mark Friess & John Friess
Class
Portland 2000
Starve Ups hosts a series of events designed to engage founders and broaden their knowledge and expertise. Many events are open to the public. You can learn more about upcoming events in our events calendar.
View EventsThe exclusive strategic partners work with membership companies to provide startup centric services, funding, and support that drives them forward in critical ways.
Principals
Rennie Dunn & Nathan Sasaki
Overview
Exclusive Commercial Real Estate Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2005
Principals
Chris Solomon & Scott Price
Overview
Exclusive Banking Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2013
Principals
Mark Ehl & Tim DeWolf
Overview
Exclusive Healthcare Benefits Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2018
Principals
Darcy McAllister
Overview
Exclusive Human Resources Consulting Partner
Partner Since
2018
Principals
Jerry Carleton & Heather Carleton
Overview
Exclusive Legal Counsel Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2015
Principals
Evan Dickes
Overview
Exclusive Certified Public Accounting Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2019
Principals
Margot Feves
Overview
Exclusive Event Space & Catering Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2013
Principals
Brad Gauthier & Rubie Tiburcio
Overview
Exclusive Technology Strategic Partner
Partner Since
2017
Starve Ups was founded in October 2000 by a group of first time founders, from seven Oregon-based startup companies, as Oregon's first startup accelerator. In attendance were the founders of what became the startups knowns as AssetExchange (acquired), CoolerEmail (acquired), eROI (now Thesis), Rumblefish (acquired), VIA (acquired), Versation (acquired), and wired.MD (acquired).
Starve Ups Eugene was founded in December of 2013 by a group of founders, from ten Oregon-based startup companies including: Arcimoto (Initial Public Offering), BT Biotech, Dyscover.me, Dune Sciences, Light Dance, Manage My Co-op (acquired), MxResearch, NemaMetrix (now InVivo Biosciences), Organik, and Red Duck Foods (acquired).
Starve Ups Bend was founded in April 2018 by a group of founders, from nine Oregon-based startup companies including: FIDO, Bird Seed (acquired), Covered 360, Ella & Oak, Genesi, Mason-re, Riff Cold Brewed Coffee, Rugged Thread, and Sekse Fit.
Starve Ups was created by founders, is run by founders, and is solely for founders. In turn, it is the end-to-end accelerator founders would ideally create. Here are some membership companies feedback on the value of the scalerator.
Carrie Atkinson
Founder
Sock It To Me
"The support from you as well as Starve Ups was vital to our success."
I wanted to let you know that we just hit the $10M mark for this year so far. The support from you as well as Starve Ups was vital to our success.
As you know, it can be very lonely as a founder, but support from a community of like minded people makes all the difference.
Thank you!! And thank you for continuing to put so much heart into the cause.
Lars Helgeson
Founder
GreenRope
Inc. 5000 Company
"To put it simply, we wouldn't exist today if it wasn't for Starve Ups."
As a founding member of Starve Ups, we were part of the initial exploration of whether or not other company founders could benefit from being connected to each other. To put it simply, we wouldn't exist today if it wasn't for Starve Ups. The relationships we forged, the lessons we learned from each other, and the long-lasting friendships have been the primary reason we grew from a couple guys with an idea to one of the most broadly used integrated CRM and marketing automation SaaS companies on the market.
When times were tough, I was able to share our struggles and get new ideas on how to solve problems. As we grew, the feedback we received from other founders kept us away from the many pitfalls that come with growth. Knowing we could talk to other businesses about how to best use resources and how to deal with potential investors kept us alive. We learned how to build a positive, cohesive, data-driven culture, and Starve Ups was a primary driver behind that metamorphosis into a "real" company.
Molly Rogers
Founder
Lola's Fruit Shrubs
"I wouldn't be in business today if not for the support from Starve Ups. "
My time as an entrepreneur has not been easy. It has been a journey of personal growth, growing into the role as CEO by letting go of self doubt. Being in a group of people who have made or are making this journey means the world to me.
It lets me know I'm not alone, and it demonstrates that making dreams materialize is possible. Beyond demonstrating the possibility Starve Ups brings tools to the table to work on each members' business.
Being a part of this group, community and network are so fundamental that I wouldn't be in business today if not for the support from Starve Ups.
Willie Koo
Co-Founder
AssetExchange
Acquired by Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE: FIS)
"We knew with absolute certainty that we could rely on each other."
There were at least 3 times I was absolutely prepared to quit, but changed my mind after attending Starve Ups meetings. Every gathering was cathartic, educational, and most importantly, it was filled with tenacity and encouragement.
Even though the other company founders had no stake in mine, they all supported me as if they did. The initial Starve Ups members were a family.
We knew with absolute certainty that we could rely on each other. To walk away would have meant walking away from family, not just my venture. I couldn't do that.
Kevin Long & Sarah Smith
Co-Founders
The Dyrt
" Like no other organization I've ever experienced, Starve Ups continues to...serve up very critical moments when needed most."
Succeeding with a startup is dependent on being able to piece together enough game changing moments, that continue to move your startup to the next level.
The Dyrt would not be experiencing our current success without the Starve Ups led founder-to-founder conversations and the Starve Ups led fundraising networking.
Like no other organization I've ever experienced, Starve Ups continues to consistently and naturally serve up very critical moments when needed most.
Rob Coons
Co-Founder
Scout Military Discounts
"I can honestly say that Scout Military owes its existence to the Starve Ups community."
Starve Ups' peer mentoring exceeds any level of community we've seen from coworking spaces, incubators, accelerators, and investment funds.
They've been there before (or are going through it currently), and they don't require the sugar coating that many stakeholders need. The specific attention paid to your unique situation is second to none.
I can honestly say that Scout Military owes its existence to the Starve Ups community. During our darkest time, they gave us their time, expertise, and experience to steer us through our challenge.
Tanya Barham
Founder
Recess
Acquired by Cheri Anderson
"After more than a decade in Starve Ups I can conclusively say…that it is real."
The candor, support, successes, failures and life experiences we all share as entrepreneurs is a valuable form of emotional insulation from the extreme pressure cooker that is entrepreneurship. After more than a decade in Starve Ups I can conclusively say that while the value is difficult to articulate in a bullet list, that it is real.
A sense of community and the momentum that can help a person or entity maintain is rare and difficult to sustain for as long as Starve Ups has managed. I'm honored to have been a member, board member and emeritus member of the Starve Ups community and am grateful for the inspiration and support I've been lucky to have given and received there.
Scott Fouser
Co-Founder
Gruntworks
Acquired by HouseHappy
"From my first founders happy hour, I was never in a bubble."
Over the years, the passionate, enthusiastic, caring, supportive and frikkin smart Starve Ups entrepreneurs have consistently added value through problem solving, opportunity exploration and encouragement.
When it came time to explore an exit, the insights gained through real conversations about personal and financial objectives, with having different optics than me, resulted in a more much satisfying exit than it started out to be.
From my first founders happy hour, I was never in a bubble.
David Embree
Founder
Athletepath
Acquired by imATHLETE
"…the amount you will learn from others' successes, and stumbles will shock you."
Starve Ups helps entrepreneurs and founders who commit to the community...the amount you will learn from others' successes, and stumbles will shock you.
Starve Ups is a community that ensures nobody has to make the same mistake that somebody else has endured and learned from – which means that together you can benefit from each others' successes and accomplishments.
Some times you're avoiding pitfalls, sometimes you're taking the "express tunnel" you wouldn't otherwise have known about. And all along the way – and this is important – you have the genuine support of your fellow Starve Ups entrepreneurs.
Kris Akins
Founder
Charlie Curls
"No one is a founder unless they've stepped off an edge…Starve Ups is Founders."
Starve Ups are Founders. No one is a founder unless they've stepped off an edge, believed enough in a dream and themselves to risk everything. Founders enter a cutting edge world and cutting an edge means meeting terrifying situations and make or break decisions, almost always without all of the resources readily at hand; decisions that affect family, investors, maybe even the world and definitely the heart of the person making the decision.
Starve Ups are people who've felt the exhilaration, yet the fear. When my path seems erratic, necessitating new choices every few steps, yet an electrifying force is driving me forward, it is only founders who can truly understand the dynamics. Starve Ups is Founders.
Margot Feves
Founder
Dinner At Your Door
Acquired by Farm To Fit
"Starve Ups has provided me consistent guidance...a huge part to creating, building, and then selling my first company."
The life of an entrepreneur can feel unstable; however, the dynamic group within Starve Ups has provided me consistent guidance. Since 2009, I have had the opportunity to meet so many like minded individuals willing to offer feedback, support and friendship.
These connections were a huge part to creating, building, and then selling my first company. As I complete the 4th profitable year of my second company I am certain my experience with in the StarveUps community encourages my continued success.
Milos Jovanovic
Founder
SpaceView
Acquired by Atheer
"I couldn't have finished the SpaceView acquisition without the crucial help from Starve Ups."
Starve Ups stands out as the most valuable peer group. The group was supportive in ways that only fellow founders who had no monetary gain tied to my success could. Understanding, encouragement and help on the highest level.
They were there for me in every step of the way, especially when times got hard and everyone one else gave up. I couldn't have finished the SpaceView acquisition without the crucial help from Starve Ups.
Michael Williamson
Co-Founder
MINIM
"Starve Ups community is constantly feeding us both as a startup and as individuals."
Whether it is a planned event, one-on-one meeting, or working at HQ, the Starve Ups community is constantly feeding us both as a startup and as individuals. Interacting with other founders who genuinely desire to make a difference with MINIM has helped us in almost every aspect of the business.
Although the community has helped us improve our product offering, optimize our business model, and provide a clearer growth path, the most significant impact Starve Ups has made is with our brand itself. MINIM's "more from less" ethos can be contributed not only to our personal experiences as outdoor enthusiasts, but the Starve Ups community as a whole. And for that, we are incredibly grateful.
Shannon Oliver
Co-Founder
Red Duck Foods
Acquired by Beaverton Food Co.
"Starve Ups is the ultimate connector…and the lessons learned have been invaluable."
Starve Ups is the ultimate connector. We've met so many other great companies that have been open and willing to share their knowledge, network, challenges, and solutions. Nobody has any clue what they're doing when they first start a business and to have access to people who are a year or two ahead of us that have shared their experiences and lessons learned has been invaluable. There are just some things you can't Google an answer to and the peer to peer aspect has been amazing.
Starve Ups is more than simply creating space and time for founders to connect though. Starve Ups also connects startups to the people and resources that will help build their businesses. We've had questions or needs that our peer network may not necessarily have answers for and there is no shortage of connections to the people, companies, and resources that can help drive us forward.
Lastly, we know that as we continue to grow and build our business we'll encounter challenges (and excitement) we never even imagined. It's truly great to know that no matter what comes along, we're tapped in to a vast network of people who'll be able to help us to reach our goals.
Sam Pardue
Founder
Indow
"I have found Starve Ups to be instrumental to Indow's rapid growth."
I have found Starve Ups to be instrumental to Indow's rapid growth. I always enjoy the peer networking and advice. I try to make it to every Hot Seat that I can, not only because I love helping other entrepreneurs, but also because I can learn so much from my fellow CEOs as they go through key inflection points on their own journeys.
Starve Ups has also been exceptionally helpful for our fundraising. We met our Series B lead investor, William Hambrecht, at the first Starve Ups Venture Community event. Indow subsequently received $100,000 from a fund we connected with through Starve Ups networking.
I highly recommend Starve Ups to every start up CEO. It's a great community and it's fun!
Ben West
Co-Founder
Spark
"Starve Ups is a prepackaged set of amazing people that love startup so much, they help other people with their companies too."
I think the toughest thing about startup is that you don’t know what you don’t know. Experience is something gained over time by living through something.
Starve Ups is composed of an amazing set of first-time entrepreneurs and experienced serial entrepreneurs that love what they do. Spark is my second company in the Starve Ups community; the first time was so valuable, I had to do it again. Everyone wants seasoned professionals around them when pursuing something.
Starve Ups is a prepackaged set of amazing people that love startup so much, they help other people with their companies too. It gives us all energy to help others and watch the group grow as people, and as a set of companies. It can be tough out there, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Phil & Jessica Fraser
Co-Founders
IDT
"What an amazing community Starve Ups provides to us founders...nothing short of remarkable."
What an amazing community Starve Ups provides to us founders! The introductions that are made to other founders (new and experienced alike), startup friendly companies, and investors are phenomenal and the help that comes from the community is nothing short of remarkable.
Whether it’s getting through the day-to-day hustle, major corporate issues and everything in between, there are always multiple people there to prop you up or provide you with the guidance you need. Our company would not be in the great position it is today without our membership in Starve Ups.
Matt Beaudet
Co-Founder
InVivo Biosciences (Formerly Nemametrix)
"I would not be where I am today without Starve Ups and I do not think I will be able to get where I need to go without them as well."
Starve Ups means never feeling like you are doing it alone. I started a Biotech company and… there are not many of those in Oregon. But in the end it was not the biotech side of the business that was the struggle - it was all the other stuff. And while it was not instantaneous - Starve Ups did become that network of close friends and colleagues that I could turn to when I was struggling.
Struggling with how to hire someone I could not afford. Struggling with raising my first investment. Struggling in the early days when sales were… flat. Struggling with reconciling my own ambition with the pain of a startup.
It was not so much that the Starve Ups members have the right answers. It is more that they, as peers, understood what I was going through and the weight of those struggles. They had experiences and stories of their own struggles. No magic answers but a heap-ton of critical guidance on what worked for them (and what did not). I would not be where I am today without Starve Ups and I do not think I will be able to get where I need to go without them as well.
Sensi Graves
Founder
Sensi Graves Swim (Formerly Sensi Graves Bikinis)
"I am continually inspired and re-motivated to take my business to the next level. And with Starve Ups help, I am able to do so."
The best thing about Starve Ups is the connections that you make with fellow entrepreneurs. The networking is invaluable and extremely helpful.
I am continually inspired and re-motivated to take my business to the next level. And with Starve Ups help, I am able to do so.
Kimmy Gustafson
Co-Founders
Manage My Co-Op
Acquired by FS&B LLC
"Starve Ups founders refused to let me quit and instead helped us find a way to sell the company instead."
I can remember my first Starve Ups meetings like it was yesterday (it was four years ago). It was a quarterly catch up where we all shared what our biggest victories and struggles of the past quarter were. Listening to a fellow female founder share her worries about making payroll, getting her product actually on shelves, and manage her small warehouse was profoundly altering. I knew in that moment I wasn’t alone. We all went on to help her problem solve her way through her hurdles with advice she couldn’t have found anywhere else.
Since that meeting I have been coached and mentored through my own struggles as a founder. When we had reached the limits of our abilities, and I was ready to burn the company to the ground, fellow Starve Ups founders refused to let me quit and instead helped us find a way to sell the company instead. Simply having this community meant the difference between a wind down and an exit.
Jordan Gal
Co-Founder
CartHook
"A genuine environment of trust, combined with unfiltered access to founders at all stages of the startup lifecycle. "
Starve Ups has been an instrumental part of our success as an early stage software company. There's a world of advice and best practices available on Twitter and various startup blogs.
But there's nothing like being surrounded by a group of fellow founders going through the same journey in real time. That's what Starve Ups provides in a very unique way. A genuine environment of trust, combined with unfiltered access to founders at all stages of the startup lifecycle.
Over the past year, I've needed, and received, specific actionable help on hiring, customer success, fundraising, pricing, and marketing strategy. The value is incalculable, but I have no doubt it's made a material difference. Also, it helps you stay sane, which, it turns out, is essential.
Jody Filkins
COO
Handful
"Sharing this journey with others in Starve Ups has given us confidence and energy to push ourselves to be the best company we can be."
Starve Ups has connected us with an eco-system of support, energy and intellect. The entrepreneurial world is amazing, but it isn’t easy. You have to like the roller coaster – full of ups and downs.
Starve Ups has thoughtful, smart and hard working members that help lift you when you’re down and help hold you when you’re up. We have found mentors and partners. We are encouraged and pushed. We grow. Building a company can be lonely.
Sharing this journey with others in Starve Ups has given us confidence and energy to push ourselves to be the best company we can be.
Chris Fontenot
Founder
A Cajun Life
"It’s like a brain trust on steroids. Thanks Starve Ups for already helping us take our business to the next level! "
In the short time since becoming a member of Starve Ups, we have received invaluable insights, guidance, recommendations and more both from our peer group as well as mentors and partners. Being a founders only organization provides a unique environment for founders to express the ups and downs, successes and challenges of our respective businesses, without the feeling of being judged or facing repercussions for stating what we all really want to say all in a value added, reciprocated way. The community and lasting relationships created by this structure are for sure unique to Starve Ups.
In our case specifically, we have already received guidance and referrals/introductions for an open capital raise as well as direction for a potential acquisition we are exploring. On the flip side, having the ability to give/receive direct feedback from peers provides additional viewpoints into our business from perspectives we likely wouldn’t have otherwise had or at least without paying for it.
During our regular peer group meetings, conversations are had across multiple industries ranging from tech, to clothing, to food, and more with each bringing unique challenges to the table that we all collectively help troubleshoot. It’s like a brain trust on steroids. Thanks Starve Ups for already helping us take our business to the next level!
Katie Brown
Founder
Katie Brown LA
"I am so grateful and wouldn't be here today, were it not for Starve Ups."
Starve Ups came to me via Mark Frohnmayer, founder of Arcimoto. He highly recommended it and explained that one must apply to get in. I have participated in other accelerators and similar groups. They all bring something to the table as far as what they offer and I am grateful for all of those experiences! I applied and got in to Starve Ups. I started going to the events and I was struck by something: every single time I met up with the group, in whatever configuration, for whatever purpose, I walked away feeling like I had just received a serious vitamin B shot.
I am a serial entrepreneur, having started seven ventures. My current company is a clothing company - but it's WAY more than a clothing company. I want to start a revolution around conscientious consumerism, less is more, inclusivity, environmental awareness, slow fashion, high quality - timeless basics made in the USA.
Being a founder of a startup is incredibly intense, rewarding, hard, lonely, exciting, challenging, thrilling... Starve Ups has been, without question, my main lifeline. It has helped me in my darkest moments. The people have inspired me, supported me, encouraged me and rallied! And, it is my hope, that I have given this back to them. This is my entrepreneurial family and I am incredibly loyal to this family.
I am now on the board of Starve Ups and I couldn't be more honored to be a player in taking Starve Ups all the way to the stars. We genuinely support one another in this AMAZING pursuit - this thing called being a founder of a startup. I am so grateful and wouldn't be here today, were it not for Starve Ups. Thanks, guys, from the bottom of my heart.
Dan Hodges
Founder
FIDO
"Thank you for creating and building such a needed force in the business building business."
Being able to share best practices, challenges and opportunities with a group of like minded entrepreneurs is something anyone starting a business needs to do. As a fourth time founder who has participated in other accelerators, I found this group dedicated and engaged. I also found the terms of engagement "spoke to me" as they focus on your personal success knowing the halo affect takes care of everything else. It's an altruistic, "let's all be successful" endeavor. Thank you for creating and building such a needed force in the business building business.
Kelly Oriard
Co-Founder
Slumberkins
"Knowing that the model was created by founders for founders allowed us a level of trust and transparency that we would not have had anywhere else. "
Starve Ups has been an essential part of our success at Slumberkins. As two educators turned entrepreneurs we did not have a community of peers until we connected with the Starve Ups community.
Knowing that the model was created by founders for founders allowed us a level of trust and transparency that we would not have had anywhere else. This allowed us to grow faster, make smarter decisions and find the right network of investors, mentors and strategic partners. We feel so lucky to be part of an innovative group that is changing the game for founders.
Richard Geiger
Co-Founder
Dune Sciences
"Starve Ups to me personally, to my company, is like the Force to a Jedi!"
Starve Ups to me personally, to my company, is like the Force to a Jedi!
It is just freaky, the number of times I have gotten exactly the right bit of advice or encouragement from other founders. It just boggles the mind. Whether, it was at Launch Pad, quarterly catch-ups, M&A breakfasts, or just a quick call and coffee with another founder, Starve Ups has been a life saver for our company.
No matter the product or service you are creating with your company, there is a smart, dedicated member of your start up family to help connect you to someone, pump you up or just let you vent so you can get back at it. Knowing what I do now... I would start a company just to hang with the amazing group of people that are Starve Ups... may the force be with you!
Christina Kekke
Co-Founder
Sekse Fit
"Starve Ups founders are open, honest, and will fight for you and your company..."
At our very first Starve Ups meeting we knew this was going to be the team to help us launch our brand. The camaraderie, genuine interests, and generosity of sharing of knowledge and connections from founders who have had success in exiting as well as many learning experiences, aka failures, from which they have gained a wealth of knowledge that they pass down to us, makes us feel very fortunate.
Starve Ups founders are open, honest, and will fight for you and your company—plus they feed you! Joining Starve Ups gave us the insight and knowledge to help us strategize and think big.
We are very grateful that they are here to pick us up when we are feeling defeated or exhausted. They always hold the light at the end of the tunnel, plus we always get a good laugh at every meeting!
Jon Ewalt
Founder
RoasterTools
"Peer to peer mentoring flat out works, and I can't recommend Starve Ups enough. "
Starve Ups is like a second family that's along for the ride during my startup journey. A family of fellow founders, who get the struggle, the highs and the lows that come with building a successful startup. But they aren't just along for the ride.
Your peers in Starve Ups will challenge you, pushing you to move beyond the day to day struggles to achieve more. It's everything from the nitty gritty to mindset, from the daily struggle to keeping your aware of the bigger picture.
Peer to peer mentoring flat out works, and I can't recommend Starve Ups enough.
Valerie Roth
Founder
Fire Brew
"I love everyone in the group and am grateful to have them on my team."
Starve Ups has given me a community of entrepreneurs to lean into when times get challenging and also a group with whom I can celebrate my company's victories, both big and small!
Everyone understands the ebbs and flows of building a business and it's comforting to know that a group of likeminded, super determined (and maybe a little crazy) individuals have my back, especially when I feel like no one else does! I love everyone in the group and am grateful to have them on my team.
Michele Davis
Co-Founder
Cocacao
"We attended Launch Pad and felt like we had found our people. "
When we found out about Starve Ups we wanted to see what it was all about. We attended Launch Pad and felt like we had found our people. It was so nice to be around people who understood no sleep, being stressed, and having a dream. Our own family does not understand how we are feeling while trying to launch a company.
We were accepted to be part of the 2019 class and we were so excited! Since joining we have found friends who understand us. We had fellow cohorts jump in and help at an event when we were understaffed. We have had help preparing for our first pitch at an event. We can reach out to any member of Starve Ups and they are there to help even when they are so busy with their own companies.