AlphaLab Unifies Accelerator with Core Curriculum to Support Entrepreneurs Across Sectors

PITTSBURGH--()--Innovation Works, one of the most active early-stage investors in the country, has unified its nationally-ranked AlphaLab accelerator to better reflect the needs of entrepreneurs. After extensive research with alumni founders, AlphaLab has developed a new core curriculum built on customers, capital, and community, vital pillars of starting and scaling a successful business.

AlphaLab is one of the nation’s first 10 accelerators and a founding charter member of the Global Accelerator Network. Originally launched in 2008, AlphaLab is consistently ranked as a leading accelerator and has grown across several sectors to support more than 250 startups that have collectively raised over $1.3 billion in follow-on funding.

Previously, AlphaLab programs in the software, hardware, robotics, and life sciences sectors operated independently and with different curricula. Sector-specific expertise is now offered as tracks within a new, unified curriculum that provides an intensive focus on market-facing skills from customer discovery to founder-led sales and pipeline building; hands-on practice with fundraising and the impact of financing on capital structure and outcomes; and an on-site cohort experience to facilitate meaningful mentorship and life-long relationships. Unlike other accelerators, which offer commoditized content or have shifted to a remote model, AlphaLab invests in a best-in-class experience to shift the odds in the founder’s favor.

“This unification celebrates AlphaLab’s rich history while positioning it for the future,” said Aaron Tainter, Director of Accelerator Programs at Innovation Works. “Our tracks are aligned with the needs of founders building complex solutions and the strengths of the Pittsburgh region. By uniting them under one experience, entrepreneurs can trust that they will get the resources they need from AlphaLab.”

AlphaLab is one of the many factors that make Pittsburgh a leading tech hub. According to the 12th annual IW-EY Investment Landscape Report, the region saw unprecedented growth in venture investment in 2023, with regional technology companies raising over $3.12 billion, a 203% increase over 2022. Home to world-class institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, the region routinely ranks among the top 10 tech cities as a leader in sectors like robotics, artificial intelligence, and life sciences.

“AlphaLab is forging new ground with a distinctive model that puts founders first,” said Ven Raju, President and CEO of Innovation Works. “We are deeply committed to supporting founders in a holistic manner with a foundational curriculum, domain-specific expertise, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and access to expansive networks. Our overriding objective is to help ensure the success of our founders and their companies by providing a world-class accelerator experience in one of the top tech hubs in the country.”

Visit the new alphalab.org to learn more about AlphaLab’s tracks, success stories, and application opportunities.

About AlphaLab
AlphaLab helps startups find customers, capital, and community. Established by Innovation Works in 2008 as its first accelerator, AlphaLab offers six-month programs that include capital investments and customized guidance from a staff of entrepreneurs. Across its industry-specific programming, AlphaLab has invested in more than 250 companies, leading to $1.3 billion in follow-on funding, over 20 exits, and two unicorns. Learn more at alphalab.org.

About Innovation Works
Innovation Works is one of the most active early-stage investors in the country and the most active in Pennsylvania. Since its inception of the seed fund in 1999, Innovation Works has invested in over 760 companies that have gone on to raise $3.3 billion in follow-on funding. Portfolio companies have generated and retained over 20,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. Innovation Works is part of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners network, which has catalyzed economic growth over the last 30 years by providing access to capital and networks that help foster innovation and technology-based economic development in Pennsylvania. Learn more at innovationworks.org.

Contacts

Gretchen Weaver
Innovation Works
gweaver@innovationworks.org

Lexie Capperella
Gregory FCA for Innovation Works
lexie@gregoryfca.com

Contacts

Gretchen Weaver
Innovation Works
gweaver@innovationworks.org

Lexie Capperella
Gregory FCA for Innovation Works
lexie@gregoryfca.com