Why should you enter the incubation program?

• The cream of the crop — We accept only ventures with the best prospects, so joining our incubator shows potential investors that your venture has potential.
• Intensive, ongoing assistance — You will receive one-to-one attention from an experienced team, day in and day out.
• Links to capital and service providers — We help you identify funding options as well as link you with service providers who specialize in meeting your needs.
• Specialized UMass facilities — Our incubator focuses on life science high tech, and social impact. The university has the facilities and equipment — and expertise — your venture needs.

What is our track record?

Our program has been operating since May 2009. There are seven companies in residence, two life science companies, one information technology company, three software firms and one venture advisory firm. One of the firms received investment after only two months in the program. You are welcome to ask our member companies how the program has accelerated their progress.

What is our graduation policy?

We expect our partners to graduate within three years. Most will have made sufficient progress within one year.

What are our qualifications?

The current team has successful P&L experience in organizations large and small. Our Entrepreneur in Residence is a 25 year veteran of venture capital backed start-up companies. All spend most of their time on-site to assist partners. The staff actively engage in professional development activities or professional associations with other universities, industry and government in the Boston area.

Do you meet the program’s criteria?

Partners participating in the program are encouraged to engage with faculty and students to enhance the entrepreneurial culture within the university. They may hire student interns, collaborate with faculty or participate in funded university programs. The university environment fosters innovation.

What are the workspace options?

The VDC offers a range of options to meet the needs of start-up and emerging companies. If you are just exploring, start with a location for occasional business meetings. Then when you are ready to make a full-time commitment, move to your own desk in the cowork space or a private office. As you grow, lab and office suites are available. All options feature the savings of ready-to-use, state-of-the-art start-up workspace available on a month to month basis.

Is the program’s fee structure right for you?

Our attractive all inclusive package features high quality fully furnished office, lab and meeting facilities; business services including security, utilities and shared copy, scan and fax equipment; and technology services including telephone, Internet, videoconferencing, and secure rack space for development servers. The package features one-to-one business mentoring focused on getting to market and investment; recruitment of interns; university expertise; and participation in our network of entrepreneurs, investors, and service providers focused on the start-up market.

Are you prepared to make the commitment?

We expect to meet with you periodically to guide you through the process of business description, unique value proposition, market definition, competitive landscape, business model, test marketing, funding options, and financing presentation.

How do we compare to other incubators?

We are distinguished by providing one-to-one business mentoring, day in and day out, which accelerates time to investment and market when you are starting up. Plus, we are truly plug-and-play. You are spared the expense of building out infrastructure or buying expensive furnishings or equipment. In most cases, you can get to work right away. We think we offer the best value in Boston.

Ready to get started? Contact us with specific questions or to arrange a meeting: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).