10 Companies Needed to Change the Face of Logistics
Dynamo, a first-of-its-kind accelerator program opens applications to companies in the $1 trillion logistics industry to change the face of supply chain management with entry into its accelerator program, now accepting applications through May 8, 2016.
Based in Chattanooga, TN, the up-and-coming technology hotbed whose Innovation District and economic incentives for startups and tech companies are a model to other cities, Dynamo was conceived to be a disruptive force to drive logistics industry change.
Dynamo is being led by logistics veterans Ted Alling, Barry Large and Allan Davis who are current partners in Chattanooga-based venture incubator Lamp Post Group and who started Access America Transport and grew it to a multimillion dollar company in 10 years.
Former Techstars managing director Jon Bradford will serve as Dynamo’s entrepreneur-in-residence, helping to mentor the young companies.
“Transportation and logistics is a blue-collar industry, still relying on aging technology and infrastructure, that has been overlooked by venture capital for decades, which presents Dynamo with the perfect storm,” says Ted Alling, managing director of Dynamo.
“More freight passes through Chattanooga, TN, every day than any other metropolitan area in America. As a result, Chattanooga has become a major logistics hub for the eastern United States, with large-scale shippers, carriers, warehousers, barge operators and rail yards in our backyard.”
Dynamo is inviting young companies in the logistics space to apply for its unique accelerator program.
Are You Ready For Us?
Whether it be moving mountains or freighting goods cross-country, hustle is what drives us. That’s why we are on the hunt for entrepreneurs and teams with similar blood in their veins.
We know the foundation for any successful business idea is you and/or your team. That’s why Dynamo is searching for the top industry innovators and startups, the ones who scream excitement, are committed to change, and have a hunger for more.
The Goal?
Push forward the lagging logistics industry to create efficiencies and faster business results with technologies and practices ranging from the “Internet of things” and robotics to big data, drones and beyond.
Company applicants selected to participate in Dynamo will need to have at least one founder based in Chattanooga during the business week throughout the three-month program, which runs from July 6 to October 4, 2016. Businesses at the early stages of their development, pre-seed through series A, within the logistics, transportation, and supply chain industries are encouraged to apply.
“Dynamo has put together an amazing crew of mentors and partners from the transportation and logistics industry, including the original founders of Access America Transport, who built a business with over $400 million in revenue and sold it to Coyote,” says Dynamo entrepreneur-in-residence Jon Bradford.
“With my accelerator experience personally running 10 programs, including, most recently, Techstars London, we have created a world-class accelerator that can truly change the logistics industry for the better.”
Sibling to the accelerator program, Dynamo’s $12 million early stage fund will evaluate opportunities with logistics businesses that may not fit the criteria for the accelerator but share its mission to enact change within the logistics industry.
“The Dynamo accelerator and the fund are managed by separate entities, but will share resources and work together to create the most comprehensive funnel of transportation and logistics companies in the world to make meaningful lead investments in top-performing companies that come through the accelerator,” says Alling.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the Dynamo backers hope their program will help attract top technology talent to the more industrial side of distribution, which has a reputation for being old-fashioned and resistant to change.
“Programmers right out of school are not wanting to get into this industry. Let’s be honest. They’d rather go work for Amazon, Facebook, or someone like that.” Dynamo Founder, Ted Alling.
This is Dynamo, This is Happening
We at Dynamo are excited to formally announce the launch of our accelerator and the open application period for our inaugural cohort.
At Dynamo, we know the logistics and supply chain industry. It’s who we are. Our roots are firmly planted in the “Dynamo of Dixie”, Chattanooga, Tennessee- a logistics and transportation hub.
And that’s just the beginning of our story. Dynamo’s managing directors are the founders of Access America Transport, which was among the fastest growing logistics and transportation companies in the country, merging with Coyote Logistics in 2014.
Access America’s exit is the largest exit in Chattanooga history to date. Since that historic merger, Ted, Allan and Barry have founded Lamp Post Group, a venture incubator in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where they have invested early stage startups, most with a focus in logistics and tech. We’re talking about: Bellhops, Ambition, Steam Logistics and Reliance Partners.
And lucky for us, logistics is where the big ideas are happening right now.
Don’t Agree?
Think Uber, Lyft, Postmates, drone technology, driverless cars, and much more. These technologies are simplifying complex processes and improving our lives. But the job isn’t done yet.
Read: New Crowdsourced Delivery Models Pose Serious Challenges to UPS, FedEx, and USPS Monopolies
There are ample opportunities for improvement in this field, which is where Dynamo steps in. We are ready to merge logistics and tech and bring this industry into the future, and we want the best startups in the world to join us.
To do this, we are approaching this industry on two fronts. Through the development of early-stage startups through our accelerator program and by investing in startups too mature for the accelerator.
For our accelerator, we are offering a personalized 12-week curriculum for each of our teams. With help from the strong partnerships we have established and the guidance of our elite mentors, we are giving our teams an unmatched level of mentorship and resources. These aren’t just names on a paper. Our mentors will offer real-world value that you can’t get anywhere else.
We aren’t just another accelerator. Dynamo isn’t simply fitting the mold. We are creating a new one. Dynamo has organically grown from our experiences and values and is the obvious next step in the evolution of this industry.
And above all else, Dynamo believes in people. The Dynamo team and our collaborators are what set us apart, just like your team and your startup. This is why, first and foremost, we are looking to support passionate, determined and talented teams to advance this $1.5 trillion industry. Whether you have a prototype or are in the neighborhood of raising a Series A, we can help.
If you think you have what it takes, we urge you to Hit. The. Button. and Apply for Dynamo 2016. And if you’re a bit mature for our accelerator, reach out to us at our fund.
We’re doing this. Jump on board.
Source: Katlyn Whittenburg - (Katlyn on LinkedIn)
About Dynamo
Dynamo is a logistics, supply chain and transportation accelerator program and early stage fund in Chattanooga, TN. Industry veterans Ted Alling, Barry Large, and Allan Davis, who started Access America Transport and grew it to a multimillion dollar company in under ten years, are leading the Dynamo team and will mentor and accelerate 10 teams via the three-month intensive program for logistics companies that are trying to change the face of the industry. Dynamo welcomes applications from businesses in any stage of development within logistic spectrum through May 8, 2016 and welcomes opportunities to discuss logistics companies that are interested in the fund.
Related: ‘Out of the Box’ Logistics Startups Challenge Traditional Supply Chains
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