US-based publishing services provider Ingram Content Group launched an accelerator called 1440 yesterday that will seek out 10 startups for a 14-week programme beginning in September 2015.
1440, named after the year that Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, will provide participants with $30,000 in seed funding each in return for a 10% stake.
The accelerator will offer startups mentorship from Ingram Content’s team as well as access to the expertise of the Nashville Entrepreneur Centre and its accelerator, Jumpstart Foundry.
Applications for the accelerator are open until August 7. Ingram has placed no restrictions on startups apart from the fact that they need to be focused on the publishing industry, where they may focus on any element, including customer service or distribution.
John Ingram, chairman and CEO of Ingram Content, as well as chairman of Nashville Entrepreneur Centre, said: “At Ingram Content Group, we pride ourselves on constantly looking for innovative technologies and ideas to help our customers improve their business.
“We are excited to collaborate with the Entrepreneur Centre and Jumpstart Foundry to advance the publishing industry.”