Ithaca, N.Y. — Four local startups have moved into Ithaca’s Carey Building as “Rev: Ithaca Startup Works” — a downtown hub for the region’s entrepreneurial community — officially opened on Monday.
Slated to appear at the ceremony were the presidents of all three local colleges: Carl Haynes of TC3; Tom Rochon of Ithaca College; and President David Skorton of Cornell.
“Located in the heart of downtown Ithaca, Rev will provide workspace, mentoring and resources to member companies – as well as programming and events that support entrepreneurship to the public regardless of membership,” a statement from Cornell said.
“Companies can take advantage of abundant available commercial and office space downtown, and will be eligible for tax incentives through New York State.”
The project is moving forward with four startups. It has received $1 million from the Empire State Development Corporation over the past year, according to WHCU Radio.
Incubator Coordinator Alec Mitchell and Executive Director of Regional Economic Advancement at Cornell Tom Schryver were also scheduled to attend.
The businesses are:
1 — Give Gab
Founded by a Cornell graduate from Scranton, Pa., GiveGab “is the social network dedicated to helping volunteers and nonprofit organizations find each other in their local communities,” a press release from Cornell said.
Its website states: “GiveGab helps my friends and I find fun, local volunteer opportunities, plus keep track of our efforts in order to create a volunteer resume. Volunteering helps me develop the skills I have, learn new skills and make new friends.”
2 — Push Interactive
According to Ithaca College, “Push Interactive (is) a software program that makes consumer location tracking and interactive experiences available to retailers at a low cost.”
A university press release says of the company: “Austin Shoecraft, CEO and co-founder of Push Interactive, graduated from Ithaca College and has won awards for custom apps that allow mobile phones to know exactly where they are, and allow any number of different businesses to beam content that is relevant to a user.”
“Accurate, calculated and closely managed traffic placement is paramount to expanding your reach,” its website states.
3— Ship Index
Peter McCracken, CEO and president of ShipIndex.org., “started this open online database with his brother to make researching any maritime vessel easier and more effective than ever,” a press release stated.
4—Audiarchy
Jake Reisch created Audiarchy to “deliver the perfect volume and clearest sound to everyone,” according to a press release.
Reisch recently told the Cornell Sun that the university fostered his interest in startups.
“Cornell has a unique convergence of world-class schools in not only engineering, but also agriculture, hospitality and business — this leads to businesses in a range of areas,” Reisch told The Sun. “Our company designs and develops audio technology for group listening.”
REV Ithaca Startup Works opening Great work @TomSchryver @cornell @IthacaCollege @TC3_official #rev #twithaca pic.twitter.com/sXGXL13X9Z
— Jennifer Tavares (@jentavares) September 22, 2014
Take your first look at the new collaborative space for startups in Ithaca @RevIthaca @IthacanOnline #twithaca pic.twitter.com/R9yMe3MPvI
— Sabrina Knight (@SabrinaAKnight) September 22, 2014