Outdoor groups launch Catapult OR Accelerator

BOULDER — A group of outdoor-oriented companies and organizations have joined forces to launch a first-of-its-kind accelerator to serve the outdoor industry.

The Catapult OR Accelerator has been launched by Boulder-based Active Interest Media, the Outdoor Industry Association, ICELab @ Western and Moosejaw and will be open  to outdoor-industry startups throughout the United States.

The accelerator is a 12-week intensive program focusing on product and service-based startups positioned for growth. Only three teams will be accepted into the 2019 program. Finalists will split time between the ICELab Campus in the Gunnison Valley and at AIM headquarters in Boulder. Teams will have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and develop new strategies, and are provided the tools to ramp up quickly.

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“AIM is thrilled to partner with ICELab, OIA, and Moosejaw to bring a first of its kind accelerator to the outdoor industry and to Colorado,” Sharon Houghton, managing director outdoor for AIM, said in a written statement. “It is truly an honor to develop a program that helps innovators “catapult” their visions to the next level.”

Applications for Catapult are open until Jan. 15, with candidate selection taking place in late January. Successful applicants must already be staged for or selling product or services to customers. All participating teams will showcase final pitches during the 2019 Boulder Startup Week and have the opportunity to participate in a booth at both the 2019 Summer and Fall Outdoor Retailer Shows.

Based in Boulder, with offices in Washington, D.C., the Outdoor Industry Association is the a trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA serves 1,300 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation.