Local software startup BoostUp has landed a spot in the 2015 class of
REach, a tech startup accelerator program in Chicago.
The startup, which is based in downtown Detroit's M@dison Building, plans to leverage the 8-month-long accelerator program to further its reach into the real-estate industry.
"It's a huge opportunity for us to connect with real-estate agents and brokers," says John Morgan, founder & CEO of
BoostUp. "It should really open up some doors for us."
The REach accelerator program is a part of the
National Association of Realtors' strategic investment arm,
Second Century Ventures. BoostUp beat out hundreds of other applicants for its spot in the program. It will have access to workshops, conferences and networking opportunities within the real estate industry.
BoostUp’s online platform helps users to save money for the down payment on a house or car. It lets the user tell their family and friends about their goal through social media and gives them an option for people to donate toward that cause in the form of birthday or holiday gifts. The platform also offers a dollar-for-dollar match option with its brand partners, such as Hyundai and Quicken Loan.
"We started out with an automotive focus," Morgan says. "Now it's cars and homes."
BoostUp spun out of Synergy Marketing Partners and is one of the portfolio startups of Detroit Venture Partners. The 2-year-old startup currently employs a team of four plus a couple of summer interns. It has hired two people (a marketing manager and a product manager) over the last year and is looking to hire two more now.
Source: John Morgan, founder & CEO of BoostUp
Writer: Jon Zemke
Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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