Meet the Cohorts: Spring 2022 Accelerator Programs

At PSL, we aim to amplify the stories and founders that are innovating, emerging and growing in Philadelphia. Learn more about the founders who were selected to join the Ethical Entrepreneurship and Cannabiz Accelerator Programs.

According to data released by the Census Bureau, 2021 saw an incredible 5.4 Million businesses established—1 million more than the previous year’s record-breaking numbers. As you know, PSL is running two simultaneous accelerator programs this Spring. We’re proud to introduce the Spring 2022 Cohorts, and the innovative entrepreneurs behind them.

Over the next 10 weeks, we look forward to supporting and guiding the founders through critical elements of growth: from mission, vision and customer discovery to the final pitch.

PSL is constantly iterating its programming, and this year is no exception. We are thankful for our expert partners who assisted in developing the curriculum, and will introduce new subject matters, a targeted network of investors and expert service providers, and opportunities for collaborative learning.

We pride ourselves on creating an individualized experience for each founder, catering to their exact stage in business and their specific needs. As with all of our programs, we could not do it without the unending support of our community. Read on about the founders below:

The Founders: Cannabiz

Tsehaitu Abye

Black dragon breakfast club

The mission of BDBC is to change the perception of cannabis through disruptive marketing practices, community outreach, and engagement advocacy.

The Philadelphia CannaBusiness Association

We’re Pennsylvania and Philadelphia’s first, Black-owned nonprofit of entrepreneurs who seek to R.E.P.A.I.R the damage done by cannabis prohibition.

Skunk City

Skunk City is a membership-based company that promotes cannabis culture through curated events & experiences.

NEKKTAR

NEKKTAR is building cannabis accessories that transform how we carry and store cannabis safely, discreetly & with style.

Adrian Dean II

Folia

The elevated subscription box for an elevated experience

Joint Joint

Making bodies happy with the healing power of hemp.

the herbal rubik’s cube

Dedicated to educating and expanding the knowledge of holistic treatment approaches, nutrition and herbal compliments for wellness, based on scientific and clinical research.

69&&Sunny

69&Sunny is a modern schoolhouse for self-exploration. We provide supportive spaces for artists, activists and creative entrepreneurs to expand their ethos and lead their communities with soul-driven purpose.

cannister

We aim to build out a product line that allows commercial and or home growers to store kolas on the stem for optimal curing and trichome preservation

name to be determined

Looking to start a cannabis accessory business, specializing in items to improve and elevate the smoking experience.

Interested in speaking or mentoring? Fill out this form here and we'll be in touch

The Founders: Ethical Entrepreneurship

MetroDAo

METRODAO is an app-based solution for complex decision making processes in public-private partnerships, utilizing blockchain technologies and incentivized civic engagement strategies.

jeannie stith

Color Guru

Color Guru analyzes your hair, skin, and eye color to match you with your ideal color palette for clothing and makeup.

algasci

Harmful algae blooms kill people, pets, and the economies worldwide. AlgaSci creates harvesters to clean up these blooms and restore waterway, humans, and economic health.

Evan harden

National Bar League

National Bar League is a competitive and educational calisthenics platform that raises awareness for holistic wellness while creating and demonstrating the benefits and uses of public fitness spaces in underserved communities.

Grativerse

Grativerse is a wellness platform that helps you grow through the power of a social gratitude practice.

Empact Data solutions

Empact Data Solutions is a public benefit social enterprise that works collaboratively with stakeholders to develop social impact tools that allow for effective collaboration, tracking, and analysis of information to empower their impact!

Virginia Nguyen

Xí Xọn

With Xí Xọn, I hope to create a safe space and provide resources for self exploration and pleasure and promote radical self-love.

Urban Curb Appeal

Urban Curb Appeal is an enhancement company that stages the exterior of a home before it goes on the market.

A Look at What’s Ahead

These 10-week programs meet virtually each week on Tuesday evenings, between March 8th and May 10th. Each week, we’ll welcome expert industry speakers, mentors and investors to highlight the aspects of the curriculum that are most critical to our founders at this stage of growth. Additionally, we’ll ensure that each founder has the chance to network with their fellow cohort members, and work together to circumvent roadblocks in the process.

On Tuesday, April 12th, we will host the programs’ Lightning Pitch Night, where founders will have the chance to present a 5-minute pitch and hear feedback from local investors, founders and PSL community members. This session marks the halfway point through the Founded in Philly accelerator, and the opportunity to receive critical feedback ahead of fundraising.

We welcome investors to join in on our Pitch Night to provide valuable feedback. If you are interested in participating in this and other Pitch Nights, please fill out the short form below and we will be in touch.

I'm an investor interested in getting involved

Next: Meet our Keynote Speakers & Mentors

Our keynote speakers donate their time and energy to support the founders each week with a presentation in their area of expertise. They provide insight, identify opportunities for progress, and guide founders as they move into the next phase in their business. In our next blog, we’ll introduce the keynote speakers and mentors who bring the curriculum to life.