Fueling design-driven startups

Currently on hiatus, The Design Accelerator was established in partnership with California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Idealab to help startups grow by merging great design, cutting-edge technology and business strategy to spur innovation.

Startups are selected based on their ability to demonstrate the value of human-centered design in support of advanced technologies, and the potential to disrupt the marketplace. 

By virtue of the institutions and people involved, The Design Accelerator sees many talented early-stage entrepreneurs with truly significant ideas—which translates into great opportunities for everyone involved. In addition to accelerating the creative capacity of ArtCenter and Caltech alumni, The Design Accelerator pulls a large number of early-stage entrepreneurs from across Greater Los Angeles. 

Advisors work closely with each of these entrepreneurs over an extended period, focusing on customer discovery and concept validation, ultimately investing in a select few. By making investment decisions based on a long pre-investment period, we’re able to see the entrepreneurs in action long before we put significant capital at risk, maximizing the potential for success.

Recent startups include:

– Acuity Press
– Anomaly 
– Helynx
– Khora
– Live Love
– Metamason
– Raw Science

While ArtCenter retains its interest in some of these early startups, The Design Accelerator is currently on hiatus as the College develops other entrepreneurial initiatives. ArtCenter students and alumni interested in entrepreneurial opportunities are invited to explore current Humanities and Sciences courses in business and professional practice, Career and Professional Development workshops for students, and educational programs like BOLD: The ArtCenter Symposium for Creative Entrepreneurs.

If you have any questions about The Design Accelerator, please email the Marketing and Communications Department.