The world needs great technology to solve important problems.
We believe that this is only possible through successful collaboration between startups and enterprises.
VENTURE FUND & STARTUP LAB
ABOUT US
Upward Lab creates pathways for established enterprises and startups to work together and solve important problems. We are an active matchmaker between startups and enterprises ensuring effective communication, efficiency, trust and successful collaboration.
Since its inception in 2018, Upward Labs has grown to 36 portfolio companies, 50+ enterprise partners, 70+ successful pilots and commercializations and $150 million in capital raised by our portfolio companies. Upward Labs has worked hand in hand with leading Fortune 500 organizations including UBS, Travelers, The Hartford, Carrier, Aetna/CVS, Cigna, Stanley Black and Decker, HSB/MunichRe, Fairstead and more and has cemented its reputation in startup ecosystems around the world as an engine that can help fastrack promising startups into the U.S. and deliver immense value to our partners.
HOW IT WORKS
Upward Lab’s partners share their most pressing problems and promising growth opportunities with Upward. We then leverage a proprietary global scouting network to source innovative startups ready to solve the problem and drive growth. The most promising startups are selected and engage directly with partners in a fast faced forum design to explore promising use cases, POCs and commercialization opportunities. Upward Labs acts as a vital bridge between all parties and seamlessly orchestrates collaborative sessions designed to ensure a productive relationship.
VALUE FOR PARTNERS
Solve
Challenges
Solve your most pressing challenges and drive growth by leveraging bright, fresh and innovative thinking from a hand-picked group of global startups
White Glove
Service
Receive a white glove,
turn-key service that will empower your internal innovation and business development teams and amplify their access to innovation without overspending
Avoid
Waste
Save time and effort by using a highly experienced intermediary to conduct due diligence, coordinate sessions and feedback, and assist with key issue resolution
Network
Access
Network, share insights and strategies with non-competitive Partners and innovation teams that are part of the Upward Labs network
VALUE FOR STARTUPS
Valuable
Relationships
Guided by Upward Labs, startups in the Lab are introduced to established and successful Partners. Partners and startups are given the opportunity to engage with one another and explore the most viable use cases and/ or proofs of concept as a basis for commercialization.
End-To-End
Support
Upward Labs serves to bridge the gap between our startups and Partners. We manage the entire process from priority identification and introduction through to selection and engagement. We help our startups establish relationships and take their products to market by providing guidance, templates, and trainings for use case/POC creation.
Extensive
Feedback
Open and transparent feedback is shared throughout the life of the program, helping position a startup competitively in the market. Upward Labs facilitates all communication throughout the program, ensuring that feedback is relevant, constructive, and timely.
Network
Access
After the first successful challenge with a Partner, Upward Labs continues to foster new relationships between our startups and a vast roster of Network Partners across the US ensuring maximum exposure and opportunities for sustainable, long-term growth.
TESTIMONIALS
Michael P., Co-Founder and CMO
CleanAir
There is nothing else like Upward Labs out there. First, the structure is just so well done - it isn’t all about learning. Upward recognizes that we have businesses to run, so we’re not overloaded with classes, etc. Second, corporate partners are actually engaged. You get to interface with the executive team, not just the innovation manager who is looking for new tech for the sake of new tech. We’ve experienced incubator-style programs in Silicon Valley, which was undoubtedly a cool experience, but the corporate buy-in just wasn’t there. Upward Labs delivers on their promise of meaningful dialogue with key partners versus the traditional ways of accelerator-thinking in which you simply make a pitch and hope that it leads to something.
THE TEAM
SHANA SCHLOSSBERG
CEO
JOHN SANTOLERI
CIO
GREGORY FLYNN
Program Director
RACHEL DANTESS
Scouting Director