R/GA and Techstars Launch "Connected Devices" Accelerator

NEW YORK, Aug. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today R/GA, the world's most award-winning digital agency (www.rga.com), announces the first agency-based accelerator program of its kind, focusing on startups that are creating physical products and connected applications. Techstars, the #1 startup accelerator in the world (www.Techstars.com), will power the program with its proven mentor-driven methodology.

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The R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator, powered by Techstars, will be housed on the R/GA campus in New York City. The agency's world-class expertise marrying art, technology, design, product development, and marketing will be leveraged for the initiative.

The program aims to serve the growing list of startups in the "Internet of Things" space that are developing connected mobile apps, hardware, products and services. R/GA's Accelerator program is unique in that startups will have access to an R/GA-dedicated services team that will provide design, branding, and engineering services such as prototype development, logo design, and marketing campaign strategy. Each accepted team is eligible to receive up to $120,000 in funding.

"The Internet has spilled out beyond the standard screens we have grown accustomed to (like desktop and mobile), and has extended into devices, objects, and hardware. We don't see this as a passing fad, but as something that is quickly becoming a part of our everyday lives," says Brad Feld, Foundry Group managing director and Techstars co-founder. "The timing is right to create an accelerator in this space, considering the increasing amount of startup energy devoted to connected devices."

Participants in the program will have access not only to the far-reaching Techstars mentor network, but also to mentors from R/GA's thought leaders and global network of clients.  Program teams will be led through the rigorous Techstars process. At the end of the program all 10 companies will present to investors, media, select R/GA clients, and industry leaders, first at an invite-only launch event in Austin, TX during the 2014 SXSWi festival and then during a private Demo Day in NYC.

"R/GA has a long history of working on groundbreaking products, services, and communications for some of the most innovative companies in the world. We believe that our expertise in branding, design, and technology can positively impact the startups accepted into the accelerator," said Bob Greenberg, R/GA's Founder, Chairman and CEO. "We can help these startups succeed and create opportunities for them to work with our clients."

Applications to the R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator will be accepted starting on August 19^th through October 11^th. Selected teams will be notified on November 8^th. The startups accepted into the R/GA Accelerator will be announced in late November, and the Accelerator will kickoff in NYC on December 2^nd. For more information about the accelerator go to www.rgaaccelerator.com and for up-to-the minute details follow us on Twitter at @rgaaccelerator.

About Techstars
Techstars has built the top startup accelerator on the planet by focusing on the top 1% of applicants and surrounding them with the top 1% of mentors and startup investors. Now Techstars is working with brands like R/GA to power corporate accelerator programs that drive PR, learning, ecosystem, and business development opportunities.

About R/GA
R/GA is a full-service agency that transforms the way people interact with brands. Founded in 1977, R/GA has been heavily awarded for its work in film, television, and digital, including online and offline, across mobile, retail, social, technology, and creative. With its continuing legacy as an iconoclast in the world of communications and marketing, the agency has more than 1,200 employees globally and offices across the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia-Pacific. R/GA is part of The Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG), one of the world's largest advertising and marketing services organizations. For more information on R/GA, please visit us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE R/GA