UCI Applied Innovation Wayfinder startup iNK, a web-based and mobile application for networking and events, was recently selected to join the Veteran Founder Lab Program, an exclusive three-month accelerator program for veteran-led startups.
A part of the Founder Institute’s Veteran Founder Initiative, the Veteran Founder Lab Program will provide iNK with funding and scaling support from the Founder Institute, the world’s premier pre-seed startup accelerator, and Vet-Tech, an accelerator for veteran-led startups. Support will include free programming and resources as well as hands-on acceleration assistance.
“We are honored and excited to work with everyone involved while being able to grow and give back to the veteran community,” said Jon Shower, CEO of iNK.
Shower, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, started the venture to meet the demands of the increasingly fast-paced networking landscape. With time being more valuable than ever, iNK – which stands for integrated Networking Kiosk – allows users to network in less time and with less effort. Due in part to its streamlined approach to networking and its unique features, like the ability to create events and allow attendees to interact in real time, the app has seen over 8,000 connections made and its user base is growing at roughly 30 percent month over month.
“In today’s hyper connected world, it is increasingly difficult to keep up with people and opportunities that matter. iNK is helping busy professionals cut through the noise, find real opportunities and build meaningful relationships through its digital networking app,” said Ryan Micheletti, director of global operations at the Founder Institute and co-founder of Vet-Tech, in a press release.
To learn more about iNK or to sign up, click here.