New Year, New Happenings at RAMP
2024 is off to an impressive start as RAMP, the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program, welcomes a new director, unveils a new look and a new website, and is looking for entrepreneurs for the Spring 2024 Cohort.
RAMP is part of the Verge alliance, which also includes the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, established to grow the region’s innovation economy.
RAMP Hires New Director
John Hagy, managing director of the Carolina Angel Network, the University of North Carolina’s early-stage investing organization, came on as RAMP’s new director on Jan. 8.
Hagy brings a unique mix of experience to RAMP. Before becoming involved with investment, he was a business development director at a geospatial intelligence startup, a strategy consultant at Deloitte, and an intelligence officer with the CIA.
“RAMP has built an unmatched reputation as a champion for entrepreneurs and companies in Virginia’s growing technology and health and life sciences sectors and ultimately for the ideas and innovation so critical to the region’s economy and job base,” he said. “I am excited to join the team and helping to continue this forward momentum.”
“Our region is lucky to have someone with John’s experience to help accelerate tech startups,” said Erin Burcham, President of Verge. “Not only does he understand the needs of young companies, he’s got insight into how to help them generate funding and build foundations for prolonged success.”
New Brand and Website
RAMP just launched a refreshed brand identity, including an updated logo and website that captures the motion of activity that happens within RAMP’s mentoring and training and showcases the people and accomplishment of its programs. The refreshed look and feel, made possible through the generous support of Buzz4Good and LeadPoint Digital, also will align RAMP with the branding of Verge and the RBTC.
The effort will include a new tool kit for alumni of RAMP’s mentoring programs that includes a badge alumni can add to their websites and other resources to help them to share their RAMP experiences with their communities.
More Staffing News
Jessica Dunn was recently promoted to RAMP’s Program Coordinator. She’ll be working with entrepreneurs on programming and working with in-residence cohorts.
Sarah Spotswood is moving into an Alumni Relations role, where she will work with companies who have completed the RAMP program.
Spring 2024 Cohort
Applications are open through Feb. 11 for RAMP’s in-residence cohort for spring 2024. Open to entrepreneurs in the technology and health and life sciences sector, the 12-week program provides access to expert mentoring that covers the world of business knowledge, $20,000 in equity-free funding, office space in downtown Roanoke plus membership to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, GAN, Virginia BIO and the Shenandoah Club. After completing the in-residence program, entrepreneurs receive an additional three years of ongoing support through Exit RAMP.
RAMP offers the in-residence program twice a year with an average of five technology and biotechnology-focused Virginia companies accepted for each cohort. Since 2017, RAMP has accelerated 48 companies that have gone on to raise more than $28 million dollars in working capital while supporting jobs in the region.
Learn more about the RAMP in-residence program and apply here.