RAMP Cohort Profile: REALMS

As we look forward to welcoming our Spring 2021 Cohort in a few weeks, we look back at one of our 2020 successes: REALMS.

Led by Yibo Zheng, REALMS is a retail-based social media engagement platform which strengthens the relationship between the vendors, customers, and their local community.

“Do enough market research and if the results tell you that you need to pivot, do it quickly and decisively,” says Zheng. He credits his mentor, John Schott, with helping his team focus on the current tasks and helping inspire confidence to prepare for the long run.

Zheng’s advice to any aspiring entrepreneur, but especially those about to enter RAMP’s intensive 12-week cohort: “Treasure this opportunity, learn from the coaches as much as possible, and try your best to extend your network.”

RAMP’s Spring Cohort will focus on health science and life science startups who will receive expert mentoring, free office space, access to VC and angels, and other resources from our corporate and municipal partners like Virginia Western Community College, City of Roanoke, and Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.