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Ford collaborating with several startups from 2016 Techstars Mobility
to enhance navigation, connectivity and ride-sharing initiatives
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Working with Spatial, HAAS Alert and Cargo signals Ford’s continuing
efforts to foster the startup community through research and business
development
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2016 marks another successful year for Techstars Mobility; program
offered 12 startups financial sponsorship and three months of
mentorship to help them gain footing
Company Website:
http://corporate.ford.com/
DEARBORN, Mich. -- (Business Wire)
Imagine an in-vehicle navigation system that uses human-driven, social
media data such as most-photographed areas and food truck locations to
build an interactive map. Or a world where advanced notifications warn
drivers of approaching emergency vehicles. Or one in which ride-share
vehicles double as convenience stores, enabling passengers to buy common
items in the car without having to make an extra stop.
These scenarios could become reality as Ford Motor Company collaborates
with three 2016 Techstars Mobility startups – Spatial, HAAS Alert and
Cargo – to pursue next-generation mobility solutions.
“The possibilities are endless when you combine the experience and
influence of a storied company like Ford with the energy and innovation
of these inspiring startups,” said Bill Coughlin, president and CEO,
Ford Global Technologies. “This year’s Techstars Mobility program has
truly exemplified that, and we’re thrilled to continue working with
Spatial, HAAS Alert and Cargo.”
Spatial
is a Cincinnati-based company that provides a dynamic, human-driven
layer of social intelligence to create mapping and navigation.
Chicago-based HAAS
Alert is a connected notification platform that warns motorists when
emergency vehicles are approaching. And Cargo,
a New York-based in-vehicle general store, helps ride-share drivers
cater to passengers.
The three companies were among 12 selected for the three-month
mentorship, which culminates today with Techstars Demo Day at Detroit
Opera House. The program helps accelerate each business and fuels
partnership opportunities across the automotive industry. Each received
$120,000 in funding, along with intensive guidance on business
development, customer acquisition, developing relationships within the
auto industry, and support from top business leaders.
Techstars Mobility, a Ford-sponsored initiative now in its second year,
was designed to further the automaker’s mission to enhance
next-generation mobility solutions while helping startup companies get
their footing in business.
“We came into Techstars confident in our technology, but still searching
for a better, more impactful application,” said Lyden Foust, Spatial
CEO. “No question, our product would not be where it is if it weren’t
for the future-facing mindset of the Ford mentors.”
Like HAAS Alert and Cargo, Spatial will continue working with Ford to
advance the automaker’s mission to enhance smart mobility. Spatial
blends human-driven data such as social media content with
machine-assisted analysis to impact how people use maps – allowing
travelers to “navigate like a local anywhere on Earth.”
HAAS Alert aims to create intelligent traffic solutions by providing
emergency vehicle data to drivers. The Ford-supported pilot program is
launching in metro Detroit.
“Working with Ford gives us access to critical automotive applications
and allows us to use our data to assist in the connected car and
autonomous vehicle space for communication in mobility,” said Cory Hohs,
HAAS Alert CEO and cofounder. “It also allows a collaborative
environment for Ford, to learn from the product work the HAAS team is
already doing in many different markets.”
Cargo strives to enhance the ride-share experience for both drivers and
passengers. Cargo kits, sent directly to ride-share drivers who purchase
them, are stocked with products on-the-go passengers commonly want –
such as snacks. Passengers benefit from the convenience of in-vehicle
items, and drivers benefit from the supplemental income.
As a result of the ongoing collaboration with Ford, both Spatial and
HAAS Alert will relocate some operations to the Detroit area.
About Techstars
Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring
new technologies to market wherever they choose to live. With dozens of
mentorship-driven accelerator programs and thousands of community
programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world’s most
promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey, from
inspiration to IPO. Techstars provides access to tens of thousands of
community leaders, founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners,
allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and Do More
Faster™. Techstars supports every stage of the
entrepreneurial journey – from early stage grassroots community
development to more formal opportunities that provide education,
experience, acceleration, funding, and beyond. For more information,
visit www.techstars.com.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford
Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company
based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 67 plants
worldwide, the company’s core business includes designing,
manufacturing, marketing, financing and servicing a full line of Ford
cars, trucks, SUVs and electrified vehicles, as well as Lincoln luxury
vehicles. At the same time, Ford aggressively is pursuing emerging
opportunities through Ford Smart Mobility, the company’s plan to be a
leader in connectivity, mobility, autonomous vehicles, the customer
experience, and data and analytics. The company provides financial
services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information
regarding Ford and its products worldwide or Ford Motor Credit Company,
visit www.corporate.ford.com.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and
video, visit www.media.ford.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160908006234/en/
Contacts:
Ford Motor Company
Alan Hall
313.337.9618
ahall32@ford.com
Source: Ford Motor Company
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