CEO of Instagift, Nate Schmidt, leads Birmingham Techstar program

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Birmingham, are you ready to lead the way in technology innovation? Your startup could benefit big time from the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator and there’s no one better to lead the way. Applications are open now until April 5.

Wait, what is the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator?

Do you know how Birmingham has kind of been killing the game lately when it comes to technology and new ideas? Techstars is part of that boom. It’s a global organization mentoring tech startups and providing resources for them to succeed.

“Alabama Power is honored to be a part of bringing Techstars to Birmingham.

We feel it is an opportunity to impact innovation efforts in a positive way throughout the ecosystem – corporations, universities, local startups and other tech growth centers.

We are excited about having a partner in Techstars to bring their worldwide network of entrepreneurs to our city and state to help us continue building on the strong tech foundation that has been established over the years.”

Alan Bates, Alabama Power Project Manager

It strengthens the state’s and Birmingham’s growing reputation as a place for innovation among tech and energy. Now, Alabama Power and its partners have joined the game with its 2020 inaugural class, the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator. The 13-week program is led by Nate Schmidt.

Birmingham mover and shaker Nate Schmidt leads the Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator

If you didn’t instantly recognize Nate Schmidt’s name let me give you two more words: Birmingham Originals. Yep, he’s founder and CEO of Instagift and will be using his experience to lead the Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator program.

Ten years ago I took my company through @techstars Seattle. Today I’m so excited to announce my role as Managing Director of the Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator. Applications are open! @alabamapower https://t.co/pjwiSPvj4p

— Nate Schmidt (@n8sch) January 30, 2020

Nate will be leading the Alabama EnergyTech team in the heart of downtown, the Denham Building. With Monday Night Brewing set to open in Parkside this April, there couldn’t be a more perfect spot for tech entrepreneurs.

Why Nate is the best man for the job

He benefited from the Techstars program and now sits on the other side of the table as managing director. I can’t claim to know much about technology, but I can definitely tell you the Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator picked a great mentor for its program.

Here are a few things Nate’s been up to, in addition to Instagift:

• He was a judge for Alabama Launchpad and assisted in making decisions that awarded $400k to local tech startups.
• Nate helped launch the Velocity Accelerator in 2016 at Innovation Depot.
• He founded startups Preptix and Deal Co-op.

How can my startup get involved?

Want to be part of this awesome adventure? Fill out an application before it’s too late.

• Deadline to Apply: April 5
• Program Starts: July 13
• Demo Day: October 7

The application process doesn’t end until April, so right now Nate is spending time talking to potential teams.

“Hearing the startups’ ideas and how they plan to execute them is a lot of fun, but what I’m looking most forward to is getting our teams into the Denham and digging in.

I love the process of taking early stage companies to market, and can’t wait to do whatever I can to help our companies grow.”

Nate Schmidt

More about Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator

The Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator is an intensive, 13-week program. It not only invests money in the startups, but also connects them to the entire Techstar world—one you’ll want to be a part of if you’re involved in the tech world.

Alabama Power partnered with Techstars along with additional support from the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) and the Alabama Department of Commerce. The partnership is a pretty big deal considering Alabama Power is Techstars’ first electric utility partner.

The program focuses on these areas:

• Smart cities
• The “internet of things”
• Industrial electrification
• Connectivity
• Electric transportation

Don’t forget to apply and join The Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator with Alabama Power.

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