City-focused startups: Conscious Venture Lab opened applications for its next cohort

Conscious Venture Lab will be back in West Baltimore later this year.
The accelerator program is opening applications for startups in a cohort that will begin in August.  According to CVL Founder Jeff Cherry, the program is seeking startups around the theme of resilient cities. Some examples of technology could include data analytics, connected devices and blockchain, but the problems they’re addressing are also important.
“Issues such as high unemployment, overtaxed civic infrastructure, intractable violence, and food and water shortages are making city living difficult,” Cherry said in a statement. “We are looking for companies that can improve the way we provide services in cities, and find new ways to use technology.”
The most recent cohort wrapped up in February with a demo day. This year’s iteration will be the second after the program moved to the city from Howard County. It relocated to West Baltimore in partnership with Innovation Village, and last year the organizations opened space at Baltimore City Community College. Around this time last year, Cherry and Joe Mechlinski announced a partnership to form Shift Ventures, which backs Conscious Venture Lab and social-minded startups.
Up to ten startups will be picked for this cohort. According to its website, the accelerator invests $50,000 for eight percent equity.
Apply by June 17
The 12-week cohort includes a curriculum and mentorship on building a business. According to a release, mentors will include former Shinola President Jacques Panis, Motley Fool CEO Tom Gardner, Conscious Capitalism author Raj Sisodia and University of Virginia Institute for Business in Society Director Ed Freeman.