Wanted: 15 seed-stage companies for new DC accelerator program

GP Tech Labs, an accelerator based in downtown D.C., announced last week that it is accepting applications for its inaugural class.
By participating in the 9-12 month program sponsored by Gardner Prescott Technology Ventures, the chosen early-stage SaaS, ecommerce or technology companies will have access to the space as well as mentoring opportunities, in exchange for future equity investment rights.
“Gardner Prescott receives a discount on future investments in exchange for the office space and services we provide,” said Gardner Prescott CFO Ben Lieblich in an email. “For startups that initially fail to achieve liftoff, we have mentoring and other resources available to help turn around their market positioning.”
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Gardner Prescott already invested in nine early-stage companies since it was formed last April. In December, it launched its first portfolio company: Nicely, an app that aims to facilitate “random acts of kindness,” CEO Whitney Jones explained in an email.

We are seeking companies that address a well-defined market pain point with a next generation solution.

“We price our treats at affordable rates, use products made by [seven] small local (D.C. area) businesses, and offer free same-day delivery,” Jones said.
In January, Nicely opened up an online store. “I had it developed because my mom is the least tech-friendly person I know and she just could not figure out why she couldn’t use the app on the computer (ha!),” Jones said. It now offers nationwide delivery, too.
Nicely plans on running regular charity campaigns, and donates leftover products from the last season to Miriam’s Kitchen, an organization that serves healthy meals to the homeless. In December, it launched the #BeNice campaign, donating $1 on every transaction, plus matching contributions from Gardner Prescott CEO Peter Dodge, to Food and Friends, an organization that delivers meals and other services to people suffering with AIDS or HIV.
Now, Gardner Prescott is ready to expand its potential portfolio through the GP Tech Labs, which launched earlier this year. “Most of our companies are at the seed stage in their financing, and we are looking for a healthy mix of pre-revenue businesses and those that have already achieved a certain level of market validation, said Lieblich. “We are seeking companies that address a well-defined market pain point with a next generation solution.”