As we close out an extraordinary year, we’re reflecting with deep gratitude and even deeper ambition.

2025 was the year Escape Velocity went from concept to reality. From a bold idea to a functioning accelerator model, deeply rooted in Connecticut yet globally relevant. What started as a vision to reshape how innovation ecosystems work has quickly become a magnet for founders, partners, and changemakers.

What We Set Out to Do

We launched Escape Velocity with one clear mission:
To build a new kind of commercialization engine, one that brings capital, talent, technology, and community together to support founders.

We didn’t want another accelerator. We wanted a platform one that is founder-first, powered by mentorship, infused with technology and built in collaboration with the people and institutions who care most about our region's future.

What We Accomplished in 2025

1. Founders Came First

We opened our application process and received dozens of inspiring submissions from startup teams across sectors, from health tech and clean energy to manufacturing innovation and consumer products.

We held our first event during Hartford's Innovation Week, with hot seat sessions, advisory roundtables, and a community gathering... all centered on giving founders real traction and access, not just feedback. Together we showcased the power of momentum. It was standing-room only. It was personal. And it was just the beginning.

2. Escape Velocity Became a Movement

The response from the innovation ecosystem has been overwhelming. What began as a spark quickly became a rallying cry for:

• Entrepreneurs seeking a path forward
• Investors looking for new deal flow
• Cities ready to be part of the next chapter of economic growth

3. We Built the Engine

Behind the scenes, we spent 2025 assembling the infrastructure to support scale:

• Established operations at The Hartford Club – A physical space for innovation, media, and community
• Designed a high-touch, high-discipline accelerator model that pairs $100,000 investment with deep advisory and partnership support
• Curated a world-class advisory network of investors, operators, technologists, and creatives

Special Thanks to Our Founding Partners

We could not have made this happen alone. Escape Velocity was co-created with incredible partners who believed in the vision early and showed up with commitment, creativity, and capital.

A heartfelt thank you to:

• Trinity College – For providing space, support, and thought leadership as we launched
• AdvanceCT – For exploring ways to align at every stage
• MacArthur English – For early sponsorship and belief in the mission
• DNA Marketing – For building the Escape Velocity brand, story, and launch campaign
• Umergence - For helping us build Escape Velocity's thesis an plan for future rounds of investment
• Every mentor, founder, and supporter who joined our working sessions and shaped this into something real

Where We Are Now: Downselecting Our First Cohort

As we close 2025, we are in the final stages of selecting the first set of startups for our pilot cohort, which will launch in March 2026.

These founders won’t just receive capital, they’ll gain access to a system designed to accelerate traction, enhance visibility, and prepare for next-round fundraising with real momentum.

Each startup will have:

• $100,000 investment (performance-based)
• Custom growth plans powered by advisory support & enhanced by technology
• Visibility through events, media, and curated investor exposure
• Access to workshops, partnerships, and operational firepower

What’s Ahead in 2026

We’re just getting started. Here’s what’s next:

• Launch Cohort 1 and begin documenting the founder journeys
• Expand our partner network
• Host more community pitch nights, innovation summits, and community roundtables
• Explore national & global partnerships while staying deeply rooted in Connecticut

Escape Velocity Is Personal

Every founder story we heard this year had one thing in common: a personal connection to the problem they’re solving. And that’s true for us, too.

Escape Velocity is more than a platform. It’s a belief that the future is built by people who dare to go further and that we have a responsibility to give them the fuel to reach escape velocity.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

We can’t wait to build with you in 2026.

Let’s Go.

The Escape Velocity Team

(Rob, Jax, Danny, Mike, Dave & Tim)