FIRE Accelerator Demo Day 2023

At Demo Day, the Erie community had the chance to hear from the 2023 cohort of the FIRE Accelerator. Over the last several weeks we have been working hard to fine-tune their pitches, working through a curriculum designed to prepare them for investment and growth. We are proud of the growth they have already achieved and are excited for the last leg of the program focused on connecting the cohort with local businesses to establish partnerships and pilot opportunities. 

The sixth annual FIRE Accelerator Demo Day was held at the Erie Art Museum celebrating the cohort graduates for the culmination of their time in Erie. This year’s cohort is made up of companies building industrial technologies focused on Manufacturing and Construction.

“Once again, the Erie Chamber’s FIRE Accelerator Program has brought companies to Erie that will have a positive impact on our economic future and that of the entire world! As the organization leading economic development throughout Erie County, the Chamber provides resources, tools, access, and support for the largest companies in our region, to those that are starting up and accelerating. We saw that again at the FIRE Demo Day and I’m super excited to work with these companies to build their future in Erie.” Brian Slawin, Director and Portfolio Manager, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern PA

Meet the 2023 FIRE Accelerator Cohort 

Avatour: Avatour is a remote collaboration platform designed to facilitate on-site meetings. With an aim to bridge geographical gaps, Avatour is set to revolutionize the way teams collaborate and innovate. 

Erie Development Company: EDC is at the forefront of developing products that improve the production and distribution of renewable energy. Their mission extends to incorporating these technologies into building facilities, making renewable energy accessible to underserved communities. 

FIXED HHS: FIXED HHS has created a platform connecting homeowners with the handyman services they need. It’s about making home maintenance effortless and convenient for everyone. 

Visionify: Visionify is on a mission to revolutionize Environmental, Health, and Safety standards through the power of Vision AI applications. Their innovative solutions are set to make workplaces safer and healthier.  

About the FIRE Accelerator Program 

The FIRE Accelerator is the flagship entrepreneurship program for the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership (ERCGP). Now in its sixth year, the program is the catalyst for the organization’s growing role in developing the regional ecosystem to drive innovation within legacy industries and attract leading startups and creative companies to establish or grow their roots in Erie. The FIRE Accelerator is integral to business retention and expansion — a primary economic development driver — as well as business attraction efforts. By operating within the chamber, cohort participants have access to over 700 business and community leaders and mentors as well as over 40 economic development agencies operating at the state and local levels. Portfolio companies and program graduates have continued to experience tremendous success and have gone on to participate in programs like YCombinator and TechStars. Program graduates have raised an additional $100M, have grown their companies to reach revenues over $60M annually, and have secured customer engagements and investment with local industry leaders including Fortune 500 companies, education institutions, top regional manufacturers, and investment organizations. 

To learn more about the FIRE Accelerator program and/or connect with the cohort, contact Jordan Fuller at jfuller@eriepa.com.