The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has approved innovation funding in support of six Iowa startups. In total, the six companies received $675,000 in funding.
Here are the startups that received funding.
Axis-U
Axis-U of Ankeny developed an online pre-apprenticeship training platform that helps Iowa employers connect to job seekers. After starting with the healthcare industry, the company is now committed to serving manufacturing companies with their CAD, CNC and welding apprenticeship programs. The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for market analysis, product refinement, key personnel and equipment.
Learning Couture
Bettendorf’s Learning Couture created a web-based Customizing Learning Platform that supports professional learning for teachers. It engages teachers in self-reflection and growth, allowing for teachers and leaders to monitor growth patterns over time in both teacher practices and student outcomes. The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for IP development and evaluation, market analysis, proof of concept work, product refinement, and marketing planning and entry activities.
Groov
Clive-based Groov is a software as a service (SaaS) company for residential land developers that organizes all land development data in one place. The company was awarded a $100,000 Demonstration Fund loan for market analysis and key personnel.
ProCircular
ProCircular, doing business in Coralville, is a cybersecurity and compliance firm that is launching an interactive, virtual version of their table-top cybersecurity escape room game. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan for IP development and evaluation, market and competitive analysis, proof of concept work, product refinement, market planning and entry activities, and key personnel.
Aronson Woodworks
Located in Prole, Aronson Woodworks is an artisanal, craft furniture manufacturer that utilizes recycled lumber from diseased ash trees to create hand-crafted furniture specializing in the application of the patented ClaizeTM finish. The company was awarded a $250,000 Innovation Acceleration Propel Fund loan for key personnel and equipment.
Hellcat Technologies
Hellcat Technologies in Tabor developed the Hellcat Office Command and Hellcat Field Command applications to optimize management efficiencies and data accuracy by digitizing paperwork and communications in the office and field. The integrated, cloud-based software platform allows for all levels of the telecom construction industry to seamlessly manage projects in real-time. The company was awarded a $25,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance loan for product refinement and market planning and entry activities.