We Know Hardware is Hard
IW has the grit and knowledge to get you from prototype to production and every step in between.
The Pittsburgh region is rich with robotics, manufacturing, and hardware. IW offers a unique hardware program designed to help hardware companies capitalize on the region’s manufacturing resources while developing, scaling, and commercializing their products.
IW has funded many of the area’s top hardware companies including RE2, Digital Dream Labs, Adrich, and Diamond Kinetics. Current growing hardware companies include Core Power Magnetics, Arieca, Ekto VR, Subtl Beauty, ESTAT Actuation, and Finish Robotics.
How we help
Capital
Since 1999, IW’s hardware portfolio has 129 hardware companies provided over $30M in funding, raised over $1B in follow-on funding, and seen 19 exits.
Hardware companies can receive funding through our AlphaLab Gear accelerator program and our IW seed fund. Initial investment amounts vary based on stage of company and fund, but are typically up to $50K for AlphaLab and up to $150K for our seed fund.
Looking for funding? Here are some basics about the companies IW works with:
- Have ties to Southwestern PA
- Built an initial working product and validated need with initial customers (pre-seed or accelerator stage)
- Proven value and demonstrated customer revenue traction (seed stage)
- Developing repeatable customer acquisition processes (seed stage)
- Currently raising additional investments in a funding round (seed stage)
Want to know more? Schedule office hours with our Hardware Team
We’d also point you to IW’s Startup Recipes collection which is designed to help you validate customer needs and build initial prototypes with minimal funds. Get cooking today!
Know How
IW’s team brings a diversity of experience, knowledge and expertise to the table. Our hardware and AlphaLab Gear team, led by three-peat hardware startup founder Mike Formica, has experience building and scaling hardware companies, leading marketing and go-to-market strategies at venture-backed startups and raising venture-capital investments.
To complement our awesome hardware team, IW boasts an amazing manufacturing team to assist with market production. Our team can introduce you to the area’s top manufacturers in robotics, plastics, circuit boards, medical devices, and more.
Additionally, the IW team brings commercialization, investment and functional experience in related areas such as marketing, human resources, software development, healthcare and life sciences to help scaling businesses to their next stage of growth.
In short, IW has the people you need to create a custom hardware experience to meet your company’s needs.
Learn how hardware startup Adrich used the knowledge from IW and AlphaLab Gear to get to the next stage of growth.
Networks
IW’s network is always growing. We are connecting with industry experts with years of experience and trailblazing new-comers at the forefront of their fields. Our network consists of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, industry and community partners that span the country. Whether you are looking for a peer advisor, out-of-the-box thinker, or trusted industry expert, IW can help make connections locally, regionally, or nationally.
Our manufacturing network is constantly growing. Take a look at our Scalable Program.
Community
They say it takes a village to launch a startup and in the IW Portfolio, you are never alone.
IW fosters a community of entrepreneurs through our:
- Active portfolio and alumni network
- Founder’s lunches and peer groups
- Mentor relationships
- Accelerator co-working space
- Online community group
- Hosting and sponsoring community events
- Perks and discounts through the Global Accelerator Network
- Alumni soccer team
- And more!
Throughout IW’s programs, networks, and community, we support diversity and inclusion. IW believes that diversity of backgrounds, thoughts, experiences, and ideas is essential to growing a prosperous startup. Learn more about IW’s commitment to diversity!
IW is proud to call Pittsburgh home and there are many reasons to love this region! See why we think Pittsburgh is the place to launch and get your startup to the next stage of growth!