venture ecosystem

Techstars Impact

Techstars Impact

Techstars Impact

Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator powered by Techstars supports startup companies focused on addressing social and environmental challenges. Kicking off in January 2020, the new three-month accelerator will provide 10 for-profit, mission-driven companies access to a broad network of mentors, including Cox experts, to guide them in the early stages of their businesses. The program culminates with the companies pitching to potential investors at a Demo Day. 

Applications are open until Oct. 13, and you can apply online for the inaugural 2019 class.

 

Team

Barry Givens's avatar
Barry Givens
Managing Director

Barry Givens is managing director of Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator powered by Techstars. Givens spent his early career with John Deere and Caterpillar. He also created a custom shoe company, Slushie Kicks, and co-authored a book titled, “Plan "B" Sucks: Work on Your Dreams, Not Your Boss's.” In 2012, Givens founded Monsieur, a cutting-edge hardware technology company and ran a successful Kickstarter campaign. Givens and his team raised over $4 million in funding and grew the company to a successful exit in 2017.

Paige Hrubik's avatar
Paige Hrubik
Program Director

Paige Hrubik joins Techstars as the Program Manager for the Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator in Atlanta. In her prior role, Paige was the Senior Program Manager for Strategic Partnerships at International Justice Mission (IJM), a global organization working to combat slavery and human trafficking. Paige received a double B.A. in Foreign Affairs and Spanish from the University of Virginia.

Mentor Overview

Maury Wolfe

Maury Wolfe

Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs
Cox Enterprises
Josh McClung

Josh McClung

Director, Cleantech Strategy & Investments
Cox Enterprises

Maury Wolfe

Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs
Cox Enterprises

“Startup entrepreneurs who are trying to fundamentally solve big problems in innovative ways will feel right at home working with Cox mentors and leadership. Social responsibility is embedded in our business strategy here at Cox. It's why we are making key investments like Techstars that both drive innovation and enhance our communities.”

Josh McClung

Director, Cleantech Strategy & Investments
Cox Enterprises

“Techstars mentorship provides me access to innovation across a broad spectrum – like media, cyber security and e-commerce. The diversity of problems and solutions helps keep me on the front end of technology and industry evolution while also enabling me to leverage and apply learnings from other sectors to my own. I am also able to broaden my network amongst inspiring founders and accomplished mentors. Techstars is an all-around great platform for innovation, learning and relationships.”