Techstars Impact

Techstars Impact

Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator powered by Techstars launched in January 2020 to support startups addressing social and environmental challenges. The three-month accelerator provides 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. Selected companies for the 2022 class will be announced in the winter, and the program will kick off on Jan. 24. The program culminates with the companies pitching to potential investors at a Demo Day on April 21, 2022.

 

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.

Portfolio Overview

Mentor Spotlight

Josh McClung

Josh McClung

Director, Cleantech Strategy & Investments
Cox Enterprises
Maury Wolfe

Maury Wolfe

Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs
Cox Enterprises
Tim Howe

Tim Howe

Senior Director, Strategy & Corporate Development
Cox Enterprises

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.”

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.”

Tim Howe

Senior Director, Strategy & Corporate Development
Cox Enterprises

"Being a techstars mentor is mutually rewarding experience that often lasts beyond the time in the accelerator. Working with Entrepreneurs is energizing. They are problem solvers working at a lighting pace. Engaging with them helps to shape my own perspective and approach to business creation. It is rewarding to be able to contribute in some way to these amazing people’s journey as they look to make an impact with their business."