JamPad Becomes Y Combinator for Arizona

The cat is out of the bag... plus Adam steps back from the mob

As stated in my last LinkedIn post, JP threw a massive after party to wrap PHX Startup Week. Over 200 people showed up on < 48hrs notice.

Today, I’m proud to announce the future of what’s become a pivotal “club” for Arizona’s technology & startup ecosystem:

Y Combinator for Arizona

We’re becoming the first 0-1 onramp for founders building companies on a venture-backed scale. Details below:

• We’ll be cutting founder friendly checks on market terms

• 2 batches annually (summer & winter)

• Program duration is 90 days & only for AZ-based startups

• A massive demo day will ensue at the end of the program, which will include local & Bay Area investors (allowing locals first bite)

• More details to come soon

That’s right… exciting times. On that note, one last key detail:

I’m Stepping Back From JamPad

The slope of Sinatra’s growth has gotten steep in the last few months, and is only increasing exponentially from here on out. With that being said, I’m fading out of all ecosystem building roles until further notice. So, who will run JamPad?Ilene Smith (JamPad mom) and Mat Sherman (one of the best startup scouts around). I trust these two to execute and continue making this city what it can and will be.

Chapter 1 for me locally is done, as the local maximum has been conquered.

• Caused a ruckus with JP; bent the city of PHX’s reality. Pissed some people off (all the whole building dozens of bridges).

• Landed the golden goose at Sinatra, one of that states hottest startups

So, what’s next for me?

Time to give Arizona its first Uber with Sinatra. See you all on the other side,

Adam Laor (AL)