Description
The Brandery is a nationally ranked, seed-stage startup accelerator based in Cincinnati, Ohio that focuses on helping consumer-facing and brand-driven startups scale by building strong brand foundations, marketing strategies, and growth frameworks. Each year it selects a small group of high-potential startups into a 12-week intensive accelerator where companies receive $100K in funding, mentorship, access to major brand partners, agency collaboration, free office space, and additional perks in exchange for a minority equity stake, culminating in demo day exposure to investors.
Eligibility
• Early-stage startups with product/market fit potential, particularly in shopping brands, retail tech, marketing tech, digitally native vertical brands, and similar consumer or commerce-focused sectors.
• Teams should be ready for intensive mentorship, brand building, and investor engagement over a 12-week period.
• There are no strict public minimum revenue or traction thresholds, but some MVP and early user/market evidence is typically expected.
Process
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Application & Review: Founders apply online; selection is competitive with a limited cohort size (typically 5–7 startups).
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12-Week Program: Companies participate in structured workshops, brand strategy sessions, and mentorship, with access to creative agencies and corporate partners.
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Mentorship & Brand Development: Startups refine branding, marketing systems, and product-market strategies with expert guidance.
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Demo Day & Funding Exposure: At the program’s end, founders pitch to angel investors, VCs, and ecosystem partners at a closing event.
What an Applicant can Obtain
✔ $100,000 USD investment in exchange for ~6 % equity.
✔ Structured 12-week acceleration with brand and growth mentoring.
✔ Access to major corporate partners and seasoned creative agencies.
✔ Free workspace & perks valued at $200K+ (services, credits, introductions).
✔ Demo day & investor pitch showcasing to angel/VC networks.
✔ Long-term ecosystem connections and ongoing brand development guidance.
