Aazia Mickens-Dessaso has been announced as the new executive director of ecosystem development for a startup program in Hampton Roads. This program is a collaboration between 757 Accelerate and the Colorado-based seed accelerator Techstars, aiming to connect undiscovered founders with peers, investors, and other resources. Over the course of one year, Mickens-Dessaso will interview 100 founders in 100 days and utilize Techstars’ resources to highlight the Hampton Roads startup community. This follows 757 Accelerate’s ongoing support of local startups since 2018, with efforts that have raised over $10 million for local startups and contributed to the creation of 48 jobs in the local economy.
New Director for Hampton Roads Startup Program
From Inside Business By TREVOR METCALFE
Introducing Aazia Mickens-Dessaso
Aazia Mickens-Dessaso (Courtesy photo)
Aazia Mickens-Dessaso has been selected as the new executive director of ecosystem development for a new collaborative program between 757 Accelerate and the Colorado-based seed accelerator Techstars. The program, which was announced in November, will connect undiscovered founders with their peers, investors, and other resources.
Experience and Vision
Techstars, whose accelerator program companies are valued at over $32 billion, connected with Norfolk’s startup program 757 Accelerate through a GO Virginia grant. During the yearlong program, Mickens-Dessaso will be interviewing 100 founders in 100 days, creating a slate of programming for entrepreneurs, and leveraging Techstars’ resources to shine a spotlight on the Hampton Roads startup community.
Supporting the Startup Community
757 Accelerate has been supporting Hampton Roads startups since 2018. The nonprofit program has raised more than $10 million for local startups and participating companies have generated more than $3.5 million in annual revenue and added 48 jobs to the local economy, according to the latest impact report.
Connect with Aazia Mickens-Dessaso
To schedule a meeting with Mickens-Dessaso, visit theshipyard757.com. The website also includes links to a weekly newsletter on entrepreneurship and a Slack channel designed to connect local founders.
Question & Answer
Who is the new executive director of ecosystem development for the startup program in Hampton Roads?
Aazia Mickens-Dessaso has been announced as the new executive director of ecosystem development for the startup program in Hampton Roads.
What is the goal of the collaboration between 757 Accelerate and Techstars?
The collaboration aims to connect undiscovered founders with peers, investors, and other resources.
How many founders will Aazia Mickens-Dessaso interview over the course of one year?
Mickens-Dessaso will interview 100 founders in 100 days as part of the program.
What has been the impact of 757 Accelerate’s support for local startups since 2018?
Efforts by 757 Accelerate have raised over $10 million for local startups and contributed to the creation of 48 jobs in the local economy.
