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Washington Technology Industry Association Announces 21 Companies Selected for Founder Cohort 14 Accelerator

Twenty-one promising startups join WTIA's latest accelerator cohort to build connections, sharpen leadership skills, and accelerate growth.

SEATTLE, WA – June 2nd – The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), a leading not-for-profit member trade association dedicated to ensuring Washington is the leading global hub to create, grow, and adopt advanced technologies, today announced the companies selected for the 14th cohort of the WTIA Founder Cohort Accelerator Program. 


The WTIA Founder Cohort Accelerator supports early-stage technology startups through structured curriculum, expert mentorship, and meaningful connections. The program helps founders grow their companies while building lasting relationships with fellow entrepreneurs. Over the course of four months, the accelerator provides structured curriculum for growth-stage startups across Washington state.


Pictured: Founders participating in the Founders Cohort 14 Accelerator, a program designed to support emerging entrepreneurs and strengthen Washington's innovation ecosystem.


Selected companies include:

“Welcoming Cohort 14 is an exciting milestone for WTIA.” said Randa Minkarah, COE of WTIA. “With Seattle leading the way as a world-class hub for AI and advanced technology, this diverse group of founders perfectly captures the immense technical depth and entrepreneurial drive thriving across our entire ecosystem.”


“Launching a company requires more than just a great idea; it takes a supportive ecosystem.” said Nick Ellingson, VP of Innovation and Entrepreneurship of WTIA. “We are excited to immerse these 21 unique startups in a collaborative environment where founders help founders, opening doors to investors and advisors who can truly accelerate their trajectory.”


Pictured: Nick Ellingson, Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, presenting to entrepreneurs participating in Founders Cohort 14.


Running from May 2026 through September 2026, the selected companies will gain access to numerous resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities crucial for their growth. 


Since its inception, the WTIA Founder Cohort has supported over 350 companies. Alumni from previous cohorts have collectively raised over $500 million. 


WTIA Founder Cohort is made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Accenture, Clark Nuber, Edward Jones, Fenwick, KBF, Madrona Venture Group, MeeBoss, and Seed IP


For more information about the WTIA Founder Cohort program, please visit the WTIA Founder Cohort website.


About WTIA

The Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit member trade association which operates as part of a consortium that includes a regulated 501(c)(9) association health plan and Portalus, a for-profit corporation providing 401(k) and healthcare services to small and medium-sized companies. Together, they create pathways for companies to grow, innovate, and compete on a global scale.

WTIA is the trade association in Washington state that serves the local tech ecosystem through policy and advocacy to help maintain the state as a hub for innovation, workshops and accelerators to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses, and employee benefits programs that enable startups and small and medium businesses to grow. 

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Media Contact:
Terrance Stevenson 
Director of Industry and Community Relations
tstevenson@washingtontechnology.org

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