The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA) has selected 10 companies from a pool of international applicants.
The new AGCA initiative, led by cycling industry veterans and entrepreneurs, is focusing on an initial cohort of 10 startups. The accelerator will offer a 10-week program designed to support cycling-related tech innovation, provide access to key investors and mentors, and build strategic partnerships with brands in the industry.
AGCA’s mission aligns with Arkansas’ ongoing investment in cycling infrastructure. With its focus on both business growth and technology, the accelerator aims to foster long-term cycling industry growth in Arkansas.
“We are thrilled to announce our first cohort that will help shape the future of cycling,” said Martial Trigeaud, Founder and Cohort Advisor of the AGCA program.
“Each selected company brings unique technological solutions that align perfectly with our mission to establish Arkansas as a hub for the cycling industry and cycling innovation.”
The selected companies for the AGCA’s inaugural cohort are:
- Blubrake: (Milan, Italy) high-tech braking product specifically designed for e-bikes
- BrakeAce: (Rotorua, New Zealand) braking analytics platform for mountain bike performance
- Hightag: (Bentonville, Arkansas) smart cameras to automatically capture footage
- Kino Bikes: (Lyon, France) multi-use cargo bike
- Link My Ride: (United Kingdom) mobile app and web platform
- Lockstop: (Bentonville, Arkansas) patent-pending smart lock
- NOCA: (Berlin, Germany) data management for cycling manufacturers
- Posedla: (Varnsdorf, Czech Republic) custom 3D-printed saddles
- Skarper: (London, United Kingdom) e-bike drive systems
- TrailPilot: (Bentonville, Arkansas) app for GPS-guided audio tours
These companies will participate in AGCA’s program, gaining access to investors, industry mentors, and strategic partnerships with leading brands. AGCA is facilitated by the Startup Junkie Foundation and the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation’s Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP).
The AGCA program will commence in March 2025, with companies participating in virtual and in-person sessions in Bentonville, Arkansas. The public is invited to attend the program’s Demo Night on May 20 at the Arkansas Ledger ‘bikeable building’. Participating cohort companies will also be onsite at Bentonville Bike Fest on May 20-22 to engage with festival attendees.
The accelerator program is made possible by a US$125,000 grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and matching funds from the Walton Family Foundation. This investment aims to reinforce Arkansas’ commitment to becoming a global centre for cycling innovation and technology.
Leading US bicycle industry trade and advocacy organization PeopleForBikes is sponsoring the program’s Demo Night event alongside the Morgridge Family Foundation. PeopleForBikes will also provide programmatic support to help international founders better understand US market trends, regulations, and rider demographics.
