Commodities merchant plans startup program
STAMFORD — Freepoint Commodities, a global commodities merchant, announced this week that it is launching an accelerator program to support earlystage companies whose work relates to the energy sector.
Each of the three to six firms that will be accepted into the Stamford-based Freepoint’s PointForward program will receive up to $100,000 in funding and access to mentors and other services, in exchange for a small equity stake in their firms, according to Freepoint officials.
Starting in June, the inaugural class will run for 12 weeks within dedicated space in Freepoint’s headquarters at 58 Commerce Road in Stamford.
“We are assembling world-class teams, partnering them with our expert venture builders and empowering them with a new program to kickstart their companies,” Freepoint CEO David Messer said in a statement.
Among other program features, on-site mentors will share their knowledge and technical skills with participants. In addition, PointForward will offer weekly seminars with academics, venture capital professionals and other experts.
The program will conclude with “Demo Days” in Manhattan and Houston where teams will make presentations to potential investors.
PointForward’s application deadline is March 31. Freepoint plans to start announcing the accepted teams in April.
Freepoint provides trading, financing and logistics services across commodity markets. It employs about 430 employees worldwide, including more than 200 in Stamford.