Techstars venture names recruits

Startup boot camp provides chance to pitch to investors.

Three companies from Atlanta and one from Savannah are among 10 start-up firms making up the first class of a new business accelerator venture launched in a partnership with Cox Enterprises.

The start-up boot camp, called Techstars Atlanta, is based in Ponce City Market. The for-profit program, which began in 2007 in Boulder, Colo., provides entrepreneur teams with intensive coaching, funding and a chance to pitch their ventures to potential investors. Techstars, which also has start-up programs in New York, London, Boston, Austin and other cities, takes a small stake in exchange for the help.

“Techstars Atlanta brings new ideas, people and passion to our city and region,” said Alex Taylor, executive vice president at Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises. “Tapping into these bright, entrepreneurial thinkers is good for our company and good for our city.”

Cox’s media holdings include The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Atlanta class of start-ups include:

■ LaaSer, of Atlanta, which is working on ensuring 911 calls on cell phones provide accurate locations.

■ Real Meal Delivery ,of Atlanta, a home delivery service of from-scratch family meals.

■ Bark, of Savannah, which seeks to protect children by detecting online messages indicating cyberbullying, sexting and signs of depression or suicidal thoughts.

■ Drizzle, of Los Angeles, aims to give website owners an easy way to charge customers who want premium content.

■ Preesale, of Brussels, Belgium, will help create and sell tickets for events to targeted customers via Facebook.