Meet Mike Hermel from Vortrex
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about Vortrex?
A: Absolutely, I’m Mike Hermel, the CEO and founder of Vortrex, with Todd Schieffert as my business partner handling the business aspects of our venture. We’re at the early stages of our startup journey, hence the significance of accelerators for us. Vortrex is pioneering in the automotive space, focusing on creating a software-defined vehicle tailored for off-road applications, specifically to aid in fighting forest fires. This innovation is crucial for firefighters who traditionally had to carry their equipment for miles to reach a fire site, limiting their firefighting capabilities to what they can physically carry. Our goal is to provide a more efficient solution through a vehicle that firefighters can either ride or remotely control to navigate through dangerous terrains. This approach not only enhances their safety but also significantly increases their capacity to combat forest fires.
Q: What sparked the idea for Vortrex?
A: The inspiration for Vortrex came from my long-standing passion for developing software-defined equipment, particularly the idea of a software-defined vehicle. This concept took a specific turn while watching a documentary on forest firefighting. It struck me as incredibly inefficient and hazardous for firefighters to physically carry their equipment over long distances to combat fires. This realization prompted a pivotal question: Could we create a vehicle capable of traversing challenging terrains—whether it be swampy areas, snow-covered paths, or rugged cross-country landscapes—to reach backcountry fire zones more efficiently and safely? The goal was to design something that would not only expedite their arrival but also enhance their firefighting capabilities through access to more equipment in a safer manner. This idea laid the foundation for Vortrex, aiming to revolutionize how we support and equip firefighters in their critical and dangerous work.
Why CleanTech Open?
Q: How did CleanTech Open become a part of your journey?
A: Our introduction to CleanTech Open began in Minnesota through a competition that featured a CleanTech Open division. We decided to enter Vortrex into this division, curious to see how our concept would resonate within the CleanTech community. This decision was not only about testing our idea but also about exploring the opportunities that CleanTech Open could offer to a startup like ours, focused on innovative solutions for environmental challenges. During our preparation and research for the competition, we stumbled upon the CleanTech Open, which further piqued our interest. This discovery marked the beginning of our deeper involvement with CleanTech Open, recognizing it as a valuable platform to advance our goals of creating a software-defined vehicle to aid in fighting forest fires, aligning perfectly with CleanTech Open’s mission of fostering sustainable technological innovations.
How a Founder Gets In
Q: What was the application process like for CleanTech Open?
A: Applying to CleanTech Open was a fairly straightforward process. Initially, we had to go through an interview designed to assess if Vortrex was a good match for the accelerator’s focus and objectives. This was the primary interview specifically for entry into the program. However, it wasn’t the end of our discussions with CleanTech Open. Throughout the process, we engaged in other conversations that further explored our fit and potential within the CleanTech Open ecosystem. These discussions were integral in ensuring that both parties—Vortrex and CleanTech Open—could benefit from this partnership, with our startup’s focus on environmentally beneficial technology aligning with CleanTech Open’s mission to support sustainable innovations.
Understanding CleanTech Open’s Accelerator Program
Q: Can you explain how CleanTech Open’s accelerator program works? Do they provide funding?
A: CleanTech Open operates purely as an accelerator, focusing heavily on advancing startups without directly providing funding. This program distinguishes itself by catering to more developed startups, akin to what I’d describe as an “upperclassman” level accelerator. Entry into CleanTech Open’s program would be challenging for those who are at the very beginning stages of their startup journey or have yet to develop a tangible product or service.
The accelerator’s rigorous nature sets it apart from others, which might cater to early-stage ideas with a more basic approach—what I’d liken to an “elementary school” type accelerator. CleanTech Open demands a significant amount of work and dedication, focusing intensely on growth and development. While it’s possible for someone with no prior experience to navigate through this accelerator, doing so would be exceptionally difficult. CleanTech Open is designed for startups that have already achieved a certain level of development and are ready to take on the challenges of a high-end, focused accelerator program.
A Day in the Life at CleanTech Open
Q: What was a typical day like in the CleanTech Open accelerator once you were admitted?
A: Once we were admitted into CleanTech Open, the structure was quite rigorous, with a clear focus on weekly assignments. Each week, we were tasked with specific assignments that contributed to our startup’s development. Having participated in several accelerators before CleanTech Open, we found that our previous experiences greatly benefited us, as we already had pieces of work that aligned with these new assignments. The workload was substantial, emphasizing the program’s intensity and the level of commitment required to keep pace. For those entering the accelerator without any prior groundwork or foundational work from previous projects, the challenges were likely more pronounced. This structured approach, while demanding, was instrumental in pushing us forward, ensuring that each week we made tangible progress on our startup’s journey.
Balancing Business Development and Accelerator Participation
Q: How did you manage running your business while participating in the CleanTech Open accelerator?
A: The structure of the CleanTech Open course was inherently designed to align with the direct operation and development of our business, making the balance between participation and running our business not only manageable but highly beneficial. Every task and assignment within the accelerator was crafted to contribute directly to our business growth, from engaging with potential customers to drafting essential business documents. This practical approach ensured that all the information and activities were immediately applicable and valuable, eliminating any disconnect between learning and applying. Consequently, rather than feeling like an additional obligation, the accelerator felt like an integrated part of our business development strategy, where every element of the coursework directly fed into and enhanced our operational and strategic efforts.
Unique Aspects of the CleanTech Open Program
Q: What unique aspects of the CleanTech Open program stood out to you?
A: The CleanTech Open accelerator was notably beneficial for our growth, offering insights and learning opportunities that were invaluable, even beyond our initial expectations. Despite entering the program with a fair amount of knowledge and experience, the depth and breadth of what we learned throughout were significant. A standout feature of the program was the opportunity to participate in an open house event in California towards the end of the accelerator. This event allowed us to showcase our company to an audience of several thousand people, ranging from five to ten thousand attendees. The exposure and interaction with such a large and diverse group were incredibly exciting and offered us a unique platform to present our work and vision on a grand scale. Additionally, the program culminated in a series of interviews with various companies interested in potential investment opportunities. Being able to pitch our business to about a half dozen companies in this setting was an invaluable experience. This aspect of the program not only highlighted the practical benefits of our participation in terms of learning and development but also provided us with direct access to potential investors, opening up avenues for further growth and collaboration.
Reflecting on Expectations vs. Reality in the CleanTech Open Program
Q: Was there any aspect of the CleanTech Open program that didn’t meet your expectations or you found underwhelming?
A: Reflecting on our experience with the CleanTech Open program, I genuinely struggle to pinpoint any aspect that was underwhelming or disappointing. Our journey through the accelerator was overwhelmingly positive, marked by a series of beneficial encounters and learnings. The quality and availability of advisors stood out, contributing significantly to our development and understanding. The program’s structure and delivery exceeded our expectations, especially in comparison to other accelerators we’ve participated in, which, in hindsight, were somewhat disappointing. CleanTech Open’s comprehensive approach to fostering growth and providing valuable resources set a new benchmark for what we expect from such programs, leaving us very satisfied with our experience.
CleanTech Open’s Differentiating Approach to Acceleration
Q: How did CleanTech’s approach differ from other accelerators you’ve experienced?
A: CleanTech set itself apart from other accelerators through its highly structured and focused approach, particularly with the weekly assignment model. This structure ensured that we had a specific, actionable task to complete every week, driving consistent progress throughout the program. This contrasts sharply with other accelerators we’ve participated in, where the approach was more about offering presentations and advice without mandating concrete, follow-up actions. In those cases, the lack of required deliverables often led to a lax attitude towards applying the learned concepts, resulting in underwhelming outcomes. This rigor, which might be viewed negatively by some, was actually a significant advantage for us in CleanTech. It compelled us to engage deeply with each aspect of our business, leading to substantial improvements that we might not have achieved otherwise. The disciplined schedule forced us to tackle various facets of our organization systematically, translating theoretical knowledge into practical, impactful actions. This aspect of CleanTech Open was instrumental in enhancing our operational efficiency and strategic planning, setting it apart from our experiences with other accelerators.
Vortrex’s Progress and Impact Post-CleanTech Open Accelerator
Q: What progress has Vortrex made since completing the CleanTech Open accelerator? Has the accelerator significantly impacted your journey?
A: Since participating in the CleanTech Open accelerator, Vortrex has made significant strides, particularly in the development of our minimum viable product (MVP). As you can imagine, creating an MVP for a software-defined vehicle designed for off-road applications, such as fighting forest fires, is an intricate, time-consuming, and costly endeavor. The accelerator has indeed accelerated our progress, not only by enhancing our business acumen and operational strategies but also by increasing our visibility and credibility in the eyes of potential investors.
The interest from investors has been notably heightened due to our achievements within the accelerator, showcasing the value and potential of our innovative approach. Additionally, we are actively exploring various avenues for funding, including state and federal government research grants, to support the further development and deployment of our product. The accelerator’s impact extends beyond just the business development aspects; it has also opened doors to potential funding opportunities and partnerships that are crucial for a startup at our stage.
Post-Accelerator Support and Networking with CleanTech Open
Q: How has your relationship with CleanTech Open evolved since completing the program? Do you remain connected, and have they facilitated introductions to investors?
A: Post-accelerator, our relationship with CleanTech Open has continued to be supportive and engaging. They regularly send updates and invitations for various alumni events, ensuring we remain connected to the network and abreast of opportunities for further growth and collaboration. This ongoing communication underscores CleanTech Open’s commitment to its alumni’s long-term success, offering avenues for continued engagement and development.
Regarding introductions to investors, the most direct opportunities for such connections were presented during the final week of the program. This culminating phase saw approximately 50 companies participating, with investment firms given the option to select companies for interviews. We were allotted six to eight slots for these interviews, providing a platform to pitch our venture directly to potential investors. While these introductions were primarily concentrated at the end of the accelerator program, the exposure and networking opportunities have been invaluable, laying the groundwork for potential future investment discussions.
Maintaining Connections Within the CleanTech Open Network Post-Accelerator
Q: How do you maintain connections within the CleanTech Open network after the accelerator? Are there specific platforms or methods for staying engaged?
A: Post-accelerator, CleanTech Open facilitates continued engagement and networking through organized meetings and Zoom calls, offering alumni the opportunity to participate and stay connected. This approach allows us to remain actively involved in the CleanTech Open community, accessing support and sharing insights with fellow alumni. However, we’ve encountered challenges specific to our focus area within the CleanTech Open sector, particularly in attracting investors interested in off-road vehicle innovation. Despite considering our electric vehicle concept as aligned with CleanTech Open principles, finding investors with a keen interest in this niche has been difficult. This struggle underscores the diverse interests within the CleanTech Open investment community and highlights the need for targeted networking efforts to connect with the right investors who are enthusiastic about advancements in off-road vehicle technology.
Final Advice for Prospective CleanTech Open Applicants
Q: Do you have any advice for those considering applying to CleanTech Open or other accelerators?
A: My advice to anyone contemplating applying to CleanTech Open, or similar accelerators, is unequivocally positive: go for it. If you have the opportunity to join CleanTech Open, it’s an achievement in itself and a significant endorsement of your startup’s potential. The learning and development opportunities provided by CleanTech Open are unparalleled in my experience. The organization’s approach, resources, and network can propel your venture to new heights, offering insights and growth prospects that are hard to find elsewhere. My experience with CleanTech Open has been exceptionally positive, and I am immensely proud to have been a part of their program. The knowledge gained, connections made, and the overall impact on our startup have been invaluable. For anyone looking to accelerate their growth and learn from the best in the CleanTech Open sector, this accelerator is a fantastic choice.