Launch Factory

Background

Overview

Launch Factory, established in 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, California, operates as a venture studio dedicated to launching successful startup companies. The company combines talented founders, elite advisors, seed capital, vetted market opportunities, and an accelerator program to provide entrepreneurs with a comprehensive platform for success. Its mission is to deliver new levels of startup success for its founders and investors.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives and Specialization

Launch Factory focuses on identifying promising business ideas, recruiting skilled entrepreneurs to lead these ventures, and providing them with the necessary resources to succeed. The company specializes in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), particularly computer vision, and aims to capitalize on the growing AI market by launching startups that leverage groundbreaking technologies.

Key Technologies and Target Markets

The company has partnered with WowYow, Inc., a visual AI company, to utilize proprietary computer vision technology. This collaboration enables Launch Factory to develop startups that apply AI solutions across various industries, including automotive self-driving, AI security processing, real-time sports analytics, and video search indexing.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of January 2022, Launch Factory has raised a total of $8.5 million in funding. The most recent funding round, completed on January 3, 2022, secured $6 million to support the launch of new computer vision AI companies.

Notable Investors

Investors include Broadway Angels, Social Venture Partners Chicago, and Interlock Capital.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended to fund operations, support the development of new startups, and expand the company's portfolio in the AI sector.

Pipeline Development

Key Initiatives

Launch Factory is actively seeking founders in residence to lead new AI startups. These founders will work with the company's internal teams to identify disruptive market applications and develop new businesses leveraging proprietary computer vision AI technology.

Target Conditions and Timelines

The company plans to build multiple startups in 2022, focusing on applying computer vision AI technology to various industries.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Through its partnership with WowYow, Inc., Launch Factory has access to proprietary computer vision AI technology that processes videos faster than GPU-based solutions and provides superior output at significantly lower costs.

Scientific Methodologies

The company employs a unique approach by combining vetted ideas, talented founders, and purpose-driven incubation to launch successful startups.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Brad Chisum: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Partner. Former CEO of Lumedyne Technologies, acquired by Google for $85 million in 2014.

James Hereford: Co-Founder, Partner, and Chief Operating Officer. Previously worked at Google alongside Chisum.

Kimberly Davis King: Partner. Former General Partner with IDG Ventures, managing a $120 million fund.

Andy Ballester: Entrepreneur in Residence. Co-founder of GoFundMe, the world's largest online fundraising platform.

Leadership Changes

In December 2020, Launch Factory expanded its executive team by adding Andy Ballester as Entrepreneur in Residence and Kimberly Davis King as Partner.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global AI market is projected to grow from $36 billion in 2020 to over $360 billion by 2028, presenting significant opportunities for companies like Launch Factory.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Expara: A venture capital fund based in Singapore.

WNT Ventures: A venture capital company based in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Expa: An early-stage venture fund that backs founders starting tech-driven startups, headquartered in West Hollywood, California.

Lightspeed Venture Partners: A multi-stage venture capital firm focused on companies across the enterprise, consumer, health, and fintech sectors, headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Launch Factory has partnered with WowYow, Inc. to leverage proprietary computer vision AI technology, enabling the development of multiple new businesses in 2022.

Operational Insights

The company's unique approach combines vetted ideas, talented founders, and purpose-driven incubation, providing a competitive advantage in the venture studio space.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Launch Factory aims to capitalize on the growing AI market by launching startups that apply computer vision AI technology across various industries. The company plans to build multiple startups in 2022, focusing on applying computer vision AI technology to various industries.