Transmedia accelerator to take new round of cohorts

Named one of the 50 most innovative accelerators in America by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Hawaii’s “GVS Accelerator” is announcing its second cycle.

A partnership between Global Virtual Studio, the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation, the County of Hawaii and the GTA Development Fund, the accelerator aims to empower Hawaii’s creative entrepreneurs to launch their original transmedia franchises. The program is based out of Honua Studios in Kailua-Kona and will accept applications from today through Aug. 31. This year, individual entrepreneurs and producers may apply as well as startup teams.

The program includes a $50,000 seed investment and access to entertainment and innovation industry insiders such as producer Ralph Winter, of “X­MEN”, “Fantastic Four” and “Planet of the Apes,” Academy Award nominated screenwriter Tab Murphy, of “Gorillas in the Mist,” “Tarzan” and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Mike Frank, co-­founder of Level 3 Communications and Lance Priebe, creator and co­founder of Club Penguin. Last year, the accelerator selected five companies from more than 100 applicants.

Successful graduates of the program can now tap up to $250,000 in matching funds, in addition to the $50,000 seed funds for development, if they raise at least 25 percent of their follow-­on budget in private equity and secure product distribution.

The GVS Accelerator was chosen as one of the top 50 most innovative accelerators in the nation from more than 800 accelerators in America by the SBA. This honor came with a $50,000 award that helped to build out a new sound recording studio and 7.1 surround sound screening room at Honua Studios.

Entrepreneurs in the creative industries who would like to apply to the accelerator are encouraged to visit gvsaccelerator.com for more information.