The AlchemistX Memphis Crucible program, in partnership with Epicenter Memphis, is a
no-fee pre-accelerator program for Memphis-based companies aspiring to join top-tier accelerator programs.
Building a Foundation for Success: WHAI Robotics and the AlchemistX Crucible Program in Partnership with Epicenter Memphis
The AlchemistX Memphis Crucible program, in partnership with Epicenter Memphis, is a no-fee pre-accelerator program for Memphis-based companies aspiring to join top-tier accelerator programs. During the Crucible program, AlchemistX coaches work with talented founders through intensive coaching sessions tailored to the needs of the startup’s areas of development.
“Some founders need help with the basics: How do I create a business plan? How can I validate my idea with real customers and prospects?” says Ido Sarig, Managing Director of Alchemist Memphis. “Others require more specific guidance in areas like pricing strategy or fine-tuning their business model or competitive analysis. Others are ‘almost there’ in terms of readiness and just need coaching on how to best pitch their idea. The Crucible program is flexible and able to address any and all of these.”
The pre-accelerator program is designed to prepare startups for the next stage in the innovation flywheel. We have seen immense success for the graduates of this program, including Titus Watson, Founder and CEO of WHAI Robotics (an Artificial Intelligence platform designed to help traditional warehouses transition to autonomous operations). After exiting the Crucible program, Watson was accepted into the Builders and Backers Idea Accelerator, sponsored by Capital One.
From pitch prep to extensive customer discovery, Watson says that the Crucible program provided a solid foundation that paved the way for WHAI Robotics to enter the next chapter in the company’s journey. “My favorite part [of Crucible] was learning from potential customers about the existing technologies in their warehouses. It was great to validate our assumptions and understand their pain points. This gave us the confidence to go back to the drawing board and build solutions that truly addressed their needs.”
During their sessions, founders work with their coaches weekly on designated areas of business development where they need the most focus. For Watson and his team, that centered on the necessary steps toward raising capital. “[My coach] helped me understand what is needed to raise capital, like building an MVP, creating a pitch deck, and outlining steps to get to the point of raising funds.” Coaches also provide introductions to potential customers to aid in the discovery process and efficiently identify pain points.
“My coach was incredibly patient and understanding. He has a lot of experience helping startups, and… his insights into building an MVP and connecting with investors were also very helpful. Overall, he has a wealth of knowledge which was invaluable to me.”Watson is confident about the future, with a clear path now laid out for him and his co-founder. The goal is for WHAI Robotics to become a significant player in the Memphis warehousing industry, focusing on customer satisfaction and continuous product development.
He also offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs on a similar journey: “Go slow. Surround yourself with helpful people and look for programs like Crucible that can help you maneuver and pivot if you need to… Just have fun; enjoy the process.”
Sarig says, “You can always learn something from others who have done this before you and faced similar challenges. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel if you can get expert advice from people who have been in your shoes.”
Connect with Titus Watson and WHAI Robotics
Connect with Epicenter Memphis
Email crucible@alchemistaccelerator.com to learn more about the program or how we can run a pre-accelerator program in your ecosystem.
Alchemist connects a global network of enterprise founders, investors, corporations, and mentors to the Silicon Valley community.
Alchemist Accelerator is a global venture-backed accelerator focused on accelerating seed-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises (not consumers). The accelerator invests in enterprise companies with distinctive technical founders and provides founders a structured path to traction, fundraising, mentorship, and community during the 6-month program.
AlchemistX partners with forward-thinking corporations and governments to deliver innovation programs worldwide. These specialized programs leverage the expertise and tools that have fueled Alchemist startups’ success since 2012. Our mission is to transform innovation challenges into opportunities.
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As the Memphis, Tennessee region's nonprofit entrepreneurship hub, Epicenter is committed to building a vibrant, inclusive economy by supporting startup founders and small business owners. Epicenter and its partners provide equitable connections to transformative resources that drive success for the business, individual and family wealth for the entrepreneur, and regional economic growth by scaling and investing in the Memphis entrepreneurial ecosystem. Learn more.