Startups Flocking To Prototype Prime

PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA — Prototype Prime, the city-backed startup incubator in Peachtree Corners, is starting to take shape.

On Monday, the startup space opened six weeks ago for early-stage entrepreneurs announced the selection of two companies.

Trellis, an agriculture technology startup that helps farmers grow more crops and use less water, and Fetch, which is working to make it easier to rent a truck with a smartphone app, are in.

"We’re excited to welcome Trellis and Fetch," said Sanjay Parekh, co-founder of Prototype Prime. "It’s hard to build a successful business, and it’s even harder if you’re not plugged into a community of people who can help in the process."

In partnership with Georgia Tech and supported by the City of Peachtree Corners, Prototype Prime provides not only a physical office and maker space, but also educational series and other services to support startups.

The two startups will have access to mentors, venture capitalists, and service providers to help them launch.

"Prototype Prime is a perfect fit for us," said Trellis co-founder Elizabeth Buchen. "As a hardware startup, we were really excited to find a space that has room for us to design and build our sensors. The resources and support we’ve already received from the Prototype Prime team is incredible."

Prototype Prime’s facility is large enough to accommodate over 60 startups. The 12,500 square-foot area provides networking and event space, workshops, a podcast room, and a design lab with 3D printers and electronics manufacturing capabilities.

In addition, the law firm Troutman Sanders is providing flexible payment terms for any Prototype Prime startup utilizing their services.

"We saw a large percentage of our customers coming from the Peachtree Corners area, and Prototype Prime offered a no-brainer way for us to have a presence in the area," said Adam Steinberg with Fetch.

Photo courtesy City of Peachtree Corners