The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator welcomed 64 people who braved the rainy weather to the first Breaking Down the Silos networking event of 2024. This quarterly event allows attendees to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and businesspeople in the Southern Tier ecosystem.
In addition to the traditional networking, this Silos — which took place on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 and was sponsored by Tier Energy Network (TEN) — featured three Koffman member company graduations. Graduating Koffman member companies included Cubed Naturals, 2Immersive4U and Edge Spray.
Cubed Naturals offers hemp-based CBD products with the goal of changing the way CBD is perceived. They have been members of the Koffman business incubator program since July 1, 2020.
“Cubed Naturals found a second home in the Koffman Incubator, where a tight-knit community of entrepreneurs provided unwavering support. The depth of knowledge among the staff cultivated an environment reminiscent of family,” said Cubed Naturals Production Development Manager Liam Wagner. “Moreover, the extensive array of cutting-edge equipment in the lab provided invaluable resources for our endeavors. Looking ahead, our passion lies in simplifying the overly complicated world we call the CBD industry, coupled with a dedicated commitment to educating our cherished customers.”
Emmy-nominated studio 2Immersive4U utilizes virtual reality to create entertaining cinematic content ranging from music videos to animated series. Originally founded in Serbia, 2Immersive4U has since moved its headquarters to Ohio.
“Koffman membership, complemented by Eric Krohn’s mentorship, has been instrumental in accelerating 2Immersive4U’s innovation and market leadership. It has fueled our strides in video AI technology, our expansion to Hollywood, and our recognition in top media outlets. This collaboration has empowered us to lead in creative content production, bringing fresh, immersive experiences to the forefront of entertainment,” said 2Immersive4U co-founder and CEO Dusan Simic. “As we look to the future, our enthusiasm is unmatched. With strategic acquisitions on the horizon and a growing team of visionaries, we’re set to redefine the intersection of tech and entertainment. The support from Koffman and guidance from Eric have been key to our journey, positioning us for groundbreaking achievements ahead.”
EDGE Spray improves sneaker grip, providing athletes with increased traction to reduce slip ups and improve performance in sports like basketball, volleyball, fencing, boxing, pickleball, and more. Last June, EDGE Spray signed a momentous partnership with USA Fencing to provide members with exclusive access to their products.
“I’m honored to have been a part of the Koffman,” said EDGE Spray Co-Founder and CEO Zach Keck. “The staff as well and the other tenants make it a singularly special place. I believe the main reason start-ups fail is because the founders give up. The stats can point to product market fit, lack of financing, etc. — but so many successful businesses experience those issues yet persevere until they figure it out. I value the staff and community at the Koffman even higher than the resources they provide… As for EDGE – we have a huge year ahead of us. I understand the science of our space better than ever, we have new products in the pipeline to alleviate inconveniences in the customer experience, and powerful new partnerships are launching to get more eyes on the brand. I’m confident that EDGE is poised for great success, and I’m grateful to the Koffman for helping us get to where we are today.”
Explore and learn more about all of our Kofman Incubator members and graduate companies on our website.
Our next Silos is scheduled for May 15, 2024 with more information to come. Follow the Koffman on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on all of the latest events and company updates.
