Mobile’s Innovation Portal awarded the first two investments from its Portal Fund to Deuce Drone and Barkd.
Deuce Drone, which uses drones to help retailers with same-day delivery, received a $50,000 investment. Barkd, an app that matches potential pet owners with pets, received $25,000.
“Partnering with dynamic, engaging and local entrepreneurs is in line with Innovation Portal’s mission and will hopefully encourage other entrepreneurs in our area,” said Henry O’Connor, Investment Council chairman.
In addition to the investments, Deuce Drone and Barkd will have access to Innovation Portal programming, support and workspace.
Innovation Portal is a nonprofit incubator and innovation hub serving southwest Alabama and the central Gulf Coast.
The nonprofit developed the Portal Fund to invest in early-stage startups.
For more information on the Portal Fund, including eligibility and the evaluation process, go to innovation-portal.com/portal-fund.
