Business Courier: Band Connect selected for prestigious program
Venture Lab-backed startup reaches pre-seed fundraising goal
A University of Cincinnati Venture Lab-backed startup has reached its pre-seed fundraising goal and been accepted into one of the world’s top accelerator programs, the Cincinnati Business Courier reported.
The startup, Band Connect, has created technology that allows an in-clinic experience for physical therapy patients at home while providing clinicians insight into their patients’ form and progress.
It was one of 12 companies selected for the Techstars Healthcare Accelerator's three-month cohort held in Los Angeles. The accelerator will offer exposure to industry-specific partners.
“They are payors and providers, and we need both of those in order for the solution to work,” Band Connect co-founder and CEO Abby McInturf, a 2018 UC alumna, told the Business Courier. “We feel like they can best help us catalyze the momentum we have right now.”
With $120,000 in equity financing from Techstars Healthcare as part of the accelerator, Band Connect has completed its $500,000 pre-seed funding round.
Band Connect likely will raise a $2.5 million to $3 million seed round later this year to fund a targeted clinical and commercial launch. The accelerator should help with that as its companies typically go on to raise more than $2 million of outside capital after the program, per the accelerator.
Featured image at top: Abby McInturf, Band Connect’s co-founder. Photo by Gregory Glevicky/UC Office of Innovation
About UC Venture Lab
A leading model for urban-centered universities, the UC Venture Lab activates a high density of rapidly curated startup opportunities that attract outside entrepreneurial talent and investors. We connect university students, faculty, staff, and alumni to talent and funding to help launch new companies. Our team includes Office of Innovation staff as well as Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIRs), coaches, curated service providers, and subject matter experts.
Related Stories
Fall grads celebrate their success at commencement
December 12, 2025
The University of Cincinnati recognized more than 2,600 graduates at its fall commencement.
Make Hoxworth Blood Center’s special holiday events part of your family celebrations this December
December 12, 2025
This December, Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati, is inviting families across Greater Cincinnati to add something truly meaningful to their holiday traditions: giving the gift of life. With festive community events, beloved local partners and special thank-you gifts for donors, Hoxworth is making it easier, and more heartwarming than ever, to roll up your sleeves and help save lives close to home.
Ohio nurses weigh in on proposed federal loan rule
December 12, 2025
Spectrum News journalist Javari Burnett spoke with UC Dean Alicia Ribar and UC nursing students Megan Romero and Nevaeh Haskins about proposed new federal student loan rules. Romero and Haskins, both seniors, were filmed in the College of Nursing’s Simulation Lab.