Two Richmond startups, Keya & Co and Sherah, have been selected to participate in Lighthouse Labs’ competitive accelerator program. The 11-week program offers mentorship, office space, resources, and guidance to the selected companies. Lighthouse Labs, a nationally recognized startup accelerator, has helped over 100 startups since its establishment 11 years ago.
The startups chosen for the program have diverse focuses but share the commonality of talented and innovative founders. The selection process was highly competitive, with the chosen companies representing the best of entrepreneurship in Virginia and beyond, according to Art Espey, the executive director for Lighthouse Labs.
Keya Wingfield, a Richmond native, launched her snack company, Keya & Co, after appearing on the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship in 2021. The company specializes in culturally inspired snack foods, with its first product being Keya’s Bombay Chips, which features masala-spiced potatoes. Wingfield also operates Keya & Co Baking, which has been creating custom desserts for 11 years.
The second Richmond startup is Sherah, founded by Kristin Richardson. Sherah offers clients personalized assistants, both virtually and in person, through a membership plan. The company provides assistance with various tasks, including indoor and outdoor home needs, email and calendar management, childcare, pet care, and grocery shopping.
Both Keya & Co and Sherah were chosen from a pool of 200 applicants to be part of Lighthouse Labs’ 15th batch of companies. As part of the program, the selected startups receive $20,000 in equity-free funding. The program will run from August 21 to November 1.
This cohort of Lighthouse Labs’ accelerator program is notable for having 63% of the founders from traditionally underrepresented groups among entrepreneurs. Five of the teams selected are from Virginia, and additional support is provided by the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and VCU Health.
The inclusion of these Richmond startups in the Lighthouse Labs accelerator program highlights the city’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. With access to mentorship, resources, and funding, Keya & Co and Sherah have the opportunity to further develop and grow their innovative solutions to real-world problems.
