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Celebrating the 2024 Hutch Cohort

December 17, 2024//by Hutch
Celebrating the 2024 Hutch Cohort

Six Founders Shaping the Future of Government Tech Completed the Hutch Program

At our December 2024 ceremony, we celebrated the graduation of our 5th Hutch cohort—a remarkable group of six founders ready to make their mark on government tech.

This inspiring group of founders completed Hutch’s intensive two-year program, designed to empower gov tech entrepreneurs to grow thriving digital services firms. Their journey reflects resilience, innovation, and a commitment to making an impact in the government technology space.

Sharing words of wisdom

During the ceremony, keynote speakers and program leaders shared advice and encouragement for the Hutch cohort as they embark on the next chapter of their entrepreneurial journey.

Hutch instructor Jason Lee, Vice President of Sales at Fearless, underscored the importance of showing up in the space, particularly when meeting new or potential customers:
“When you’re out and meeting people for the first time, just let them know that you’re cool. If they know you inside and who you are as a person, they can feel that connection. They’ll represent your firm. ” 

Hutch alumni speaker Felix Gilbert, CEO of XCell and a graduate of the Hutch Class of 2020, reflected on the program’s long-term impact and the value of community:
“Community is what you need so that when you are in the valley, you can turn to our community to lift you up during the challenging times.”

Meet the Hutch Class of 2024:

This year’s graduates have tackled complex challenges, grown their businesses, and contributed meaningfully to the gov tech ecosystem. We’re excited to see how they continue to innovate, serve their clients, and create lasting change:

  • BlueMeta Technologies: Founded by Malik Warren, a Fearless Software Engineer II, this firm is dedicated to empowering things that matter. With a focus on social equity and impact, BlueMeta leverages the latest technology to deliver innovative solutions that drive positive change in government.
  • Boostaro LLC: Founded by AI expert, Snehal Talati, this firm specializes in organizational change and government transformation. With a focus on people first, Boostaro helps organizations understand the importance of empathy, passion, compassion, and innovation in the digital age.
  • CloudLeap Technologies, LLC: Led by Senior Engineer, Prashant Shah, this firm specializes in Big Data & Analytics, and Machine Learning helping federal, state, and local governments analyze vast amounts of data used to make strategic decisions.
  • Flamelit Consulting, LLC: Led by Economist and Data Scientist, Thomas Roderic, this firm is on a mission to improve government service delivery through data. Flamelit has developed and deployed several data science solutions for the government and non-profit organizations.
  • Mebane Design Studio: Through design and creative visual solutions, this firm lead by Brandi Mebane exists to give voice to traditionally underestimated people, ideas and causes so more people can share themselves with the world. 
  • Pendulum Tyde LLC: Founded in March 2021 by Jeffrey Coleman, this firm is delivering knowledge-based services in Records Management, helping organizations transition to a paperless environment.

Reflecting on the journey

Graduates have spent the past two years honing their leadership and business skills while scaling their digital services firms. Malik Warren, founder of BlueMeta Technologies, reflected:
“Over the past two years, we didn’t just build technology we built opportunities. Remember that as you continue on your journey.”

Hutch has been a launchpad for over 20 companies, and the Class of 2024 now joins a growing alumni network committed to making technology work better for government and the communities it serves.

Building a legacy of impact

Hutch’s mission is to increase the number of minority- and women-led companies in government technology, ensuring technology better serves the public good.

“One thing has been consistent about all of you: it’s always been about impact. How do we create services that ensure people have access to high-quality healthcare? How do we build technology that makes the world better? Your ‘why’ has always been on the forefront—don’t forget that,” shared Fearless CEO and Founder, Delali Dzirasa.

He continued, “There will be plenty of ups and plenty of downs in your business, but it is the ‘why’ that will continue to make your heartbeat, push you forward, and help you grow your business against all odds.”

With a goal to grow to 45 digital services firms by 2025, Hutch is committed to fostering the next generation of gov tech leaders.

We’re so proud of your achievements and can’t wait to see the remarkable impact you’ll make.

Stay connected with Hutch:

  • Follow us on social media to hear more about our alumni and program updates.
  • Interested in joining the next Hutch cohort? Applications open soon!