UCLA Anderson Launches New Accelerator

The Anderson Venture Accelerator is housed on the ground level of the Rosenfeld Library at Anderson and is a massive 10,000-square-feet. Courtesy photo

MOVE OVER, STACKS OF RESEARCH

Specifically, Osborne envisions the accelerator as being a valuable resource in testing lean startup methods. “It’s a representation of being able to try out a product or service that has value to society,” Osborne believes. “No matter where you are in the entrepreneurial process, the resources in the accelerator can take it to a higher level.”

Housing the space in the library was an intentional and tactical decision and part of Osborne’s personal mission to bring libraries back to relevancy. “We wanted to breath life into libraries, which are becoming places empty of people,” explains Osborne. UCLA Anderson spent months cleaning out stacks of research and switching the documents to an electronic format to make space for the building’s revamp. “We needed to adopt the space to what the audience is looking for to keep relevance,” says Osborne.

The hours of operation and staffing the library already has was a plus, says Osborne. “We will eventually go to a 24/7 model for all residents using the space,” Osborne notes.

‘COME TO ANDERSON, LEARN ABOUT RUNNING A BUSINESS AND THEN JUST DO IT’

Luxury vehicle manufacturer, Cadillac sponsored the launch event held on Monday, Jan. 25, which was attended by about 400 people. Cadillac also awarded $10,000 grants to three UCLA Anderson-founded enterprises: Neural Analytics, Behavioral Healthworks, Inc. and Arctica.

“Learning has to be far more active for millennials and those generations to come after,” Osborne believes. “We invite them to come to Anderson, learn about running a business and then just do it.”

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