Straight Shot – Omaha’s first technology accelerator – is dedicated to rapidly developing technology startups, so when they go to market they have a sustainable path to revenue generation and future profits. Straight Shot’s first two classes included companies with founders coming to Omaha from San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, Raleigh, and more. Founded by Mark Hasebroock, a co-founder of GiftCertificates.com and Hayneedle, and supported by a deeply experienced and talented pool of strategic mentors, Straight Shot offers participating startups unmatched perspective and knowledge needed to succeed. Straight Shot provides entrepreneurs employing e-commerce and software as a service business models with a direct path to revenue, advisors, technology needs, and more.

In 2015, the program will add a vertical focus on logistics (transportation, distribution, and smart infrastructure) to more closely align the program with existing community strengths as well as kick off a pilot project with Omaha-based Gallup to add a scientific and cutting-edge approach to human capital and self-evaluation. Straight Shot’s vision is to make Omaha a regional entrepreneurial hub and show the world our region is a uniquely qualified place for innovative talent to be developed and nurtured. Straight Shot contributes to this effort by providing an annual technology accelerator for rising companies as well as through strategic partnerships within the greater Omaha corporate community.