Highway1

Highway1 was a prominent hardware startup accelerator, launched in 2013 by PCH International, a supply chain and manufacturing services company. Based in San Francisco, its unique value proposition stemmed from its deep integration with PCH's manufacturing capabilities, particularly in Shenzhen, China. The accelerator aimed to bridge the gap between innovative hardware concepts and mass production, offering startups not just capital but also critical access to prototyping facilities, supply chain expertise, and manufacturing partnerships.

The program typically spanned four months, providing participating teams with mentorship, design guidance, and hands-on support for product development. A key differentiator was the opportunity for founders to spend time in Shenzhen, working directly with engineers and factories to refine their prototypes and understand the intricacies of hardware manufacturing. This practical, immersive experience was designed to accelerate the product development cycle and prepare companies for scalable production.

Financially, Highway1 typically invested $50,000 in each participating company in exchange for a 5% equity stake. Over its operational period, Highway1 supported a significant number of hardware startups, with its Crunchbase profile indicating over 100 portfolio companies. This substantial portfolio demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation in the hardware sector, covering diverse areas from consumer electronics to IoT devices.

Highway1 played a vital role in the hardware startup ecosystem during its active years, helping numerous companies navigate the complex journey from concept to market. While the accelerator appears to have wound down its operations around 2018-2019, its legacy includes a cohort of successful hardware companies that benefited from its unique blend of capital, mentorship, and unparalleled access to global manufacturing resources.