June 23, 2022 (San Diego, CA) – After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, San Diego startups are now again invited to apply to join Procopio’s acclaimed LaunchPad incubator. Since 2012, select groups of carefully chosen emerging growth companies have begun the formation, protection of core technology, early funding and growth in Procopio’s Del Mar Heights offices, located in the heart of San Diego’s high-technology community. The companies’ entrepreneurs have worked side by side with Procopio attorneys focused on understanding their industries and positioning them for growth and success.

LaunchPad is a program of Procopio Business Advisors, LLC (PBA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP (PCHS).  Ken Weixel, a highly accomplished life science and healthcare industry leader and the former Managing Partner of the San Diego, California, office of Deloitte LLP, is a consultant for the LaunchPad.

“We’re passionate about identifying and fostering the next generation of bleeding-edge innovators right here in San Diego County,” Weixel said. “Whether it’s life sciences or software-as-a-service, or high-tech hardware or renewable energy, our community produces highly creative entrepreneurs with bold ideas for new companies. The LaunchPad incubator’s sole focus is to ensure their growth and success.”

LaunchPad participants receive a selection of complimentary corporate and intellectual property legal services from PCHS along with office space and back-office business support. The nine-month program also includes educational opportunities on key topics including valuation, funding, intellectual property strategy, employment issues, and pursuing a strong exit. Procopio attorneys provide ongoing legal support and assist with corporate structuring, patent protection, investor pitches, branding, and growth strategy.

A key strength of the LaunchPad is its Advisory Board comprising successful entrepreneurs and investors and experts in finance, marketing and other critical areas for emerging-growth companies. Members include life sciences serial entrepreneur and CONNECT Entrepreneur Hall of Fame inductee Magda Marquet; serial medtech entrepreneur, venture investor, board member and advisor Brian Kelleher; longtime San Diego growth strategist Susan Kuruvilla; Tech Coast Angels LA co-founder John Morris; and healthcare executive and board advisor Sal DiGiuseppi.

Many LaunchPad alums sing the program’s praises. RealStir CEO Walid Romaya said “Procopio’s LaunchPad provides the all-important incubation ingredient to a startup whereby great legal minds are available to help and advise in all key aspects,” while Planck Aerosystems COO Dave Twining said “we can definitely trace our current success back to our time in Procopio’s LaunchPad.”

Applications for the 2022 LaunchPad cohort are now being accepted. Potential participants must complete an application and provide a pitch deck and/or executive summary. More information is available on the LaunchPad website. Questions can be directed to PCHS Director of Marketing & Client Relations Kevin J. Wilson at 619.515.3234 or kevin.wilson@procopio.com.