ONA has long supported start-ups for their tenacious willingness to take a risk in creating a new venture to fill critical gaps in the journalism industry. We’re thrilled to welcome eight innovative startups to the ONA24 Start-Up Alley, where they will showcase their wide range of cutting-edge solutions for the journalism industry. Let’s dive in and learn more about each of them before we meet them in person in the Midway Exhibit Hall in Atlanta!
elvex is an enterprise AI management and enablement platform that helps companies adopt and scale their use of generative AI with security, transparency, and simplicity that democratizes AI solutions across all job functions and skill levels. Among its many benefits, elvex allows newsrooms to harness the power of LLMs while blocking sending information back to the companies and avoiding many of the potential copyright and security challenges that come with more open usage.
Everlit allows journalists to easily produce high-quality podcasts and audio content using their own voice by leveraging AI and streamlining the workflow from recording to distribution. Everlit is creating new ways to engage audiences meaningfully through audio, making it more accessible and efficient for journalists.
Featured.com connects subject matter experts with top publishers to enhance visibility and generate high-quality, ready-to-publish content. Experts can answer publisher questions, submit articles, and conduct interviews within their areas of expertise, establishing their thought leadership in the process. Trusted by over 1,000 publishers, Featured.com is dedicated to fostering collaboration that benefits both experts and the media landscape.
GlueLetter is an analytics tool specifically designed for news publishers who rely on newsletters for revenue generation. It stands out from newsletter competitors by offering advanced segmentation capabilities that allow publishers to create targeted groups based on readers’ interests and engagement levels. With a focus on ease of use, GlueLetter enables teams to analyze newsletter performance effortlessly, ensuring they can make data-driven decisions to enhance their content strategy.
The Hyperlocal News Network is a collaborative platform designed to support local news publishers by providing comprehensive back-office resources, including technology, sales, and content strategy support. Their user-friendly content management system simplifies operations, offering tools for newsletters, advertising, and audience engagement, while their DIY marketing platform empowers advertisers to promote their messages effectively.
InPress blends a news aggregator with a dating app designed to help journalism enthusiasts connect both romantically and platonically. Users create profiles and engage with a curated feed of news stories, and the app’s AI uses reactions to facilitate matches based on shared interests. InPress features a diverse selection of stories from 279 approved outlets — and growing — ensuring users stay informed while meeting like-minded individuals.
The Institute for Independent Journalists (IIJ) is dedicated to supporting the financial and emotional sustainability of independent journalists, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and marginalized communities. Through community learning, advocacy, and professional development, IIJ provides resources and tools tailored to the unique challenges faced by freelancers in the media industry. Their programs focus on fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting equitable treatment of independent labor, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued.
Don’t miss IIJ’s founder, Katherine Reynolds Lewis, leading the ONA24 session Recruiting and Managing a Diverse Cohort of Freelancers on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 2:30 – 3:30.
NewsWyze empowers publishers with custom AI-assisted reporting tools tailored to their unique content and voice. Founded by journalists, NewsWyze aims to enhance journalistic practices rather than replace them, ensuring that editors and reporters remain in control. Their tools are available in Farsi, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian, and soon Indonesian, helping journalists worldwide promote free press and democracy.
