Idea Studio™ Competitors

Bill Gross started Idealab in 1996 to create and operate pioneering technology companies. The structure of Idealab has allowed us to test many ideas at once and turn the best of them into companies, attracting the human and financial capital necessary to bring them to market. Many of these companies were among the first to introduce new business ideas to the market. CitySearch, now a part of IAC, established the category of local online community directories. eToys demonstrated the tremendous potential for online consumer retail and became one of the most recognized brands during the early days of e-commerce. Overture Services, which began life as GoTo.com, was the first company to introduce the concept of paid search — the business model that powers the multibillion-dollar online search market. Idealab continues to explore a range of technology frontiers. New models for improving the search experience are at the core of several companies currently growing inside of Idealab. Moving beyond the Internet, we have spawned companies with breakthrough technologies in robotics, renewable energy and automotive design and production among others. Idealab also continues to partner with leading venture capital firms and other strategic investors to provide the resources to maximize the potential of these companies. In addition to capital, Idealab provides a full range of resources to infuse start-ups with the support they need to rapidly introduce innovative products and services. Resources include office space and the accompanying office services, development and technology, product and graphic design, marketing, financial advice, human resources, competitive research, legal, accounting and business development support and services. In addition, Idealab provides advice on strategy, branding and corporate structure.

For more than 75 years, Costa Fruit & Produce has been part of New England’s restaurant and hospitality community, providing chefs and foodservice professionals with the fresh ingredients they rely on every day. Privately owned and based in New England, Costa offers a broad selection of fresh produce, specialty foods, dairy, fresh-cut produce and chef-driven ingredients for restaurants, hotels, clubs, institutions and other foodservice operations. Our relationships extend from the kitchen to the source. We work with local farms, growers and artisan producers throughout New England, while sourcing quality products from trusted partners across the country and around the world. Fresh Ideas, our in-house fresh-cut division, takes fresh one step further. Our dedicated processing facility produces hundreds of fresh-cut fruit and vegetable items designed to help professional kitchens save time, reduce prep and labor, improve consistency and minimize waste. From everyday cuts and blends to customized solutions, Fresh Ideas gives chefs the convenience of ready-to-use ingredients without losing sight of quality and freshness. Food safety is fundamental to everything we do. From sourcing and receiving through processing, storage and delivery, Costa maintains rigorous food safety and quality-control practices throughout our operation. SQF certified for quality and food safety. More than a supplier, we strive to be a resource for our customers — helping chefs discover seasonal ingredients, specialty products, labor-saving solutions and fresh ideas that keep kitchens and menus moving forward. Since 1950, our focus has remained simple: quality products, dependable service and strong relationships with the people who make New England hospitality happen.

Since 1989, Spark Innovations has helped bring new product ideas to life - from early concepts and inventions through to production and market launch. For more than three decades, our team has developed innovative products across a wide range of industries, including: • Consumer electronics • Medical devices • Housewares • Sports equipment • Industrial products and equipment Our long history of product development has helped establish Spark as one of Canada's most prolific product design and development firms, as recognized by Report on Business magazine in May 2010. Founded in 1989, Spark brings together an award-winning team of mechanical engineers, electronic engineers, industrial designers, and product development specialists. Our expertise includes: • Industrial design • Mechanical engineering • Electronics development • Product strategy and product management • Patent-focused design development • Manufacturing and logistics support With more than 145 issued U.S. patents connected to our work, our success is built on a proven and strategic product development process. We help established companies strengthen their product offerings, protect intellectual property, and deliver meaningful benefits to their customers. We also work closely with inventors, helping turn rough ideas into production-ready products and real market opportunities. At Spark, we balance the emotional wants of consumers with the business needs of our clients - delivering thoughtful design, strong engineering, practical manufacturing solutions, and exceptional service. Spark Innovations proudly serves clients locally and across the globe.