Imprint Venture Lab looking to fund and assist creative entrepreneurs

Imprint Venture Lab is looking for creative entrepreneurs with ideas for consumer goods, food, apparel and social-good businesses that have the potential to become iconic brands.

The Long Beach-based incubator has up to $3 million to invest in a handful of creative and design startups. “We’re interested in talking to anyone with a great idea, even if it’s just sketched out on a paper napkin,” says Tanya Raukko, Imprint managing partner.

Besides funding, startups would get assistance in strategy, product development, operations and marketing, and access to creative leaders such as Jeffrey Ng of Staple Design and John C. Jay of W + K Garage.

The incubator’s first investment was San Diego-based Knockaround, a one-man sunglasses business run out of a garage that has since become a multimillion-dollar operation. Another early investment was Omhu, which makes products for an aging population.

Applications are due June 30. Details at www.imprintventurelab.com.