Colorado-based venture studio, business accelerator, and investment group thebad.company announced a noteworthy partnership with WeFunder, aimed at raising $250 million over the next ten years. And the funds will be used to solve Colorado’s critical challenges, focusing on workforce readiness, reshoring manufacturing, and transforming the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.
A major initiative of this partnership is enabling every high school and college student in Colorado to gain real-world work experience. And thebad.company is building technology that will connect employers and educational institutions to create real-time curriculum revisions that align with rapidly evolving job market needs.
Along with education and workforce development, the partnership will focus on reshoring manufacturing to the U.S., beginning with Colorado. thebad.company will work to build technological infrastructure and networks that empower the state’s manufacturing industry.
A major aspect of this partnership is thebad.company’s AI Future Lab, known as Spectre Labs, where the company is exploring what the AI landscape will need to look like over the next decade. And Spectre Labs metaphorically “time-travels” into the future to build the frameworks necessary for an optimal AI environment. The lab is setting its sights on creating an AI ecosystem that not only pushes the boundaries of innovation but also ensures ethical, sustainable, and efficient AI development.
The AI Future Lab will explore noteworthy AI technologies, address ethical concerns, and lay the groundwork for an AI landscape that enhances productivity, sustainability, and human well-being.
Some additional key initiatives include:
- Colorado Investment Coalition – Creating a coalition that gives Colorado investors more direct control over investing in local initiatives.
- Business Climate Analytics Tools – Providing entrepreneurs and chambers of commerce with analytics to understand business needs and helping them bring new businesses to life.
- Industry Alliances – Building alliances in key sectors like technology, aerospace, manufacturing, and e-commerce to drive long-term innovation and growth.
- Housing Affordability & Sustainability – Addressing rising housing costs through technological innovation and sustainable business models.
- Environmentally Sustainable Business Environment – Promoting environmentally conscious practices through collaboration and technological advancements.
Thebad.company is also laying the foundation for a tech-forward future by founding the Denver Y Combinator Alumni Group through their CEO, Orin Wilson, who is a Y Combinator Alum, furthering its commitment to fostering local talent and innovation in Colorado.
KEY QUOTES:
“At thebad.company, we’re reimagining how education and business can collaborate to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. By creating direct bridges between schools, employers, and the workforce, we’re not just enhancing career readiness — we’re transforming it.”
- Orin Wilson, CEO of thebad.company
“This isn’t just about solving today’s problems; it’s about building a better tomorrow. This partnership will position Colorado as a leader in manufacturing innovation and growth.”
- Brad Kellum, Chief Innovation Officer of thebad.company
“Through Spectre Labs, we’re looking beyond today’s challenges and building the AI frameworks of tomorrow. Our goal is to anticipate the needs of an AI-driven world and ensure that we’re ready to meet them.”
- Ryan Doelling, COO of thebad.company
“Our partnership with WeFunder allows us to bring these transformative ideas to life. Together, we’re creating a vibrant, resilient, and future-ready business landscape for Colorado.”
- Orin Wilson, CEO at thebad.company
“At WeFunder, we aim to empower communities and entrepreneurs to solve pressing challenges. This collaboration with thebad.company is perfectly aligned with our mission to support visionary startups that can make a real difference, particularly in areas as critical as AI and workforce development.”
- Justin Renfro, a representative of WeFunder
