A 2020 conversation with Startup Virginia’s executive director led Hunter Guerin to apply to the Idea Factory, a program the organization designed to help entrepreneurs flesh out a concept into a business. At the time, Guerin had recently moved to Richmond and wanted become active in the startup ecosystem.
He had multiple business concepts, so he applied with several. Leaders at the Startup Virginia selected a two-sided marketplace called Llamawood, which connects buyers and sellers of firewood.
The company has grown from its humble beginnings. Guerin finished the Idea Factory and was invited to participate in local accelerator Lighthouse Labs. He recently finalized a $500,000 fundraise for Llamawood and was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corp.’s Commonwealth Commercialization Fund.
The company has grown from supplying firewood to individuals to becoming a reliable supplier to restaurants and other businesses that cook with wood.
“My wife and…
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