Eight new companies got their official start last week thanks to the Iowa Startup Accelerator in Cedar Rapids. The new ventures are:

• SwineTech, New Sharon; a cost-effective method for preventing pork layon deaths
• GolfRz, Des Moines, an app for providing better access to private golf clubs
• EARMashin, Los Angeles; an app that allows users to discover music and find live events
• TaxiTapp, Champaign, Illinois; a mobile booking platform for traditional taxi services
• Stratbase, Iowa City, an online strategic planning tool for nonprofits
• GoQuets, Des Moines; an online order platform for live flower orders
• Care Academy, Boston; an educational system for caregivers
• CareDrop, Cedar Rapids; a software platform to help family caregivers find local resources