Five new, fast-growing startups from across the country were selected to receive a $100,000 investment and participate in the Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator program.
The selected startups are: Atlanta-based artificial intelligence developer Adravision; Phoenix-based generative artificial intelligence developer Botco.AI; Brooklyn-based sustainable B2B hygiene company Generation Conscious; Birmingham-based immersive learning company Kai XR; and Miami-based marketplace for authenticated sneaker rentals, Loan My Sole. Each company moved to Birmingham to participate in the program.
The accelerator is a partnership between venture capital platforms Bronze Valley and gener8tor and supports "high-growth, innovative and technology-enabled" companies created by diverse, female and underrepresented founders. The startups take part in the intensive 12-week, cohort-based accelerator program which includes one-on-one coaching, mentorship-driven programming, more than $1 million in deals and perks and more than 100 connections to the gener8tor network of mentors and investors.
Bronze Valley received more than 600 applications from across the country for the program. The five selected companies were chosen based on their growth potential and investor readiness.
“I’m thrilled to get to work with these five incredible companies on their growth,” said Allison Swagler, gener8tor Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator managing director. “This program not only supports these five companies, it also empowers these founders to engage with Birmingham’s entrepreneurial community. I can’t wait to see the partnerships they’ll forge during their time in Alabama.”
Neill S. Wright, president and CEO of Bronze Valley, emphasized the value of drawing new companies to Birmingham.
"This cohort’s entrance to the Alabama innovation ecosystem has the potential to spur growth across several industries and we are proud to empower them to make a strong and lasting impact," he said.
At the end of the program, the startup founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public at a showcase event May 2 in Birmingham.
