The summer cohort for gBeta Milwaukee, a free early-stage startup accelerator, is in full swing after kicking off on May 6. Five companies are participating in the program, which runs through July 1 and is being held virtually due to Covid-19.
gBeta is run by gener8tor, a Madison-based organization that offers pre-accelerators, accelerators, corporate programming, conferences and fellowships.
Startups that participate in gBeta don't give gener8tor an equity stake in their companies. The gBeta program is designed to help startups gain customer traction and establish metrics that can make them competitive applicants for full-time, equity-based accelerators or for seed investment, according to a gener8tor press release. Since 2015, program alumni have raised more than $111,000 and created more than 1,000 jobs across the U.S. and Canada, according to gener8tor.
Following are the startups selected from more than 60 applicants for gBeta Milwaukee's 12th cohort, according to a Monday announcement from gener8tor.
- Debtle: Led by CEO Stephanie Hoskins, Debtle makes cloud-based software that aims to streamline the negotiation, settlement and payment of overdue customer invoices for businesses. Based in Sheboygan, Debtle was included among the Business Journal's 21 startups to watch in 2021.
- Flora Fruit Co.: Since launching in November, this fruit box subscription company has completed 850 orders and generated more than $22,000 in revenue, according to a gener8tor press release. Led by CEO Jalen Greenlee, the company currently serves customers across southeast Wisconsin.
- huupe: Led by CEO Paul Anton, huupe makes smart basketball hoops that track performance and allow users to play against each other from their own driveways. The company recently raised $290,000 and is partnering with an NBA team for its launch, according to the release.
- Hydra: Co-founded by Anupam Das, Hydra creates technology that allows users to easily view large 3D models on any device. The company has successfully prototyped and proven out its core technology and is working with leading construction firms and defense contractors for beta testing, according to the release.
- Piper Tool Co.: Led by CEO Amelia Faist, Piper Tool Co. aims to empower women ages 18 to 35 with tool education and hand tools tailored to them. The company won the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's LaMacchia New Venture Business Competition in March, according to the release.
Each of the five startups will present at the gBeta Milwaukee Pitch night event on July 1. The virtual event is open to the public — register here.
