Minneapolis startup accelerator gener8tor has selected seven local startups specializing in areas ranging from drones to maternity leave for its spring gBETA accelerator for early-stage companies.
Unlike its full-fledged, 12-week summer accelerator, gener8tor does not take equity in gBETA businesses, and does not charge for participation. In addition to Minneapolis, gener8tor runs these programs in Madison, Milwaukee, Beloit, Detroit and Northeast Wisconsin. Startups that participate in the program receive office space, relationships with two to three mentors with relevant experience, coaching from the gener8tor team and a variety of tech perks.
Gener8tor says that graduates of this program have collectively raised more than $5.5 million since 2015, and 50 percent have gone on to participate in future equity-based accelerators or raised at least $50,000 in seed funding.
"gBETA works with some of the best and brightest companies in the community to help them achieve their goals and be successful in the long term," said Eric Martell, managing director of gener8tor Minnesota.
Gener8tor originated in Madison and expanded to Minneapolis in 2016. The accelerator ran its first gBETA program in 2016, and its first full-fledged accelerator last year. This core accelerator program invests around $140,000 in each of its five startups from across the country. These accelerators are currently in Minneapolis, Madison and Milwaukee.
Here are the seven Minnesota startups participating in the spring 2018 gBETA program, with descriptions provided by gener8tor:
enVerde: Repurposes carbon-containing waste into clean, sustainable energy and chemicals. The startup's technology is based on intellectual property from the University of Minnesota. enVerde was a semifinalist in the energy/clean tech/water division of the 2017 Minnesota Cup.
MANBOAT: Increases net tuition revenue and student success by optimizing admission and scholarship decisions.
Spooky Action: Builds custom unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for situations where drones are too underpowered and helicopters are too cumbersome. Spooky Action's UAVs were field tested, providing air support to anti-poaching teams in South Africa.
Studioso: Modernizes music education by connecting students to teachers through its mobile app. Studioso serves both private and institutional music educators and works for all instruments.
Take 12: A crowdfunding service that allows friends and family to relieve the financial stress of unpaid maternity leave for working mothers by giving financial gifts in lieu of a traditional baby registry.
WorkOutLoud: Hosts online communities connecting enterprise companies to their customers.
Y Translator: Provides translation services for YouTube videos. More than two-thirds of YouTube viewers (around one billion) don't speak English, and content creators are missing out on opportunities to grow their influence and revenue.
