gener8tor launched its first gBETA Beloit accelerator program with five local, early-stage startups in March.
gBETA is a free, six-week accelerator for early-stage companies with local roots. Modeled after gener8tor’s nationally ranked accelerator, gBETA provides individualized mentorship and coaching to entrepreneurs and startups. The program is designed to help startups gain early customer traction on their product or idea, and establish metrics that make them competitive applicants for full-time accelerators or angel investment.
The Spring 2017 gBETA Beloit program is sponsored by Hendricks Commercial Properties and Irontek.
“One of Beloit’s biggest assets over the last several years has been Hendricks Commercial Properties’ ability to create a density of high-tech companies and jobs at their Ironworks development,” said Director of gBETA Abby Taubner. “We’re so honored to be working with them to complement the amazing work they’ve been doing for the community. There are more employees of venture-backed, digital technology startups in Beloit than in Milwaukee, and Hendricks Commercial Properties is a huge reason why.”
In the coming weeks, the five companies participating in the Spring 2017 gBETA Beloit program will work with gener8tor staff to refine their business strategies, grow their revenue, gain additional customers, strengthen their products, prepare their pitches and meet with potential investors.
“We are very excited to have partnered with gener8tor to launch gBETA in Beloit this spring,” said Irontek Community Manager Erin Clausen. “The first cohort is off to a great start and it’s been awesome to see the gBETA Beloit companies using the Irontek space and engaging in the local startup community.”
The program will culminate at LiveBETA, a pitch night for the ten companies involved in the Spring 2017 Beloit and Madison cohorts. Each gBETA Beloit and Madison company will give a four-minute pitch before an audience of investors, entrepreneurs and community members at LiveBETA. Those who attend will have opportunities to chat one-on-one with each company before and after the event.
LiveBETA will be Thursday, April 13th in Beloit. Those interested in attending can register at www.livebeta.eventbrite.com or email gBETA@gener8tor.com for more information.
BELOIT | SPRING 2017 COHORT
Classmunity
Classmunity’s fundraising management software helps K-12 schools fundraise more efficiently while reducing fraud and risk. Developed for educators by educators, Classmunity has helped 10 Wisconsin school districts manage over $1.3m in funds since their soft launch in May 2016.
CEO: Alana Platt, alana@classmunity.com
GenoPalate
GenoPalate analyzes individuals’ genetic data along with demographic and lifestyle information to deliver personalized insights for optimal healthy eating. GenoPalate’s DNA collection kits and biomarkers provide customers with data-driven information about what foods are scientifically best for them, and which to avoid. GenoPalate will use these data to develop GenoNourish, a line of personalized nutrition snacks that will be available Summer 2017.
CEO: Yi (Sherry) Zhang, sherry@genopalate.com
Klover Products, Inc.
Klover Products, Inc. engineers and manufactures parabolic microphones and audio/visual accessories for customers ranging from sports broadcasters to security agencies to video recording enthusiasts. Klover Products is the leading manufacturer of parabolic microphones to the sports broadcasting industry and is the exclusive supplier of parabolic microphones to FOX Sports. Sound Shark, the consumer-facing division of Klover Products, sells a version of their parabolic microphones to wedding videographers and video production houses. These microphones capture audio from greater distances with less ambient noise. Klover Products has sold over 440 parabolic microphones to date.
CEO: Paul Terpstra, pterpstra@kloverproducts.com
Push Daily
Push Daily’s mobile fitness application streams workouts led by fitness influencers. These influencers post packages of their branded workout videos for users to stream at home or on the go. Push Daily’s beta release will feature three influencers, including Nnanna Egbujiobi, a former Nike Brand Rep and Push Daily’s CEO. Nnanna previously created STREET VYBE®, a high-energy hip-hop dance class that reaches 3,400 people weekly at Life Time Fitness locations across the U.S. and Canada.
CEO: Nnanna Egbujiobi, Nnanna@pushdaily.fit
Upper Room Technology
Upper Room Technology’s first product, Savant, is software for professional bond investors. Savant’s patent-pending algorithm delivers customized recommendations as to which bonds to buy and sell. Although the bond market capitalization is $39 trillion, almost 50% larger than the stock market, bond managers currently have no easy way to determine which bonds to buy and sell. Potential customers range from Tier 1 institutions managing trillions or hundreds of billions of dollars (Vanguard) to local asset management firms with only several billion under management. Savant will be available in Q2 2017, with two investment management firms already committed to beta test.
COO: Matthew Kee, Matthew.Kee@UpperRoomTechnology.com
