Gener8tor

Program Type: In-person
Location: Appleton, Wisconsin
Investment: $100,000
Program Fee: None
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Stage: Early Stage

Industry of Focus

• Sustainability
• Climate Tech
• Energy
• Cleantech

Key Highlights

Program Overview

The U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator, powered by gener8tor and sponsored by U.S. Venture, is a 12-week mentorship-driven program supporting sustainability and mobility-related startups across the U.S. and Canada. The program invests $100K into five high-growth startups, offering access to a robust network of industry experts while promoting innovation in transportation products, sustainability solutions, and insights.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Exclusion

The accelerator supports underrepresented founders who display passion and dedication, aiming to help build venture-backable businesses. Applications are encouraged from startups headquartered in diverse locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Investment Details

• Selected teams receive $100,000, either as a direct investment into the current round or as an uncapped convertible bridge note for the next round.

Benefits Details and Perks/Credits

• Access to gener8tor’s global network of mentors and investors.
• Mentorship and coaching through one-on-one meetings with 100+ connections, including serial entrepreneurs and industry experts.
• Deals and perks exceeding $1M from vendors such as IBM Cloud, Rackspace, Amazon, PayPal, Zendesk, Hubspot, and Microsoft.
• Exclusive premiere night reception with pitches to an audience of entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, and community members.
• Ongoing post-program support, valuable connections, and mentorship from gener8tor and U.S. Venture.

Program Format

The accelerator follows a 12-week schedule with bi-weekly one-on-one meetings for individualized coaching. It includes mentorship from industry experts and ends with a Premiere Night where startups pitch to investors and stakeholders.

Location or Relocation Requirements

Startups are required to relocate to Appleton, Wisconsin, for the program’s duration to benefit fully from cohort-based programming and Appleton's strong business ecosystem.

Cohort Size and Program Frequency

• Cohort size: Five companies per program.
• Program runs biannually, with the next session starting in Spring 2026.

Requirements Related to Users, Revenue, or LOIs:
The accelerator seeks startups with scalable business models that are either generating revenue or have a clear path toward greater adoption.

Post-Program Engagement

Graduates of the program benefit from ongoing support, mentorship, and connections to corporate partners and investors, ensuring continued growth post-graduation.

Company Types Requirements

The program targets sustainability or mobility-focused startups with scalable economic impact. Applications are accepted from startups in the U.S. and Canada.

Founding Team Preferences

The accelerator prioritizes passionate and dedicated founders who are committed to solving significant problems. Strong emphasis is placed on venture-backable businesses with underrepresented founders.

Additional Alumni Examples

• New Day Hydrogen: Provides on-site hydrogen fuel production systems for zero-emission fleets with a focus on sustainability.
• Torev Motors: Develops patented next-gen electric motors using fewer rare earth materials for transportation vehicles.
• OpenGrid: Offers lithium battery-integrated EV chargers optimized for grocery-anchored locations to boost convenience and revenue.
• IN BOLD PRINT: Empowers small-to-mid-sized businesses to measure carbon emissions and track their sustainability journey.

Just as U.S. Venture’s mission is to find a better way by being the very best provider of transportation products, sustainability solutions, and insights driving the world forward, the U.S. Venture Accelerator mirrors these promises by investing $100K into five sustainability- and mobility-related startups to provide the mentorship-based, concierge-service programming needed for them to experience growth and acquisition.

gener8tor runs several programs focused on investing in and supporting startups at the forefront of our climate and environmental crises. While you're applying to USV, feel free to select other program(s) that are most relevant to you!