StartUp Rutland partners with gener8tor to launch Accelerator Program 

Rutland, Vermont – In partnership with global venture firm and startup accelerator, gener8tor, StartUp Rutland – a Chamber & Economic Development of Rutland Region (CEDRR) initiative, announced the launch of their new StartUp Rutland Accelerator, focused on early stage tech-enabled startups. StartUp Rutland is supported by several stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the City of Rutland, Rutland Redevelopment Authority, and MKF Properties. 

“We’re excited to partner with gener8tor to pioneer Rutland’s first national accelerator program,” said Mose Cassaro, Director of Venture Capital at StartUp Rutland. “With CEDRR’s support, this partnership embodies our mission as an accelerator and venture capital fund to drive economic growth and sustainable progress in Rutland County, VT. We aim to bridge Vermont’s venture capital and startup ecosystem gap, connecting startups to the broader US entrepreneurial landscape, enabling access to funding, expertise and growth opportunities nationally, all while staying rooted in Vermont.” 

StartUp Rutland is an accelerator and early-stage venture fund focused on attracting and retaining high-growth startups to Rutland. The newly-launched accelerator is powered by gener8tor’s gBETA program – a free, seven-week, zero-equity accelerator that provides startup founders with concierge coaching and access to a gener8tor’s network of mentors, customers and investors across the United States. The program is designed to set a path for eligible and promising startups that graduate via the accelerator program to be considered for investment capital via StartUp Rutland’s Venture Capital Fund. 

“Our partnership with gener8tor takes a significant step in our work to support the Rutland County economy,” said Lyle Jepson, Executive Director at CEDRR. “We will capitalize on the pride and energy that the citizens in our City and county bring to their work, as we all focus on stewarding the growth of high-paying, high-skill and high-demand opportunities.”

The StartUp Rutland Accelerator will recruit startups nationally in an effort to support startups based in or interested in relocating to Rutland. All participating startups chosen for the accelerator program will undergo evaluation for eligibility to gain access to follow-on resources, including up to $100,000 investment each in exchange for an equity stake, incubation space and relocation assistance, amongst a host of additional perks. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with StartUp Rutland to bring this program to life and continue to support the technology enabled industries in Rutland,” said Lauren Usher, Partner at gener8tor. “We’re looking forward to this partnership and the incredible economic impact that StartUp Rutland and gener8tor will bring to the region.” 

The StartUp Rutland Accelerator will be the first of its kind in Rutland. “With our city primed for growth, StartUp Rutland in partnership with gener8tor is precisely the type of program that Rutland both needs and can support in its growth,” said Rutland City Mayor Mike Doenges. “This initial program, along with subsequent initiatives, will be a welcome enhancement to both our city and greater community.” 

The StartUp Rutland Accelerator Program Manager will lead recruitment of startups and guide founders through the programming. Interested candidates can learn more about the role and apply here. 

Applications for the StartUp Rutland Accelerator are open now, and the program will kick off April 18, 2024. Visit gener8tor.com/gbeta/startup-rutland for more information. 

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About gener8tor 

gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022. 

About StartUp Rutland 

StartUp Rutland is an initiative launched by Chamber & Economic Development of Rutland Region (CEDRR), which serves as both an early-stage venture capital fund, and an accelerator and incubator. StartUp Rutland’s goal is to attract and retain high-growth startups and founders in Rutland, Vermont, and empower local entrepreneurs with a hands-on approach through an acceleration and incubation program. Their investment philosophy is driven by a triple bottom line approach, evaluating not only financial returns but also the positive impact on people and the region.