Marshall University’s iCenter and gener8tor Supercharge West Virginia Startup Scene, Announce New gBETA Accelerator
HUNTINGTON, West Virginia - Global venture firm and startup accelerator, gener8tor, in partnership with the Marshall University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (“iCenter”), announced the inaugural gBETA at Marshall’s iCenter, made possible by a generous donation from the Huntington National Bank. The accelerator focuses on early-stage companies working across all industries.
gBETA at Marshall’s iCenter is a free, seven-week, no-equity accelerator program that provides startup founders with concierge coaching and programming, along with access to a network of mentors, customers and investors. The program is designed to set a path for startups to participate in equity-based accelerator programs and investment opportunities.
The program will recruit startups throughout the state of West Virginia, with a preference for startups innovating in Marshall University’s focus areas of distinction: advanced manufacturing, aviation, cyber, energy, rural healthcare and entrepreneurship.
“Marshall University is committed to accelerating individual success, innovative ideas, and economic impact,” said Tricia Ball, Executive Director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Marshall University. “This new partnership with gener8tor is just one of the many ways we are turning that commitment into action by equipping West Virginia innovators with the resources and relationships they need to thrive and make a meaningful impact. I’m deeply appreciative of Huntington Bank for making this possible.”
Together, gener8tor and Marshall University’s iCenter aim to bring economic diversity and job growth to the Huntington region and state as a whole.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Marshall University’s iCenter to bring this program to life and bolster support for founders across West Virginia,” said Vanessa Huerta, gener8tor gBETA Vice President. “We’re excited to hit the ground running and bring truly impactful programming to early-stage founders looking to scale their startups.”
“At Huntington Bank, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs access the skills, financing and other resources they need to take their businesses to the next level,” said Chad Prather, Huntington’s Regional President in West Virginia. “We’re proud to provide financial support for the gBETA program because we see it as a direct investment in the success of West Virginia’s next generation of innovators and business leaders.”
gBETA at Marshall’s iCenter will begin recruiting startups immediately with the first program expected to kick off this June. The program will conclude with a showcase where each of the selected startups will pitch to the public. The showcase will be announced at a later date.
Startup companies and founders interested in applying or learning more about the gBETA at Marshall’s iCenter or similar gBETA programming and resources or applying are encouraged to visit the website.
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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 gBETA
gBETA is a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. This accelerator supports five startups per cohort and requires no fees for startups and takes no equity. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised more than $838M in capital and created more than 5,200 jobs across the U.S. internationally.
About Marshall University’s iCenter
The Marshall University Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (iCenter), established in 2018, serves as a hub for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the university and the broader West Virginia community.
