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Grow Your Startup in the United States with gener8tor
Establish your startup in the U.S. from Washington, D.C. and gain access to gener8tor's internationally recognized programs, network, and resources to accelerate your growth.
Apply NowIn Partnership With the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Soft Landing Pad
The U.S. Wants Founders Like You
Expand your startup into the United States from Washington, D.C. with a partner that knows the market. Join a national ecosystem of founders, investors, and mentors ready to help you grow. Whether you are scaling your team, raising capital, or entering new markets, gener8tor gives you a home base in the nation's capital that supports your success from day 1.
Apply NowRelocation Support
Relocate with Confidence
Land in Washington, D.C. and join a national network of entrepreneurs across the United States. From visa guidance to community connections, gener8tor makes your transition seamless so you can focus on growing your company.
- Guidance through visa and immigration pathways
- Support setting up your U.S. corporate entity
- Warm introductions to D.C. founders, investors, and partners
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The Program
Participate in a gener8tor Accelerator
Grow your startup inside a nationally ranked accelerator in Washington, D.C. Work 1-on-1 with mentors and investors to refine your business model, raise capital, and accelerate growth in the U.S. market.
Expert Mentorship
Direct feedback from experienced U.S. founders and operators.
Investor Access
Pitch to D.C. and national VCs, angels, and corporate partners in gener8tor's network.
Fundraising Prep
Sharpen your deck, model, and narrative for a U.S. raise.
Capital & Connections
Fundraising and Growth Opportunities
Access the capital and connections that fuel growth. We help you meet the right investors, pitch with confidence, and unlock the opportunities you need to scale your business from Washington, D.C. to markets across the U.S. and beyond.
Investor Introductions
Curated meetings with D.C. and national VCs and angels who invest in your sector.
Pitch Coaching
Refine your story, deck, and financials for a U.S. audience.
Corporate Partners
Connect with enterprise buyers and strategic partners in the D.C. region and beyond.
Alumni Network
Join 2,300+ companies that have gone through gener8tor programs.
Fall 2025 Cohort
Meet the Soft Landing Pad Startups
3 international companies that chose the U.S. as their next market and gener8tor as their partner.
Cove enables organizations to rapidly launch fintech products like embedded lending, insurance, and tenant screening through a low-code platform that handles engineering, compliance, and vendor management end-to-end.
cove.dev
Exerchain transforms personal health data into predictive insights and lifestyle recommendations, empowering users and healthcare partners to proactively manage chronic conditions and optimize wellness outcomes.
exerchain.io
ITER IDEA's AI-powered resource planning platform (AIRP™) streamlines workforce, scheduling, and asset management for budget-conscious organizations by generating optimized plans and scenarios in seconds.
iter-idea.com
Our Mission
Removing Barriers for International Founders
gener8tor empowers international entrepreneurs to establish and scale their startups in the United States. The Soft Landing Pad provides a streamlined pathway into the U.S. through Washington, D.C.: a validated and repeatable immigration process, corporate relocation support, and the resources you need to thrive in the U.S. market. We remove the friction so you can focus on innovation and growth.
How It Works
A Proven Accelerator Model
The same framework that has supported 2,300+ companies, built for international founders entering the U.S. through Washington, D.C.
7-Week Program
Designed for early-stage startups. Founders receive intensive mentorship, weekly growth sessions, and the insights needed to gain early traction and prepare for investment.
Mentorship from Industry Experts
Each startup is paired with seasoned mentors and investors who provide personalized feedback on product development, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising readiness throughout the program.
Access to the gener8tor Network
Join a national community of 2,300+ founders and partners through gener8tor's accelerator network, gaining long-term exposure to investors, alumni, and corporate collaborators.
Proven Results
Hear It From Founders Who Have Done It
Every mentor, team member, and investor was genuinely trying to help and guide our business. The team was incredibly passionate and supportive, and it often felt like they were an extension of our own team.
Jay Ji
Co-Founder, Exerchain, Fall 2025 Cohort
Alumni Success
From Soft Landing Pad to $13M Raised
PAXAFE's founders relocated through the program and built a logistics intelligence platform serving global pharma and produce supply chains. The Soft Landing Pad became their launching point for U.S. scale.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the Soft Landing Pad before you apply.
What is the gener8tor Soft Landing Pad?
The gener8tor Soft Landing Pad is an accelerator initiative designed to help international startups explore and expand into the U.S. market from Washington, D.C. The program provides tailored mentorship, business development support, and access to the gener8tor network of investors, partners, and corporate leaders to accelerate your market entry and growth.
Why Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. puts you close to federal agencies, embassies, and international organizations, along with an active community of investors and corporate partners. For international founders, it is a direct entry point to U.S. customers, partners, and capital.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. There is no cost to participate in the Soft Landing Pad program. Selected startups receive access to all programming, resources, and mentorship at no charge.
How many spots are available?
Each cohort is highly selective and typically includes up to 5 startups. This ensures every participant receives personalized attention and support from the gener8tor team and mentor network.
Will I receive a visa?
gener8tor does not directly provide visas. However, our team offers guidance and support resources for participants navigating U.S. travel or visa requirements as part of the program experience.
Will my startup receive investment?
The Soft Landing Pad program does not include a direct investment component. However, startups gain access to gener8tor's investor network and opportunities to pitch to venture capitalists, corporate partners, and angel investors.
What types of startups are eligible?
The program welcomes international startups that have established traction in their home markets and are ready to explore U.S. expansion. We look for innovative companies across industries such as technology, sustainability, health, fintech, manufacturing, and creative sectors.
What do participating startups receive?
- 1-on-1 mentorship from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts.
- Business development and U.S. market-entry strategy support.
- Networking opportunities with potential investors, customers, and partners in the D.C. region and beyond.
- Access to gener8tor's global community of entrepreneurs and alumni.
How long is the accelerator program?
The Soft Landing Pad accelerator runs for 7 weeks and combines in-person and virtual programming. During this time, founders participate in mentorship sessions, investor introductions, and U.S. market entry workshops designed to accelerate their growth and expansion.
After completing the accelerator, startups are expected to continue operating from Washington, D.C. for at least 1 year. This ongoing commitment helps founders build deeper local connections, leverage regional networks, and establish a sustainable presence in the U.S. market.
What happens after the program ends?
We encourage participating startups to build lasting connections in Washington, D.C. As part of the program, companies are expected to continue operating from the D.C. region for at least 1 year after completing the program. This commitment helps founders fully leverage local networks, customers, and resources to scale successfully in the U.S. market.
Get Started
Apply for the gener8tor Soft Landing Pad
A simple 3-step process to start your U.S. journey in Washington, D.C. No lengthy requirements, and our team guides you at every step.
Submit Your Application
Complete a short online form with your startup details, team information, and market traction.
Interview with Our Team
A 30-minute video call to assess fit and discuss your U.S. expansion timeline and goals.
Accept and Expand
Receive your acceptance letter and begin your relocation to Washington, D.C. with full support from the gener8tor team.
Free to apply. Free to participate.
Program Partner
Provided in Partnership With the DC Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
The partnership connects international founders in the Soft Landing Pad with the District's business community, resources, and support for companies establishing a U.S. presence.
Learn More About the PartnerGet in Touch
Have a Question About This Program?
For more information about the gener8tor Soft Landing Pad, submit the form below and a member of our team will follow up with you directly.