Expand Your Startup
into the U.S. Market
gener8tor's Soft Landing Pad gives international founders a free, structured path into the United States — with mentorship, relocation support, and direct access to U.S. investors.
Join a Nationally Ranked U.S. Accelerator
gener8tor has supported thousands of startups across hundreds of cohorts — and counting.
What You Get
Everything You Need to Land in the U.S.
Selected startups receive a complete support package — from your first week in Wisconsin through your first U.S. fundraise.
Investor Access
Pitch to venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate partners through gener8tor's network — built over more than a decade of early-stage investment.
1-on-1 Mentorship
Get paired with experienced U.S. founders, investors, and sector experts who provide direct, personalized feedback on product, go-to-market strategy, and fundraising throughout the program.
U.S. Network Access
Join a national community of 2,200+ alumni founders and partners. Relationships that extend well beyond the 7-week program and support your company for years.
Relocation Assistance
We help you navigate the move to the U.S. — with guidance on corporate setup, visa processes, and community introductions from your first week through your first year.
The Process
3 Steps to Your U.S. Launch
A streamlined process designed for international founders. No lengthy requirements — our team guides you at every step.
Submit Your Application
Complete a short online form with details about your startup, your team, and the traction you've built in your home market.
Interview with Our Team
A 30-minute video call with the gener8tor team to assess fit and discuss your U.S. expansion timeline and goals.
Accept and Expand
Receive your acceptance letter and begin your relocation process with full support from the gener8tor team and Wisconsin network.
Proven Results
Hear It From Founders Who've Done It
Every mentor, team member, and investor was genuinely trying to help and guide our business. The team was incredibly passionate and supportive — 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. Wisconsin became their launching point for U.S. scale.
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Our Team
Deep Expertise Across Every Sector
gener8tor employs over 100 staff members with expertise spanning healthtech, AI, sustainability, life sciences, advanced energy, and more. When you join the Soft Landing Pad, you tap into that depth.
Amanda Williams
Healthtech Expert
Andrew Schmitz
Materials & Sustainable Mobility Expert
Camilo Lozano
Life Sciences Expert
Davide Dantonio
Industry 4.0 & AI Expert
Donna Ehart
Advanced Energy Systems Expert
Jessica Halsey
Advanced Energy Systems Expert
Ryan Jeffery
Sustainability Expert
Soham Dalal
Sustainability Expert
FAQ
Your Questions, Answered
The gener8tor Soft Landing Pad is a global accelerator initiative designed to help international startups explore and expand into the U.S. market. 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.
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.
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.
Programs are hosted periodically throughout the year, often aligned with partner cities or ecosystem events. Interested startups can apply or sign up to be notified when the next cohort launches.
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.
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.
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.
- One-on-one 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.
- Access to gener8tor's global community of entrepreneurs and alumni.
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 their Soft Landing Pad community for at least one year. This ongoing commitment helps founders build deeper local connections, leverage regional networks, and establish a sustainable presence in the U.S. market.
We encourage participating startups to build lasting connections in their landing pad community. As part of the program, companies are expected to continue operating from their landing pad location for at least one year after completing the program. This commitment helps founders fully leverage local networks, customers, and resources to scale successfully in the U.S. market.
Ready to bring your startup to the United States?
Applications are free and open to international founders worldwide. Our team reviews every submission personally.
Apply Now — It's Free