Bronze Valley, a Birmingham-based early-stage venture fund, and Gener8tor, a global startup accelerator, have kicked off the inaugural Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator that will focus on serving founders from backgrounds that historically have been excluded from access to capital.
The two entities have partnered before on the gBETA Accelerator, which also is focused on underrepresented founders, and the gALPHA Accelerator, an entrepreneurial program for students affiliated with Alabama-based historically black colleges and universities.
The Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator has received more than 800 applications for its inaugural cohort. Five companies have been selected: 8 Myles, Athyltic, Major Care, Productions.com and Promoshare.
8 Myles is a food brand that prioritizes clean ingredients and key nutrients with products produced in Texas. Athyltic offers companies a way to connect with student athletes to maximize their brands, while compensating the athletes based on their audience reach. Major Care is working with managed care organizations to integrate doula care within health care. Productions.com connects studios, music labels and corporate brands to vetted local crews. Promoshare empowers fan-driven marketing promotions tailor-made for sports franchises, venues and event producers who want to tap into hyper-local fans.
“The partnership between Bronze Valley and Gener8tor continues to contribute tremendously to innovation and the growth of new business and economic opportunity in Birmingham and beyond,” said Neill Wright, president and CEO of Bronze Valley.
The Bronze Valley Investment Accelerator program is a three-month program. The accelerator will be held once a year with five companies accepted to ensure a high level of individualized attention. At the end of the three months, the startup founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public. This year’s pitch event will be held April 27 at 5:30 p.m. at Lumi in Birmingham.
