Empowering Economic Growth Through Entrepreneurship: My Journey with gener8tor
The Power of Startups in Economic Development
What if the key to a thriving local economy wasn’t attracting big corporations but investing in the entrepreneurs already in your community? Across the country, cities and regions are discovering that fostering startup ecosystems isn’t just an economic development strategy—it’s a game-changer. Startups drive job creation, attract talent, and generate revenue that strengthens entire communities. As someone who has spent over a decade helping cities grow through entrepreneurship, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact of investing in local founders. That’s why I joined gener8tor: to help more cities, more startups, and more communities unlock their full economic potential.
From Economic Development to Venture Capital—A Natural Evolution
For more than 13 years, I’ve been working to grow local economies—not by chasing big corporations, but by helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses. I started out in local economic development, splitting my time between California and Texas, working with communities to build stronger startup ecosystems. Eventually, I put down roots in Houston, where I rolled up my sleeves and got to work—connecting founders with investors, forging partnerships, and helping to turn bold visions into real economic impact.
No matter where I’ve been, my mission has stayed the same: helping communities grow by betting on their own people. I’ve always believed that the strongest economies aren’t built by waiting for outside investment to show up. They’re built from the ground up—by supporting the entrepreneurs, innovators, and risk-takers already there, ready to create and scale something meaningful.
That belief is what led me to gener8tor, a nationally recognized venture capital firm and accelerator. It wasn’t a career change—it was a natural next step. Instead of working city by city, I now get to take this mission to a global scale—helping even more founders, businesses, and communities turn their ideas into lasting success.
Entrepreneurs Don’t Just Start Businesses—They Build Economies
If you want to see economic growth in action, look at the numbers. Since gener8tor was founded, we’ve helped 1,421 startups across 288 cohorts get off the ground. Those startups have gone on to create 11,000+ jobs and attract $2 billion+ in follow-on financing.
What does that actually mean?
It means that in 48 cities across three countries, people who once had only an idea now have thriving businesses. It means more money flowing through local economies. It means more industries innovating. It means entire communities thriving because new companies bring energy, opportunity, and long-term impact.
Jobs That Go Beyond a Paycheck
At gener8tor, we don’t just help create any jobs—we help create meaningful ones.
Startups don’t hire in the same way giant corporations do. They bring fresh job opportunities—everything from entry-level positions to high-skilled tech roles. And that job diversity strengthens a local economy. When small businesses thrive, they don’t just create employment; they reshape communities, turning overlooked areas into innovation hubs.
I’ve seen it firsthand—entrepreneurs don’t just fill jobs; they change the landscape of entire neighborhoods.
Attracting and Keeping Top Talent
Ever notice how cities with buzzing startup scenes tend to attract the best talent? It’s no coincidence. Entrepreneurs, creatives, and problem-solvers naturally gravitate toward innovation hubs.
One of the things I love about gener8tor is how we’ve helped cities not just retain their top talent, but attract even more. By fostering an ecosystem where startups can grow, we’re keeping brilliant minds in the communities that need them most, rather than losing them to the biggest coastal tech hubs.
The Economic Ripple Effect: More Startups, More Revenue, Stronger Communities
Something people don’t talk about enough? How much startups contribute to local tax revenues.
Every time we help launch a new business, it doesn’t just generate revenue for the founder—it fuels the entire community. More local businesses mean more tax dollars, which means better-funded schools, stronger infrastructure, and more opportunities for reinvestment.
This is what I mean when I say entrepreneurship builds economies—because when a startup succeeds, it’s not just the business owner who wins. The entire city benefits.
Resilience: Why Startup Ecosystems Help Communities Bounce Back
Here’s the reality: economies shift, industries evolve, and downturns happen. But one thing that sets thriving communities apart? Resilience.
The cities and towns that bounce back the fastest from economic challenges are the ones with strong entrepreneurial cultures. Startups are naturally agile—they adapt, pivot, and find new solutions in ways that slow-moving corporations can’t.
Over the last 13 years, I’ve watched how the startups we support have played a critical role in stabilizing local economies—helping cities not just survive tough times, but emerge stronger.
13 Years of Proof—And We’re Just Getting Started
What makes gener8tor different? We don’t just invest in businesses—we invest in entire communities.
With 6,000+ investors and mentors in our network, we’ve created a system where entrepreneurs aren’t just given funding and left to figure things out on their own. They’re surrounded by people who’ve been there before, ready to help them scale, solve problems, and make an impact.
And we’re just getting started.
Entrepreneurship isn’t just a trend—it’s the foundation of economic strength. The more we invest in founders, the more we strengthen communities from the ground up. As we look ahead, we’re doubling down on this mission. One startup, one community, one big idea at a time.
Join Us in Building the Future
Want to learn more? Visit gener8tor.com to explore our programs and get in touch.
If you’re an entrepreneur with a bold idea, an investor looking to make an impact, or a city leader hoping to transform your local economy, let’s talk. Together, we can build something that lasts.