gener8tor & Allianz Life to Invest $500K in 5 Startups Led by Black, Brown and Women Founders
MSP Equity Accelerator welcomes 2024 Cohort
MINNEAPOLIS - Five new fast-growing startup companies from across the country have each been selected to receive a $100,000 investment and participate in the MSP Equity Accelerator startup accelerator program.
The selected startups are: Minneapolis-based contactless patient monitoring device Ambient Intelligence; Durham, N.C. - based AI-driven clinical trial diversity tool CliniSpan Health; Minneapolis-based sports event community platform Gametime Hero; Thornton, Colorado-based college student substitute teaching platform Mili Llama; and Greshan, Oregon-based healthier coffee alternative Sip Herbals.
The MSP Equity Accelerator invests $100,000 into each of five high-growth startups per cohort across all industries and business models. Accepted startups take part in the intensive 12-week, cohort-based accelerator program, which includes 1:1 coaching, mentorship-driven programming, $1M+ in deals and perks, and 100+ connections to the gener8tor network of mentors and investors.
The MSP Equity Accelerator received over 312 applications nationwide, selecting five companies based on their growth potential, investor readiness, and strategic alignment with the Minnesota market to generate economic benefits for the state.
"I'm eager to collaborate closely with these five incredible companies as they embark on their growth journeys," said Megan Baniecke, Managing Director of gener8tor MSP Equity Accelerator. “This program not only supports their ambitious development plans but also brings new opportunities and showcases the potential for startups to thrive within Minnesota's startup ecosystem.”
The MSP Equity Accelerator is made possible by a partnership with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America’s corporate venture arm, Allianz Life Ventures. “Allianz Life is proud to support homegrown innovation here in Minnesota and help bolster a thriving, inclusive economic ecosystem in the Twin Cities through this accelerator program,” said Chad Virgin, head of Allianz Life Ventures.
At the end of the MSP Equity Accelerator, the startup founders will pitch their companies to investors, community partners and the public at a Showcase event on Sept. 18 in partnership with BETA MN at Twin Cities Startup week.
Startup founders interested in learning more about gener8tor’s programming or applying to a future gener8tor MSP Equity Accelerator program can visit the MSP Equity Accelerator website, or reach out to Managing Director Megan Baniecke at megan.baniecke@gener8tor.com Those interested in mentoring these companies or getting involved in other ways are also encouraged to connect.
MSP Equity Accelerator 2024
Brian Johnson - CEO & Founder | john3913@umn.edu | ambienthealthgroup.com | Minneapolis, MN
Ambient Intelligence delivers a cutting-edge, noninvasive, and contactless patient monitoring system tailored for the aging population. Ambient Intelligence’s device operates continuously in the background to detect movement and monitor for critical health events, such as elderly falls. Upon detecting an event, it instantly alerts nurses with real-time notifications. Currently, Ambient Intelligence is advancing clinical research in collaboration with the University of Minnesota at the Bakken Medical Devices Center, where it has developed a working prototype.
Dezbee McDaniel - CEO & Co-Founder | dezbee@clinispanhealth.com | clinispanhealth.com | Durham, NC
CliniSpan Health enhances clinical trial diversity with an AI-driven influencer matching platform that connects Pharma Sponsors with leading Black and Brown influencers. Pharma Sponsors use CliniSpan’s platform to efficiently engage underserved populations, leveraging culturally relevant influencers. CliniSpan Health achieves 7.5x higher inclusion rates in studies involving its technology, and has reached $676K in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR).
Brittany Bell - CEO & Co-Founder | Brittany@gametimehero.com | gametimehero.com | Minneapolis, MN
Gametime Hero streamlines organizing and participating in sports and recreational events. Gametime Hero’s platform connects players and organizers, making it effortless to find games, manage schedules, and engage with local sports communities. Gametime Hero has rapidly gained traction, boasting over 517 active users and securing 12 letters of intent with key partners in the Twin Cities and Seattle areas.
Donavan Bennet - CEO & Co -Founder | donavan@milillama.com | milillama.com | Thornton, CO
Mili Llama bridges the substitute teacher gap by connecting college students with K-12 schools for flexible substitute teacher assignments. Mili Llama empowers students to gain experience while schools secure a reliable pool of qualified substitutes. For the 2024 to 2025 school year, Mili Llama is partnered with 28 schools that represent $98K in ARR.
Orleatha Smith - CEO & Co -Founder | orleatha@sipherbals.com | sipherbals.com | Greshan, OR
Sip Herbals crafts a better-for-you coffee alternative using organic prebiotic chicory, liver-supporting dandelion, and mineral-rich carob across a range of six coffee-house inspired flavors. Sip herbals cater to the health-conscious consumers seeking flavorful, junk-free beverages to substitute for traditional coffee, enhancing their wellness routines with each sip. Sip Herbals has reached $120K in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) and has garnered attention from prominent media outlets including NBC News, Essence and Shark Tank.
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About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, founders, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs 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.
About the MSP Equity Accelerator
Each year, the MSP Equity Accelerator with Allianz Life invests in high-growth startups founded by Black, Brown and Women entrepreneurs participating in a three-month, concierge accelerator program in Minneapolis, MN. Each startup receives a $100,000 cash investment, office space and access to gener8tor's global network of mentors and investors.
About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, one of the Ethisphere World’s Most Ethical Companies®, has been trusted since 1896 to help millions of Americans prepare for financial uncertainties and retirement with a variety of innovative risk management solutions. In 2023, Allianz Life provided additional value to its policyholders via distributions of more than $13.73 billion. Allianz Life is a leading provider of fixed index annuities, registered index-linked annuities, and fixed index universal life insurance. Additionally, Allianz Investment Management LLC (AllianzIM), a registered investment advisor and wholly owned subsidiary of Allianz Life, offers a suite of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Allianz Life and AllianzIM are part of Allianz SE, a global leader in the financial services industry with approximately 157,000 employees in more than 70 countries. Allianz Life is a proud sponsor of Allianz Field® in St. Paul, Minnesota, home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United.
