gener8tor and Partners Announce Accelerator for Oklahoma Startups
Anita Ly, local investor and founder advocate, returns to Oklahoma City to lead program
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Global venture firm and startup accelerator gener8tor, in partnership with the Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science & Technology, Cortado Ventures and Boyd Street Ventures, is set to launch the inaugural gener8tor Oklahoma City Accelerator in 2023. gener8tor OKC focuses on serving Oklahoma-based startups as well as those in the biotechnology, agriculture technology, energy diversification and life sciences industries.
The OKC Accelerator aims to grow and scale leading Oklahoma startups across that state through gener8tor’s 12-week investment accelerator that includes $100,000 of seed capital, access to gener8tor’s international network of mentors and investors along with entrepreneurial training and support. The OKC Accelerator is held in Oklahoma City once per year with just eight companies accepted per year to ensure a high level of individualized attention.
“OCAST is proud to partner with gener8tor to offer the Oklahoma City accelerator program,” said Jennifer McGrail, executive director of OCAST. “In addition to the fantastic local partners, gener8tor has a proven track record that will bring additional resources, mentors and venture funding to the table for promising startups. They have already proven their commitment to our community through their gBETA program, and we are very excited to have their full gener8tor accelerator as a new offering for Oklahoma startups. The Oklahoma Legislature saw the promising ideas coming from all across Oklahoma, and its funding has allowed accelerators like gener8tor to become a reality.”
Anita Ly has been selected as the inaugural managing director of the gener8tor OKC Accelerator. As managing director, Ly will lead the investment accelerator in supporting startups that have the opportunity for significant and scalable economic impact. gener8tor’s network and expertise in sales, marketing and go-to-market strategies support startups that are primed to achieve their growth and fundraising goals.
Ly, a California native, relocated to Oklahoma City in 2017 and discovered a passion for working with founders. Prior to joining gener8tor, she cultivated a community for founders, investors and entrepreneur support organizations in Tulsa with Atento Capital. Her time as an investor showed Ly the importance of continued support for founders and understanding their needs post-investment.
Previously, Ly developed programming for university graduate students and faculty to commercialize their research efforts through SBIR/STTR funding opportunities. She also created and ran the Oklahoma Women Impacting STEM & Entrepreneurship Conference. Ly’s collective experiences and network will provide the resources and support that founders in Oklahoma need.
“I started my career in entrepreneurship in Oklahoma after seeing the generational impact startups were making,” said Ly. “My personal mission in life is to create opportunities for younger generations and women to succeed, and gener8tor presents them. I look forward to continuing to bridge the gap in Oklahoma in economic development through intentional investments and job creation while leveraging this platform to support companies that are doing both good and well.”
Applications are currently being accepted for the accelerator with the program to kick off on March 9 and conclude with a startup showcase in June. Startups, mentors and investors are invited to sign up to meet with Anita and learn more or get involved.
###
About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences 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. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
About OCAST
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) is the state's agency for technology-based economic development. We are a results-driven, high-performing organization that increases research activity and public/private partnerships leading to innovation in the core tech sectors most important to Oklahoma's economy, including Aerospace - Defense and Autonomous, Biotechnology and Life Sciences, and Energy Diversification. This results in new businesses, job growth, higher wages, and an improved quality of life for the citizens of Oklahoma.
About Cortado Ventures
Cortado Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in ambitious, growth-driven companies, backing a new generation of economic prosperity for Oklahoma and the Midcontinent region. They invest in capital efficient businesses that leverage technology to scale in the Fintech, Biotech, Aerospace, Ag Tech, Energy Tech, Manufacturing and Logistics sectors.
About Boyd Street Ventures
Boyd Street Ventures is the first venture capital fund for alumni to support the University of Oklahoma by investing in affiliated early-stage businesses.
