gener8tor and U.S. Venture Announce Managing Director for New Startup Accelerator
Local tech entrepreneur Schmitz joins gener8tor to lead U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator
APPLETON, Wis. - Andrew Schmitz has been selected as the inaugural managing director of the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator. The startup accelerator program, a partnership between U.S. Venture and gener8tor, is located in Appleton and will support high-growth and innovative companies that are focused on building solutions in the sustainability and/or mobility space.
As managing director, Schmitz will lead the U.S. Venture Sustainability 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.
“We are thrilled to have Andrew lead this important initiative,” said Chuck Dauk, chief innovation and transformation officer at U.S. Venture. “His startup experience and local connections will be a great resource for the founders who receive investment through the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator.”
gener8tor is a nationally ranked accelerator and internationally recognized venture capital firm that invests in high-growth startups and supports the growth of these young companies through its network of experienced mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors and venture capitalists in more than 41 communities. The U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator is operated in partnership with U.S. Venture, an Appleton-based global leader in the energy and transportation industries.
Schmitz, an Appleton native, is an award-winning entrepreneur with experience building tech companies in the local startup ecosystem. Prior to joining gener8tor, he was the original founder of Proceed.app, an application used by manufacturing companies across North America for training frontline workers. During his time starting and growing Proceed.app, Andrew became heavily involved in the startup community throughout Northeastern Wisconsin and frequently advocates for startups in the region.
“Appleton and the Fox Valley have a rich history of world-changing entrepreneurs and innovators. I’m really fortunate to have this opportunity to contribute to our area’s entrepreneurial landscape and legacy,” Schmitz said. “As a tech founder myself, I’ve benefited from what our area has to offer entrepreneurs – from strong industrial ties to low cost of living. I’m excited to connect entrepreneurs with the resources we have to offer in order to help grow the next Appleton-based, world changing businesses of tomorrow.”
The U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator is offered in Appleton due to the generous support of U.S. Venture. The accelerator is held once per year, with just five companies accepted per year to ensure a high level of individualized attention.
The program is currently accepting applications. The 12-week accelerator will launch March 23 and conclude on June 15 with a startup showcase. Startups, mentors and investors can sign up to meet with Andrew 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 U.S. Venture
For over 70 years, U.S. Venture, Inc. has been recognized as an innovative leader in the distribution of traditional and renewable energy products, lubricants, tires, parts, and using data-driven insights to manage energy and information in the global movement of goods. U.S. Venture delivers creative, sustainable solutions that give their customers a competitive edge, and enable the company to support the communities in which they live, work, and play. Through the values lived by their family of brands, U.S. Oil, U.S. AutoForce, Max Finkelstein, LLC, U.S. Gain, Breakthrough®, U.S. Lubricants, U.S. Petroleum Equipment, and IGEN®, U.S. Venture seeks new ways to drive business success while being steadfast in its commitment to making the world a better place.
