gener8tor, a San Antonio-based startup accelerator, has recruited five security tech-focused startups for its Spring 2023 cybersecurity accelerator cohort.
The Madison, Wisconsin-based nationally-ranked program is a member of the Global Accelerator Network. gener8tor invests in high-growth startups working on security technology solutions, supporting them via its network of experienced mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists.
The program is open to startups across the U.S. Each cohort in the cybersecurity accelerator will feature five companies participating in a 12-week program. Each company will receive a $100,000 investment from gener8tor in exchange for 7.5% equity. Founders will meet with gener8tor-vetted investors during the final weeks of the program.
The founders will meet in the Rand building, where Geekdom, a San Antonio startup-focused co-working community, is based. Geekdom has partnered with gener8tor to oversee the new startup program.
Read: Geekdom Will Launch New Cybersecurity Accelerator In 2022
The five companies in the Spring 2023 cohort hail from the San Antonio-Austin region, Oklahoma, Australia, and Ukraine.
Aiculus leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to detect and respond to API security threats in real time. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Aiculus prioritizes data privacy, API threat intelligence sharing, and a ‘shift-right’ approach that prevents breaches of operational API systems. Aiculus has secured over $800,000 in pre-seed funding and generates more than $200,000 annually.
Brokee evaluates the skills required of a software systems engineer. By simulating real-world information technology or IT infrastructure challenges, Brokee assesses the skills of top-notch DevOps and cloud engineers to reduce the risks of hiring unqualified candidates and the typical hiring timeline. The Ukrainian-founded startup has collaborated with 10 companies, generating $5,500 in revenue from four paid trials, and has completed 211 assessments of mid to senior-level candidates, resulting in four high-quality hires.
Critical Fault detects vulnerabilities in applications and information systems. Based in Edmond, Oklahoma, the startup is developing software to automate the security testing of client applications before they reach production. The State of Oklahoma, CBIZ, OG&E, and Flogistix have verbally committed to pilot the software upon a beta launch.
San Antonio-based Mailtrail offers passwordless compliance software that integrates with any email service. When customers receive citations from regulators, Mailtrail provides ad-hoc compliance training directly to the user. The training arrives via email, removing the log-in barrier, increasing user completion, and bringing the organization back into compliance. Mailtrail will run a pilot project with 150 medical staff at The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Rektify AI assists Web3 projects by identifying vulnerabilities and bugs in code through comprehensive smart contract auditing. For retail investors, Rektify AI offers the Data Portal, a risk management system that helps users research Web3 projects. The Austin-based startup has secured $75,000 in revenue and is growing 37% year over year.
Applications are welcome from startups headquartered anywhere in the world. Teams are expected to relocate to San Antonio for the duration of the program to take full advantage of the cohort-based programming and the strength of the local ecosystem. The gener8tor team will help founders find affordable, short-term housing for the duration of the program.
The security technology accelerator helps startups developing concepts, policies, and components designed to minimize risk, identify vulnerabilities, and inform how and when organizations should respond to potential cyber incidents.
“We’re trying to broaden the definition of a cybersecurity startup,” Amanda Keammerer said. The San Antonio native and security fellow with the Truman National Security Project is the accelerator’s managing director. “We’re interested in solutions that minimize risk or help with compliance, data privacy, even gaming — it doesn’t have to be focused on threat intelligence or incident response.”
San Antonio is home to the largest pool of certified cybersecurity experts outside the nation’s capital region, the U.S. Air Force Cyber headquarters, NSA Texas, a massive private sector presence, and a growing number of cyber startups.
“I think it’s powerful to grow this ecosystem here in San Antonio,” Keammerer said. “The new accelerator program will act as a lightning rod for the growing cyber hub here, amplifying the unique assets we already have as a city.”
Starting in 2023, gener8tor will work closely with two cohorts each year with hands-on mentoring during the 12-week accelerator program. Applications for the Fall 2023 cohort are now open and close on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Startups building security tech and cybersecurity products are encouraged to apply at www.gener8tor.com/
“The gener8tor Cybersecurity Accelerator, led by one of the city’s best cybersecurity experts, is a prestigious addition to San Antonio’s startup ecosystem. We welcome the second cohort to Geekdom,” said Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom. “These companies are entering a rich tapestry of cybersecurity talent, knowledge, and expertise and will be put on a pathway for rapid growth.”
The featured image is the Spring 2023 gener8tor cohort. From the left: Jordan Caldwell (CEO, Critical Fault), Vance Hanson (CEO, Mailtrail), Alberto Piña (mentor and Braustin Homes CEO), Omaru Maruatona (CEO, Aiculus), Michelle Lee (Program Manager, gener8tor Cybersecurity), Maksym Lushpenko (sitting down, CEO, Brokee), Amanda Lee Keammerer (managing director of gener8tor Cybersecurity), Jasmine Brunson (CEO, Rektify AI). Photo courtesy of gener8tor.
