The Cox Cleantech Accelerator, a collaboration with gener8tor, is a bi-annual program designed to support founders pioneering advancements in sustainability and climate technology. It provides capital, expertise, and connections to foster the growth of innovative cleantech companies into successful, high-value enterprises. The program is dedicated to startups focused on solving, mitigating, or adapting to climate and environmental challenges, with a commitment to engaging founders who reflect the diverse communities impacted by these issues.
Program Structure and Benefits
• Investment: Each participating startup receives a $100,000 cash investment. This is structured to go directly into a current capital round or, for companies not actively raising, as a convertible bridge note for a future round.
• Cohort Size: The program maintains a focused environment by accepting only five companies per cohort, ensuring dedicated attention and resources for each founder.
• Duration and Support: Participants engage in a 12-week program featuring individualized coaching and mentorship from the gener8tor and Cox teams through one-on-one meetings.
• Network Access: Founders gain entry to gener8tor’s global network of mentors and investors, connections to corporate partners, and opportunities for Atlanta-based enterprise pilots. They also join a community of program alumni.
• Mentorship: The program facilitates interaction with over 100 serial entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, including experienced cleantech and enterprise mentors specializing in areas such as marketing, talent, and legal.
Accelerator Focus and Expertise
• Cleantech Experience: Cox Enterprises and Cox Cleantech have a significant history in the sector, having invested over $2 billion in sustainable technologies and initiatives since 2007.
• Legacy in Sustainability: The accelerator is backed by Cox Enterprises' long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship through its Cox Conserves program, which has invested $165 million in over 500 projects and achieved Zero Waste to Landfill certification in 2024.
• Operational Excellence: The partnership leverages a proven track record of scaling cleantech companies, offering cross-industry expertise to catalyze business growth.
• Strategic Partnerships: The collaboration between Cox Cleantech and gener8tor, a highly active early-stage investor in climate tech, provides participants with funding, education, and connections. A partnership with the Georgia Cleantech Innovation Hub further connects founders with leaders in the local ecosystem.
Ideal Candidate Profile
• Growth Readiness: The accelerator seeks startups that are primed for growth and can effectively leverage the program's network, resources, and expertise to scale their impact.
• Scalable Business Model: Ideal candidates are startups with the potential for significant and scalable economic impact, demonstrated by existing revenue or a clear path toward greater market adoption.
• Founder Attributes: The program looks for passionate and dedicated founders. Applications from founders representing underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to ensure diverse insights in addressing the climate crisis.
Application and Eligibility Details
• Application Status: Applications are not currently being accepted for this program.
• Geographic Eligibility: Startups headquartered anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.
• Location and Format: This is a fully in-person program conducted in Atlanta, Georgia. Founders are expected to spend the majority of the program duration in Atlanta, with the cohort hosted at Ponce City Market to facilitate strategic connections within the Georgia ecosystem.
This accelerator offers a distinct opportunity for cleantech startups ready to scale. While applications are currently closed, interested founders are encouraged to monitor for future program announcements. When sessions are active, the program team, including the Managing and Program Directors, typically offers office hours for prospective applicants to discuss the accelerator in more detail.