Five Startups Selected for Rutland’s First-Ever Venture-Backed Accelerator
Five companies have been selected to participate in a national startup accelerator
program including three Vermont-based startups and two from out-of-state. Tacitly, Aprexis
Health, Brightwater Tools, SkinGenius and Cathoven will participate in the gBETA Rutland
program through national venture capital firm gener8tor.
gBETA Rutland is a free seven-week accelerator program designed to set a path for startups to
pursue investment opportunities. Startup founders receive intensive concierge coaching and
access to gener8tor’s national network of mentors, customers, corporate partners and investors.
gener8tor received more than 50 applications nationally and internationally for the Rutland
program. The five selected companies were chosen based on their growth potential and
investor readiness. See below for more details on each company.
“I’m thrilled to get to work with these five incredible companies on their growth,” said Mose Cassaro, gBETA Rutland Program Partner and Manager & Director of StartUp Rutland, a VTTA member. “This
program not only supports these five companies, but brings opportunity and economic
development throughout Vermont, attracting national and international attention.”
The program is made possible by a partnership with StartUp Rutland, an initiative launched by
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR).
“StartUp Rutland alongside CEDRR is honored to bring this program to Vermont to support
homegrown innovation and attract and retain talent on a national scale to help bolster a thriving
economic ecosystem in Rutland,” said Lyle Jepson, Executive Director at CEDRR.
At the end of the program, the startups will showcase their companies in front of investors,
community members, and the public at a pitch event on 23 October 2024 at The Paramount
Theater in downtown Rutland. The event will run from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and is open to the
public. RSVP at:: https://lu.ma/pykb9mrm
If you’re interested in mentoring these companies or getting involved in other ways, please
reach out to Mose Cassaro at [email protected]. Startup companies and founders
interested in learning more about gBETA’s programming and resources or applying to a future
program can visit the gener8tor gBETA website, and are also encouraged to connect.
gBETA StartUp Rutland Fall 2024 Cohort
Tacitly Inc. is a venture-backed post-revenue technology startup that stands
at the innovative crossroads of technology and healthcare, nestled within the
Green Mountains of Rutland, Vermont. Specializing in Extended Reality (XR)
training solutions, Tacitly pioneers in developing immersive educational
experiences for the healthcare sector. Tacitly has established a partnership
with the prestigious Dartmouth Health currently utilizing their offerings to train
medical professionals.
Founder and CEO: Jeffrey DeJarnette | tacitly.com
Aprexis Health provides innovative medication management
solutions tailored for health plans, State Medicaid programs, regional
Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), and self-insured employers.
With a focus on improving clinical outcomes and reducing both
medication and medical costs, Aprexis has successfully facilitated over 20,000 clinical
interventions. Having gained substantial traction in 2024, the company projects revenues
exceeding $250,000 by year-end, with over $1.25 million already secured for 2025.
Co-founder: Robert Squire | aprexis.com
Brightwater Tools is a venture-backed, woman-led,
Vermont-based start-up supported by the U.S. National
Science Foundation. Their onsite, scalable, and
automated wastewater treatment process transforms human waste into fertilizer, creating
circular nutrient and water economies for a resilient future.
CEO: Kimmerly Nace | brightwatertools.com
Cathoven AI is a San Francisco-based, venture-backed
startup offering a smart assistant for language teachers. It
is being used in 50+ top universities like Columbia,
Berkeley, and Cambridge. Cathoven enables language
teachers to turn any engaging content — videos, news,
stories, podcasts — into lessons adapted to their students’ language level. Cathoven was
selected as the second-best AI in Education project by QS in 2023, right after Duolingo.
Co-founder & CEO: Erdi Tac | cathoven.com
Skingenius is a Massachusetts-based skincare
recommendation platform that uses advanced ingredient
research and analysis to provide tailored product
recommendations based on your skin type, allergies, and
current routine. By thoroughly evaluating product ingredients
for safety and effectiveness, Skingenius helps you avoid negative skin reactions and waste.
Think, an esthetician in your pocket, guiding you to the best skin care choices.
CEO: Yuliya Pokhylko | skingenius.io
