Gener8tor, one of the largest startup accelerators and venture funds in the United States, is deepening its investment in Texas' entrepreneurial landscape through strategic community partnerships and its accessible training platform, Gener8tor Skills. Robert Pieroni, Gener8tor's expansion lead for Texas and Europe, outlined the organization's mission to foster local innovation and retain talent across the state during a recent interview on The Building Texas Show.
The organization's approach centers on economic gardening, which involves investing in local founders to drive organic growth and attract outside capital. In Round Rock, Gener8tor partners with the Chamber of Commerce and the city's economic development agency to create a hub where entrepreneurs can access mentorship, funding, and peer networks. Pieroni explained that when a startup receives funding from outside the community, it brings new capital investment, creating jobs and lasting impact where people live.
For aspiring entrepreneurs and career-changers across Texas, Gener8tor Skills offers a practical pathway into high-growth fields. The platform provides on-demand, industry-aligned training in areas such as technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing—key sectors driving the state's economy. Pieroni noted that while talent is everywhere, opportunity isn't always, and Gener8tor Skills helps bridge that gap by equipping Texans with tools to innovate and build locally.
With 13 years of experience, Gener8tor has a proven model for long-term economic development. To date, the organization has supported 541 startups, which have raised $1.15 billion in follow-on financing and created over 6,760 jobs. Pieroni emphasized that these compounding effects take time but transform communities, and Gener8tor aims to help cities invest in their best talent for the next decade.
Pieroni highlighted the power of regional collaboration, citing examples like West Texas' energy cluster and the growing aerospace corridor spanning El Paso, Van Horn, and Brownsville. He stated that when communities work together, they can create world-class industry clusters that attract talent, investment, and innovation, positioning Texas as a model for such development. Additional information about Gener8tor's Texas programs can be found at https://www.gener8tor.com.
