In this episode of Atlanta Business Radio, Lee Kantor interviews Keena Pierre, Managing Director at Gener8tor, about their new fintech accelerator in Atlanta, launched in partnership with Pinnacle Financial Partners. Keena discusses the program’s structure, selection process, and the five startups in the current cohort, each receiving $100,000 and intensive mentorship. The conversation highlights the accelerator’s focus on early-stage fintech companies, the benefits of Gener8tor’s global network, and plans for future cohorts, culminating in a showcase event for investors and partners. The episode underscores Atlanta’s growing role in fintech innovation.
Keena Pierre is the Managing Director of the Pinnacle Atlanta Innovation Accelerator. She brings deep experience in early-stage venture, startup operations, and program design. A champion of inclusive innovation, she has spent her career helping founders access capital, mentorship, and scalable growth.
A nurse turned investor, she brings care and intentionality to finding and nurturing the best and brightest startups in overlooked markets.
Connect with Keena on LinkedIn.
What You’ll Learn In This Episode
- Insights into the mentorship and support provided to startups during the program.
- Plans for future cohorts and the long-term vision for the accelerator in Atlanta.
- Announcement of the upcoming showcase and demo day for the current cohort.
- Emphasis on the benefits of the Generator network and global connections for participating startups.
This transcript is machine transcribed by Sonix.
TRANSCRIPT
Intro: Broadcasting live from the Business RadioX studio in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s time for Atlanta Business Radio, brought to you by Kennesaw State University’s Executive MBA program. The accelerated degree program for working professionals looking to advance their career and enhance their leadership skills. And now here’s your host.
Lee Kantor: Lee Kantor here, another episode of Atlanta Business Radio. And this is going to be a good one. But before we get started, it’s important to recognize our sponsor, CSU’s executive MBA program. Without them, we wouldn’t be sharing these important stories. Today on the show, we have Keena Pierre, who is the managing director with gener8tor. Welcome.
Keena Pierre: Hi. Thank you. Thank you, Lee, for having me.
Lee Kantor: I am so excited to be talking to you today and explaining what this great program is. First, tell us about generator as a whole and then tell us what you’re doing here in Atlanta.
Keena Pierre: Yes. Awesome. So generators a VC firm that works in partnership with other strategic partners and other investors. We invest by way of the accelerator model and generator is located. We have locations and accelerators all throughout the United States as well as globally. We just activated a new global accelerator in Japan. So we’re kind of all over. And what’s exciting is that we get to be right here in Atlanta. Atlanta has been my stomping ground for about 15 years, and we’re here now partnered with the Pinnacle Financial Partners with the launch of the Fintech accelerator. That is the first of its kind that’s backed by a bank in the state of Georgia. So, so exciting.
Lee Kantor: And you’re talking about the pinnacle of Atlanta Innovation Accelerator. You’re right. I guess you’re in the middle of this cohort, one where you’ve selected five firms.
Keena Pierre: Yes. So five startup companies have been selected. We are now three weeks in program. And interesting enough, this is Tech Week this week in Atlanta. So we literally just wrapped up the our last event which was at Venture Atlanta. And we’ll be doing the next two days at Avent South. So we’ll be there. And um, yeah, we’re we’re out and about and all in program.
Lee Kantor: And then talk about what it takes to get into the accelerator. I’m sure there were five that made it, but there was probably lots who tried.
Keena Pierre: Yes. So, um, we had near almost a hundred applicants to apply for this accelerator. And that just goes to show just how exciting and just the type of talent that we have here in Atlanta. It was very difficult. You know, one of our criterias was for sure that you had to be located in Atlanta and the Atlanta metro area. Um, was this that’s where the business Nexus focus was? Um, additionally, we’re looking for, uh, companies that are, of course, fintech companies, all fintech companies and fintech adjacent, and also companies that were solving some really interesting, uh, they had some really interesting solutions and innovative solutions to everyday problems. Um, so it was a very difficult job, um, selecting our five, but um, getting them here now that we have our five, um, it’s a really, really solid, solid, um, cohort and really excited about what they’re about to do.
Lee Kantor: And what stage do they have to be. I know this is an accelerator, but can they come to you with an idea on a napkin? Do they have to have, um, a team already in place? Do they have to have a customer in place? Like, kind of. What are the criteria, Area, uh, to make it into the accelerator.
Keena Pierre: Sure, sure. Um, with this being an investment accelerator. Now, generator also has, um, they have accelerator programs that are focused on companies that are super early stage that are at that idea stage. That’s our G beta and G alpha programs. Um, however, this program is an investment program, so they receive $100,000 investment. These are companies that are, um, that are early stage companies that do have traction, that already have, um, users. And, and they’re operating currently. So these are early stage companies. However, they are actually operating today.
Lee Kantor: And then so what made these five stand out. Can you share maybe just share a little bit about uh, each one of them?
Keena Pierre: Absolutely. I’ll run down the line. Um, so we have the, the blended app. That’s one of our apps where, um, this is an app that’s designed for divorced parents or co-parents, that’s allowing a platform of payments to allow parents to talk to one another, even if they may not be talking to one another. Um, but allow them to do transactions using the app for the family. So these are it’s a the the app is called blended, but it’s for those families that are um, that are trying to continue moving forward in the midst of divorce and separation. Um, awesome, awesome solution to that problem. Then we have the bills. I app bills I is an app that’s for your service based businesses. Really. Um, primarily was birthed out of the the, um, attorney industry. And it allows your service based companies to take those phone calls on your way to the airport, and it has a button on your screen where you can, um, take that phone call and press the button and, uh, actually track your billing. And they’re now adding a payment component to it where you can also take payments as well, uh, making that process seamless. Then we have the, uh, app. Uh, Pagava is an app that’s primarily for, uh, US based immigrant bit small business owners. Um, that has a language component. So you can communicate with your, um, the merchants can communicate with their customers in their own native language and accept payments from all different platforms, whether that be Zelle, Cash App, um, all of the different platforms in 1 in 1 space.
Keena Pierre: Um, we also have um, um, another one of our apps is um, is the Gwala app. Now, Gwala is a also similar payments processing space. They accept payments from all different platforms, all in one space, but they’re focused on this influencer micro seller market that a lot of folks are have, uh, really overlooked and maybe haven’t really paid attention to. But these are your noteworthy, uh, social, um, social media entrepreneurs. And so they focus on that huge market that is pretty overlooked and allowing them to have their, um, to have data where they can go in and, and get bank accounts and be able to operate just as other small businesses do. Um, so we have those apps. We have luxe AI, which is a, um, luxury concierge app that has an AI component that builds on your loyalty points. So we have those loyalty points that we’re not using. Um, you’re trying to figure out where to spend them, and it creates, um, a AI component or companion that tells you, hey, go to this restaurant, you actually have some points here, and you can use it for your meal or and there, um, now, um, merging that and tapping into that travel industry. So these are some amazing, um, dynamic startup companies, but they’re also really dynamic founders. So, uh, it’s it’s it’s a really awesome experience just being able to work with them.
Lee Kantor: And you’re working right now, uh, mainly out of the pier center, is that right?
Keena Pierre: Yes. We’re working out of the pier Center. Um, it’s located right next door to the gathering spot, actually, which is, um, 384 North Yards in Atlanta. And, um, so we’re there and we’re also taking them to to other places as well. Um, they’ll be doing some of their, um, their, uh, we have mentor swarms on Wednesdays and lunch and learns on Wednesdays. Some of them will be hosted by some of our other partners. Uh, we’ll be doing some things with Atlanta, um, the, uh, Tech Square. Uh, we’ll also be doing some events at Tarkenton. So we’ll be going to different spots and just really, um, plugging them into the entire ecosystem. Uh, so excited about that.
Lee Kantor: So when they come into an accelerator and they already have a business that is at least having some clients, and they’ve gotten kind of a little bit of traction, what is kind of happening? Um, like, how are you mentoring and teaching them? How do you decide, like, is there a curriculum for the full 12 weeks, like week one through 12 that we already know kind of what we’re going to do and you’re going to cover kind of, I guess, all the the holistic systems and all the methodologies needed to have a successful kind of get them to the next round.
Keena Pierre: Uh, yes. So, yes, generator does have a framework, but also the framework. It is customized to the cohort. So I take that framework and I build out um for what works for this specific cohort. So now we’re in the fintech space. So who needs to be key players that come in for instance for mentor swarms on Wednesdays. Who are the mentors for this particular time frame, um, or for this particular mentor swarm. So we just had one recently that was all pinnacle focused. So these were all Pinnacle partners, um, people that were in the pinnacle ecosystem and it focused all on payments processing. So the goal is to walk them over the 12 weeks, um, through every aspect of their startup company, to move the needle from 0 to 12 weeks, they should have greater traction. They should be better prepared for, um, to raise if they want to raise additional capital. Um, so they’ll be in a position they should have either secured a partnership or in conversations around securing, um, ultimate, um, awesome. Uh, for strategic partners. So the goal is to get them to that point. What I do, I work with them biweekly. I do one hour a strategy sessions with them. They’re doing that with me. Um, I, I have recently, uh, brought in an executive in residence that’s all focused on sales. Uh, have worked with major companies doing sales on a global level. Um, and that’s William Gilchrist, uh, with the company Kunzig. And so these are these are things that kind of, you know, as I’m bringing in my expertise in addition to the generator, uh, framework, um, we’re leading and my goal is to lead them from 0 to 12 weeks into a great position. Um, that would allow them to, you know, be, um, start up companies that are ripe for acquisitions, mergers and, um, more investments.
Lee Kantor: Now, when they got into the accelerator was there they’re obviously you’re giving them a lot of attention, education, mentorship, connecting things like that. It was there cash involved also? Like, were you buying a percentage of the company?
Keena Pierre: Oh, yeah. So the, um, the investment is, um, $100,000 in each of the companies. Um, and there is a 7.5%, um, equity. So that’s, that’s how it, uh, that’s that’s ultimately what the deal is for each of the companies.
Lee Kantor: And so they get the cash and then, uh, they give up a little equity, but then they get this kind of mentorship for 12, like, this seems like jam packed weeks. This is not for the faint of heart.
Keena Pierre: No it’s not. They have to be ready. And I think one of the selection if when looking at the selection criteria, we were looking for companies that were also ready to go. These are companies that, um, would do well, that we feel like the accelerator model would work very well with them, with or for them. And so yeah, it’s a very high touch. Um, concierge setup for the next for the for 12 weeks.
Lee Kantor: But it sounds like it’s kind of a boot camp, too. Like this is you’re coming to play?
Keena Pierre: No, we’re coming to play. Um, it’s a boot camp in a sense. But, I mean, I think if you talk to them, which you will have the opportunity to talk to startups, they are having a blast doing it. Um, they in just the last three weeks, they have had, um, I mean, some conversations and, and potential partnerships and, um, things that have actually moved them just in, in the, in the last three weeks. So, um, they’re really excited. They’re motivated. Uh, we plugged them into some awesome channels already. Um, got them in front of all the right folks already, and, um, and we’re just going to keep riding off of the momentum and keep doing what we do. Um, you know, with the generator model and, and I’m just going to keep pouring into them from so they can get from 0 to 12 and, and take off.
Lee Kantor: Now, um, you’re in the midst of this cohort. Is there going to be a cohort after this one?
Keena Pierre: Well, that’s what we’re hoping for. Um, currently, this cohort is a one year, uh, time frame, so I’m, I’m on for the for the next year. But the goal is definitely to continue past this point. I think, um, we’ve this is a strong proof. And there’ll be a strong proof after the 12 weeks that fintech startups in Atlanta is is in this accelerator. That’s all. Fintech focus is definitely the way to go. And um, with Atlanta being transaction Ali, over 70% of all US based payments, I, um, I don’t know if you know, actually our process here in Atlanta. So it’s a it’s really a right time for it. So my hopes is that we just continue this, uh, for years to come.
Lee Kantor: And then so what is going to be kind of an outcome at the end or towards the end that you’re going to be high fiving everybody, like what’s what’s kind of the the prize that you keep your eye on.
Keena Pierre: Yeah. So my eye is on our showcase and our demo day. So our final showcase and demo day will be in January. Uh, Because the cohort finishes up around December, we’re going to give everybody a holiday time myself, some holiday time, um, and then come back really, really strong in January for the Showcase and Demo day. So we’ll be able to high five for that. We don’t have a date set just yet, but it will be a huge event. Um, and it’s going to be, um, definitely one to be present. What, you definitely want to be present in the space.
Lee Kantor: And then so at that event, though, you’re hoping to have a bunch of investors, people there that they can kind of showcase what they’re doing and why you should, uh, get involved with them.
Keena Pierre: Yes. A very curated room of all the key players, um, key investors, key strategic partners, all of our current partners, the entire, um, Pinnacle Financial Group, uh, generator, as well as Tarkenton. So this will be a room, um, of of all the folks, some of the folks that they’ve been working with, but people who are ripe and ready to connect and plug in.
Lee Kantor: Now, is this one of the benefits of working in an accelerator that’s run by generator is that you have access to kind of now really a global network and a global alumni kind of group.
Keena Pierre: Yes, absolutely. Um, one thing I’d say about the accelerator model is that it’s it’s very few opportunities for startup companies to get in a, in a short 12 week time frame. The amount of touch points that they’ll have with investors, um, I mean, these are warm introductions. Um, these are not cold calls. Um, the amount of touch points they’ll have with other mentors and partners. Also, warm introductions is very rare. And so it’s the beauty of being a part of it. Um, and the beauty of being able to plug not just the generator. Um, so the generator network is, is obviously global, but you also have the targeted network, which is also global. And then I also get to plug in my own network. So it’s been an awesome opportunity to pull all these things together to give them some great value.
Lee Kantor: So what do you need more of? How can we help you?
Keena Pierre: Yeah. So, I mean, I definitely know that just opportunities like this where we can, um, tell people about what we’re doing here, um, how these companies are really touching, you know, the different communities that they’re, um, that they’re providing solutions for, um, more opportunities for the companies themselves, for the startup companies to talk to their audience would be amazing. So we would love that. Just more interviews, um, with our company so you guys can really get to know what they’re about and the solutions that they have.
Lee Kantor: So if somebody wants to learn more about your work, what is the website? What is the best way to connect with you or somebody on the team?
Keena Pierre: Oh, yes. So, um, so I’m the managing director. You can connect directly with me. Kena Pierre, you can find me on LinkedIn. I think I’m the only kena Pierre. And so I’ll spell my name. It’s k e a and Pierre is p I e r r e. You can find me on LinkedIn. Uh, I also have my email address, which is Canapea generator and that’s g e r the number 8tor.com. You can reach me there.
Lee Kantor: And then that would be the website also for generator if they want to learn more about that.
Keena Pierre: Sure they could go to generator comm and that’s g e r the number 8to.com. And you can find out about all of the other accelerators that we have around the United States and globally.
Lee Kantor: And then can they get to the Atlanta one through there as well.
Keena Pierre: Absolutely.
Lee Kantor: All right. Well congratulations on all the success. You’re doing such important work. And we appreciate you.
Keena Pierre: Thank you. Thanks. Thanks a lot, Lee. And thanks for having me.
Lee Kantor: All right. This is Lee Kantor. We’ll see you all next time on Atlanta Business Radio.
