Five startups selected for Rutland’sfirst-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, according to a news release Sept. 10. 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 7-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. “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 Oct. 23 at The Paramount Theater in downtown Rutland. The event will run from 5-7 p.m. and is open to the public.

The Fall 2024 cohort

Tacitly Inc.

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

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

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

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

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.