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Joe Kirgues is the Co-Founder of gener8tor, a venture fund platform and startup accelerator network based in Madison, Wisconsin. Alongside business partner Troy Vosseller, he oversees a staff of 120 employees managing 105 accelerator programs across 47 communities. Under his co-leadership, gener8tor and its gBETA programs have supported alumni companies that cumulatively raised over $2.3 billion in follow-on financing and created more than 13,000 jobs. Prior to his career in venture capital, Kirgues practiced law as an attorney at Quarles & Brady LLP and served as a clerk in the federal Eastern District Court of Wisconsin. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School and a bachelor's degree from Marquette University. His current focus centers on expanding early-stage venture capital access and driving regional economic development through corporate innovation partnerships.
Joe Kirgues stands as a pivotal figure in the national startup ecosystem, serving as a Managing Partner and co-founder of gener8tor. gener8tor is a nationally ranked accelerator that has made a significant impact by investing in and supporting high-growth startups across the United States. Kirgues' leadership has been instrumental in shaping gener8tor's mission to provide capital, mentorship, and a robust network to promising entrepreneurs.
In his role as Managing Partner, Joe Kirgues is deeply involved in the strategic direction and operational success of gener8tor. This includes overseeing the development and execution of various accelerator programs, forging key partnerships with corporations and investors, and leading fundraising efforts for gener8tor's funds. His responsibilities also encompass identifying and evaluating potential investment opportunities, ensuring that gener8tor continues to back companies with strong potential for growth and societal impact. Under his guidance, gener8tor has expanded its footprint, running dozens of programs annually that cater to a diverse range of industries and founder backgrounds.
Joe Kirgues' investment focus, through gener8tor, is primarily on early-stage, high-growth startups. While gener8tor is largely sector-agnostic, the emphasis is consistently on companies demonstrating strong team dynamics, scalable business models, and innovative solutions to market needs. A core tenet of gener8tor's investment philosophy, championed by Kirgues, is the commitment to investing in diverse founders and in geographies that are often underserved by traditional venture capital. This approach not only fosters economic development in various communities but also taps into a broader pool of talent and ideas.
Kirgues' career background is rooted in a deep understanding of entrepreneurship and a passion for building supportive ecosystems. Prior to co-founding gener8tor, he gained valuable experience that informed his vision for an accelerator that could truly make a difference. His entrepreneurial journey has equipped him with firsthand knowledge of the challenges and triumphs faced by startups, allowing him to provide empathetic and effective guidance to gener8tor's portfolio companies. His dedication extends beyond capital, focusing on creating an environment where founders can thrive through rigorous programming and access to a vast network of mentors, investors, and corporate partners.
While specific individual investments by Joe Kirgues outside of gener8tor's funds are not widely publicized, the collective success of gener8tor's portfolio speaks volumes about the caliber of companies he helps select and nurture. gener8tor has invested in hundreds of companies that have gone on to raise significant follow-on funding, create thousands of jobs, and achieve substantial valuations. These successes underscore Kirgues' ability to identify promising ventures and contribute to their growth, solidifying his reputation as a key player in the venture capital landscape dedicated to fostering innovation and economic prosperity.
Joe Kirgues is the Managing Partner and co-founder of gener8tor, a nationally ranked accelerator that invests in high-growth startups. He is a prominent figure in the venture capital and entrepreneurship community.
As part of gener8tor, Joe Kirgues invests in early-stage, high-growth startups across a wide range of industries. gener8tor's focus is on companies with strong teams and scalable solutions, often prioritizing diverse founders and overlooked geographies.
Joe Kirgues works as the Managing Partner at gener8tor. gener8tor is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but operates numerous accelerator programs and initiatives across the United States.
