Round Rock's Startup Accelerator Proves Successful
Introduction to gBETA Round Rock
Round Rock, Texas, has made a significant leap in supporting local entrepreneurship with the successful graduation of its first business accelerator cohort. The program, known as gBETA Round Rock, was launched with the aim of fostering innovation and growth among startups. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for the city, as it aims to position itself as a competitive hub for new businesses.
Program Overview and Funding
The journey of gBETA Round Rock began in August 2025 when the Round Rock City Council approved the creation and funding of the program. A substantial investment of $1.2 million over three years was allocated to support the initiative. The Round Rock Chamber partnered with gener8tor, a venture capital firm, to provide essential services and resources to participating startups.
Structure and Support
The program is structured to last seven weeks for each startup, offering tailored coaching that addresses the unique needs of each company. Participants gain access to a network of mentors, customers, and investors, which is crucial for their development. Destin Bell, the Program Manager for gBETA Round Rock, highlighted the remarkable growth observed in the first cohort.
“We had five amazing companies that went through, developed their business models, worked on their pitch decks, raised some capital,” Bell said.
The first group collectively raised over $500,000, saw revenue grow more than 10%, and doubled their customer base. Bell expressed his satisfaction with these outcomes, noting that such achievements are typically seen after a year, making the results even more impressive.
Success Stories from the First Cohort
Melissa Wood, founder and CEO of Formus, an AI platform designed to streamline home renovations, was one of the entrepreneurs who participated in the first gBETA Round Rock Cohort. Wood shared her experience, stating that while she had a great story and traction, she lacked a clear go-to-market strategy.
“When I started gBeta, I had a great story, great traction, but did not really have that go-to-market strategy buttoned up,” Wood said. “In a very short amount of time, I was able to really refine our go-to-market strategy, our revenue modeling, so that we can be ready for our launch.”
Wood’s company recently launched the beta version of their platform to a group of customers and aims to go live by Q3 of this year. Their initial test involved a bathroom renovation in Austin at the end of 2024, which served as a prototype. The positive feedback from the architect, interior designer, and general contractor led to more projects and contracts, resulting in over $200,000 in positive cash flow.
Future Prospects and Goals
Bell emphasized that he anticipates similar success in future cohorts of gBETA Round Rock. He envisions a future where Round Rock becomes a preferred location for startups, potentially rivaling Austin.
“I think 5 or 10 years from now, the impact will be that people—when they start thinking about places to set up shop for their startup—are going to think about Round Rock as a better alternative to Austin,” Bell said.
Upcoming Cohort Details
Applications for the next gBETA Round Rock cohort are due on March 22. The second cohort will begin on April 9 and run through May 29, offering another opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to benefit from the program’s resources and support.
Conclusion
The success of gBETA Round Rock's inaugural cohort highlights the potential for growth and innovation in the region. With continued support and participation, the program is poised to make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Round Rock and beyond. As more startups join the initiative, the community can look forward to a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.
