Beth Sippel volunteers sound financial advice for AgTech Accelerator, powered by gener8tor startups
Beth Sippel, Synovus market executive, has been in the banking industry more than three decades, having spent nearly two decades at Synovus in Huntsville, Alabama. In her free time, she enjoys gardening as a hobby. Sippel fell in love with it because she loves witnessing growth and how things flourish. Her passion for growth extends to her work with the HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, where for the last three years, years she's helped entrepreneurs in the agricultural, environmental and technology sectors grow their startups.
gener8tor runs two accelerator programs in Huntsville: HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator, an investment accelerator for AgTech companies in partnership with HudsonAlpha. The programs attract thousands of applications annually, but only a select few, typically around five startups in each cohort, are accepted. “These five companies, carefully selected from across the country, focus on agriculture, technology and feeding the world,” Sippel explains.
The accelerator aims to provide startups with a platform to connect with mentors and assess helpful resources for growth and funding. They're equipped with marketing tools and services through a strategic partnership with the HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator and gener8tor.
Zaden Technologies, a Huntsville, Alabama-based company, participated in the Huntsville Investment Accelerator, powered by gener8tor, in 2022. Valentine Nwachukwu, CEO and president, participated in the accelerator program and uses the lessons in his day-to-day business interactions. Zaden Technologies focuses on advanced software development, product automation and cloud computing.
“Depending on the level you’re on in your entrepreneurship journey, I think there is a perfect fit in gener8tor. Those 12 weeks were like getting a mini-MBA,” says Nwachukwu. “I learned so much through the gener8tor accelerator program.”
“It's our responsibility to impart wisdom and engage with people wherever they are ─ whether it's the high school students I mentor, the startup companies or the bank’s largest clients. It's what I enjoy most about the job, and it’s fun.”
Carter Wells, vice president for economic development at HudsonAlpha, explains the overall significance of the AgTech accelerator for startups and Alabama. “Many of these companies choose Alabama for its national reputation in agriculture and continue their work here due to the positive experience they have with HudsonAlpha, the growers and farming communities,” he says.
Mentoring plays a significant role in the development of startups. For this reason, gener8tor offers tailored guidance and resources to founders to maximize their businesses’ growth during the accelerator program. Sippel's contribution supports the financial arm of the accelerator. “I meet with the companies and provide them with financial education about banking and how that works for a startup,” she shares. Her mentoring extends beyond this program.
“The local network of mentors that our startup founders have access to is invaluable to their experience in the accelerator program,” said Emily Wykle, regional vice president of gener8tor. “We are incredibly grateful for Alabama business leaders like Beth Sippel and the Synovus team, whose continued investment in this community’s startups is a critical ingredient in driving economic development.”
Sippel also shares her banking knowledge with other community organizations, including Huntsville-based Women's Economic Development Council and Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship. “Catalyst is a local nonprofit focusing on developing and strengthening small businesses,” she says. “They became a Synovus client a couple of years ago, but I've engaged with them throughout my Synovus career. I've served as a mentor to small businesses as have many of our Synovus team members.”
Sippel also serves on the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce executive committee. In 2023, she chaired the Huntsville Regional Economic Growth Initiative (HREGI) for the Chamber of Commerce and is now chairing Investor Relations, including membership initiatives. She also mentors high school students through the Downtown Huntsville Rotary STRIVE program, which helps to increase graduation rates and academic standing.
Sippel is passionate about sharing the knowledge she's gained from working at the bank. She encourages bank team members to share financial lessons with clients, community members and others in their networks.
“It's our responsibility to impart wisdom and engage with people wherever they are ─ whether it's the high school students I mentor, the startup companies or the bank’s largest clients. It's what I enjoy most about the job, and it’s fun,” she shares.
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