Pinnacle, Tarkenton, gener8tor Launch PEER Accelerator Program

In a powerful show of collaboration, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Tarkenton Companies, and gener8tor are launching a new startup accelerator program focused on empowering underrepresented FinTech founders. With an initial $1 million investment from Pinnacle, the program is set to provide access to capital, mentorship, and business infrastructure to entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from such opportunities.

The initiative will be officially launched during the grand opening of the Pinnacle Economic Empowerment Resource (PEER) Center on Thursday, May 15, marking a milestone in community-focused innovation.

1. The Vision Behind the Partnership

• Three influential players have come together for a shared mission:
  • Pinnacle Financial Partners – One of the fastest-growing banks in the Southeast, deeply invested in local economic growth.
  • Tarkenton Companies – Founded by NFL Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Fran Tarkenton, dedicated to supporting business builders.
  • gener8tor – A nationally ranked startup accelerator with a track record of over $2.4 billion in capital raised and 13,000+ jobs created by its alumni.
• The shared goal: to amplify entrepreneurial success among those traditionally excluded from venture ecosystems, especially in the Southeast.

2. Inaugural Cohort Details

• The first cohort will include five high-potential FinTech startups led by diverse founders.
• Selection criteria include:
  • Strong vision and innovation
  • Demonstrated traction
  • Real-world impact potential
• Programming will leverage gener8tor’s proven mentorship-driven accelerator model, known for producing scalable results.

3. The Role of the PEER Center

• Located at 384 Northyards Blvd. NW, the PEER Center serves as a hub for financial education, mentorship, and business development.
• The space is designed to uplift underserved communities, providing a launchpad for financial independence and entrepreneurial growth.
• Founders will work, network, and grow within this collaborative environment.

4. Voices of Leadership

• Fran Tarkenton, Founder of Tarkenton Companies: “This program brings together three organizations that live the mission of helping people… to support the next generation of business builders, job creators, and difference-makers.”
• Rob Garcia, Regional President at Pinnacle Financial Partners: “The PEER Center is a vital tool in building a local support system that helps every individual and entrepreneur—especially those who have historically been left out of the conversation.”
• Emily Wykle, Regional Vice President at gener8tor: “Together, we’re creating a powerful platform and catalyst for founders and startups to scale and succeed.”

5. The Broader Impact

• Beyond financial support, the program aims to:
  • Drive job creation
  • Reduce wealth gaps
  • Foster innovation in FinTech
• Builds on Atlanta’s growing status as a FinTech and startup powerhouse, especially for minority-led ventures.

This landmark initiative by Pinnacle, Tarkenton Companies, and gener8tor is more than an accelerator—it’s a statement of intent to reshape the startup landscape for underrepresented founders. With capital, mentorship, and a dedicated resource center, the program is poised to fuel not just companies, but communities. The PEER Center, serving as its home base, symbolizes a new era of economic empowerment and innovation in the Southeast.