New BREW 2.0 (Business – Research – Entrepreneurship – in Water) accelerator program to launch in October, giving market-ready water technology startups access to visibility, connections and targeted training to grow and scale.
The Water Council today announced the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact’s (AmFam Institute) commitment as the Presenting Sponsor of BREW Week, a major component of The Water Council’s re-invented BREW Accelerator, now BREW 2.0.
The next-generation BREW 2.0 accelerator will include two sessions annually, selecting 10 to 15 participants for each program. Set to launch for applications in October 2020, the BREW 2.0 program is designed to give post-accelerator water technology startups access to the tools and resources they need to continue positive momentum in scaling their companies. As such, the BREW 2.0 program will focus on ‘sales and scale’ and will invite the startups to participate in a pitch event and targeted growth training, along with customer and investor introductions from The Water Council’s expansive network.
Launched in 2018, the AmFam Institute invests in visionary entrepreneurs looking to close equity gaps in America. It looks to companies with products or services that create resilient communities, economic opportunities for all, healthy youth development or learning and academic achievement.
“In our resilient communities investment area, we are working with and investing in startups like BioBot and StormSensor that address climate change in underserved communities,” said John McIntyre, managing director of the AmFam Institute’s Social Investment Fund. “Better water management, for quality and quantity, is critical to improved public health and well-being. The time is now to not only mitigate the causes of climate change, but also to build green infrastructure across America and create the next generation of living-wage jobs.”
After the initial BREW 2.0 week, participants will be invited to participate in follow-on training in marketing and branding, team dynamics, business growth and other topics. Further, they have the opportunity for mentorship by a network of BREW advisers and partners and water technology subject matter experts.
“We are extremely honored to form this new partnership with the AmFam Institute as it demonstrates that the work of The Water Council is of importance to companies beyond the direct water technology industry,” stated Dean Amhaus, CEO and president of The Water Council. “The AmFam Institute is not only playing an important role in supporting Milwaukee’s water technology cluster but also becoming actively engaged with water entrepreneurs, within the region and outside, who can deliver innovative solutions to help address our world’s many water challenges.”
Since 2013, the BREW Accelerator’s 40 participants have raised over $44 million in additional capital, including one company’s successful exit in 2019. Participants have engaged in over 850 contracts, pilot sites or memoranda of understanding. And 20 BREW alumni companies hold granted or pending patents.
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About The American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
The AmFam Institute is a venture capital firm and partner of choice for exceptional entrepreneurs who are building scalable and sustainable businesses in a long-term effort to close equity gaps in America. The Institute also believes in capacity building and supporting organizations that are working tirelessly towards creating resilient communities, healthy youth development, economic opportunity for all and learning and academic achievement. Its activities can be followed on social media @AmFamInstitute and at its website: amfaminstitute.com.
About The Water Council
Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, next to the world’s largest freshwater system and home to one of the most influential freshwater technology hubs in the world, The Water Council (TWC) is recognized as a global center for advancing water technologies and stewardship. At its heart, TWC is a nonprofit, membership organization that connects, convenes and showcases the hub comprised of more than 238 water technology businesses and the diverse water leadership network of 200 members it is linked to from around the world. While TWC’s mission is centered on driving economic development, attracting and connecting world-class talent and supporting water-focused technology innovation, its larger goal is to help secure freshwater resources for the world by driving solutions to the numerous industries that need and use a large amount of water. Learn more by visiting thewatercouncil.com.