HEBRON, Ky. — Every year, thousands of new businesses emerge across Kentucky, yet many struggle to survive in their early stages.

What You Need To Know

  • Beltways is creating the fastest accelerating walkway

  • Co-Founders John and Matine Yuksel started the company in Silicon Valley but moved to Kentucky

  • The brothers recieved a 27,000 grant from Main Street Ventures, an organization assiting entreprenuers in getting their ideas off the ground

  • Main Street Ventures grant applications open in January 2025

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around one in five startups fail within their first year.

In the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky region, Main Street Ventures is working to change that, providing resources for entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground. One of these startups is Beltways, a company working to revolutionize pedestrian mobility.

Founded by brothers John and Matine Yuksel in Silicon Valley, Beltways is working on the world’s fastest accelerating walkway — a modern, high-speed upgrade to the traditional moving walkways commonly seen in airports.

“It’s not easy for startups to succeed,” said John. “I had a lucrative career in law, and my brother worked at Apple Corporate. There was really no reason for us to leave those industries, but we decided to try to push humanity forward.”

The first prototype is made from treadmills, and it can travel up to 10 miles per hour. The system is designed to start slowly, accelerate, and allow for a safe exit.

Inspired by a nearly 50-year-old dream of their father, they’ve worked on this project for four years. And with help from a $27,000 grant from Main Street Ventures, they’re making strides toward commercialization.

“Small businesses, the biggest thing that they need is capital. A lot of people don’t have friends and family around to support them,” said Abby Ober, director of engagement at Main Street Ventures. “We want them to last longer than that drop-off point of one year or five years.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 20% of new businesses fail within two years, and 45% within five. Meanwhile, 60% of startups that secure pre-seed funding don’t reach the next stage.

Currently on their fourth prototype, Beltways’ new model features guardrails, sensors and enhanced accessibility, and they’re already in discussions with several airports, including the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International (CVG), to implement their system.

“What we want to do is make sure that it’s imperceptible to you. It’s as smooth a ride as possible, from beginning to end,” said Matine.

The Yuksel brothers are propelling the world forward, both literally and figuratively.

Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled the last name of the Yuksel brothers. The error has been corrected. (Nov. 15, 2024)

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