The group of entrepreneurs spans industries from fintech to digital platforms and wellness.
SEPT 8, 2025, 9:00 AM ET (NEW YORK):Â StartOut is excited to announce the latest cohort of innovative startups selected for its Growth Lab Accelerator. This new group of founders will begin a collaborative, information-packed five-month journey, gaining access to resources to support business growth.
Since its launch in 2017, the Growth Lab has been instrumental in helping over 111 companies expand, supporting more than 4,311 jobs and raising over $921 million in fundraising.
The startups joining Cohort 16 include companies located across the world – from Phoenix to New Delhi – showcasing the program’s global reach.
The companies comprising Cohort 16 include:
- Evolve (New Delhi): An AI mental health platform focused on the needs of the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent community, with more than 1.5 million users globally.
- Round (Chicago): Simplifies payment acceptance for beauty and wellness micro-merchants, helping small businesses save on fees and grow.
- Silly Pickles (Chicago): Runs adult recreational sports leagues with unique formats for skill-based matching and socializing.
- TrackStar AIÂ (Phoenix): A fintech platform using machine learning to detect credit report errors in real time.
- Feather (New York): A self-serve bookings and management platform for businesses like yoga, pilates, and spin.
- UniteVerse (London): Provides businesses with a real-time, data-backed platform to meet shifting consumer expectations.
- Sleep Spark, Inc. (Columbus): A HealthTech company focused on improving sleep health and reducing stress through a digital platform.
- Everywhere Is Queer (Portland): A global directory and free app connecting people to over 19,000 queer-owned businesses.
- PlanPerfect (Miami): An AI-powered platform helping nonprofits build and execute strategic plans with ease.
“Our Growth Lab founders are builders, risk-takers and visionaries,” said StartOut CEO Brian Richardson. “This group has the talent and drive to transform industries—and Growth Lab gives them the knowledge, resources and network to transform together. StartOut is here for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs at every step of their journey.”
Earlier this year, StartOut launched Spark Lab, an incubator for founders at the earliest stages. Two Spark Lab graduates have already scaled their ventures sufficiently to qualify for – and be accepted into – this new Growth Lab cohort, showcasing StartOut’s commitment to the full arc of our members’ growth. Founders have the opportunity to access networking, educational resources and mentorship. Founders have the opportunity to access networking, educational resources and mentorship. The program is proudly sponsored by J.P. Morgan.
“Hailing from Ohio to London – the breadth of backgrounds, markets and industries that comprise Cohort 16 is truly noteworthy. I look forward to seeing the ideas and strategies these founders glean from the program, as well as from one another over the course of the next several months,” said David Barbee, Managing Director, Head of Transaction Development for Global Banking at J.P. Morgan. “We’re proud to support Cohort 16 in their business pursuits.”
To learn more about the StartOut Growth Lab, including details on the application process for the next cohort, visit:Â startout.org/growth-lab.
About StartOutFounded in 2009, StartOut, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the largest national organization to expand economic opportunity for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with over 28K members nationwide. Its mission is to increase opportunity and success for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. StartOut helps aspiring LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs start new companies; supports current entrepreneurs as they grow and expand their existing businesses; and engages successful entrepreneurs as role models and mentors, on its online portal and through targeted events nationwide. For more information, please visit www.startout.org.