Founders Program

Our programs help founder members accelerate their growth, no matter what stage, which changes their worlds in the process.

Founder Resources

StartOut runs programs that connect LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with mentors, experts, investors, and peer founders. Our suite of programs and resources offer LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs a way to grow and scale their business.

Community

Join 3,000+ like-minded entrepreneurs worldwide. Connect with peer founders, investors, and business professionals to accelerate your growth. It’s through these connections that we empower you to grow your business.

The NetworQ

Browse the largest online directory for LGBTQ+ business people to connect with one another

The Forum

Connect with other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in your area or around the world

Events

Attend in-person and digital networking and educational events

Perks

Access perks and discounts (HR, IT/dev software & services, etc.)

Skills Development

We connect the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with diverse and accomplished industry professionals and mentors. They are dedicated to helping your business grow.

Mentorship

Get matched with one of our 200+ mentors and work with them over a 6-month period on your core goals.

Expert Office Hours

Book a session with experts on a variety of topics, including fundraising, marketing, legal, HR, PR, and more.

Access To Capital

We developed a powerful online portal that connects founders with accredited investors, and developed our own accelerator program specifically designed to help your business gain traction, backing and confidence.

Investor Portal

Join a community of 500+ investors looking for their next investment

Growth Lab

Apply for the only LGBTQ+ accelerator program

Insights

To encourage allies and organizations to support our community, we are delivering the quantitative case why support not only matters, but benefits society at large.

StartOut Index

Interact and glean insights into how LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs impact the economy

Signature Events

Attend annual events to support the LGBTQ+ community and underserved founders in general

Empowerment Initiatives & Scholarships

While all of our program costs are offset by generous sponsors and donors, founders who are interested in participating in our founder programs are generally invited to become giving members ($125/ year). However, we want to support entrepreneurs for whom becoming a giving member may be inaccessible. We are proud to offer free 12-month memberships to our founder programs for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented, underserved, and underestimated within our community. 

Please complete the Founder Application for consideration.