The Growth Lab Accelerator has helped over 100 companies, with more than 4,300 jobs supported since its launch in 2017

March 4, 2025 — StartOut, the largest nonprofit organization supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, today announced the latest cohort of startups accepted into the Growth Lab Accelerator, a five-month program that facilitates critical opportunities for growth and development tailored to LGBTQ+ founders.

StartOut’s flagship program provides the group of founders with access to funding, educational resources, mentorship and networking prospects.The Growth Lab has helped 102 companies grow since inception in 2017, culminating in a total of 4,311 jobs supported and more than $909 million fundraised across the program’s lifetime.

“Each startup selected for Cohort 15 is leading equitable solutions that tackle distinct challenges, and we are excited to see several leveraging innovative technologies such as AI to further advance their mission,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut. “We look forward to serving as partners with each company and their respective founders to create lasting impact and promote growth.”

The companies selected to join Cohort 15 include: 

• Buildstash (Glasgow, UK): Services app and game developers with cutting-edge management tools to help automate and store build-to-release workflows.

• Conscious Gear (Tempe, AZ): Offers innovative, size-inclusive outerwear and outdoor gear designed to support a range of body types.

• Eclipse Scheduling, LLC (New York, NY): Hosts a service management platform to help organizations operate language and accessibility services more efficiently.

• Gotham Industries (Burbank, CA): Archives, digitizes and restores film content using celluloid-based processes to enhance long-term media preservation.

• mayk (Los Angeles, CA): Provides a virtual AI music studio for music creators with the goal of increasing accessibility and democratizing creative outlets.

• Neru Health (Boston, MA): Hosts an AI sleep therapy platform to automate, streamline and improve patient care for chronic sleep disorders.

• Optodex (Salt Lake City, UT): Designs ergonomic contact lens care systems to transform the insertion, removal and storage of soft contact lenses.

• Prompta AI (Toronto, ON): Harnesses advanced AI, natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) technology to power business data and analytics platforms.

• ZooTools (San Francisco, CA): Provides an AI-powered email marketing platform to support business growth by improving user acquisition, engagement and retention.

The program is co-sponsored by J.P. Morgan and McDermott Will & Emery. To learn more about the StartOut Growth Lab, including details on the application process for the next cohort, visit: startout.org/growth-lab

About StartOut
Founded in 2009, StartOut, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the largest national organization to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with over 28K members nationwide. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future. 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.

Media Contact
StartOut
Christa Kilday
christa.kilday@startout.org

January 22, 2025 – StartOut, the national nonprofit championing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, announced the election of four new Board members: Riana Lynn, Serena Poon, Jason Scott and Lorenzo Thione. Elected unanimously, this historic cohort represents the largest and most diverse group of new board members.

“StartOut will be stronger thanks to Riana, Serena, Jason, and Lorenzo,” said Mohit Jolly, StartOut Board Chair. “Their knowledge, networks, and leadership will enable us to propel even more LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs forward, creating new economic opportunities for us all.”

Each incoming director brings significant experience and connections in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Riana Lynn, a serial entrepreneur and innovator, has been recognized as a thought leader in food technology and venture capital. Serena Poon has built a career in startup banking, advising pre-series to Series B founders in the clean tech sector. Jason Scott, a seasoned venture capitalist and startup ecosystem builder, has led initiatives to support diverse founders and foster innovation through early-stage investments. Lorenzo Thione helped found StartOut as an entrepreneur, and continues to advocate for inclusion in both business and the arts, and is a leader in investment, AI, and storytelling to champion underrepresented voices.

“This is a transformative moment for StartOut,” said CEO Brian Richardson. “Welcoming the largest cohort of new board members in our history underscores the richness of talent within the LGBTQ+ community. Their diverse geographies, lived experiences, and professional expertise reflect the strength of the StartOut ecosystem and will guide us as we continue to create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.”

As StartOut continues to expand its programs and initiatives, the organization remains committed to building a more inclusive economy by elevating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across industries and regions. The new directors join at an integral time, as the Board of Directors is working on a new strategic vision for the organization, having recently surveyed members nationwide on their needs and opportunities. 

Riana Lynn

Riana Lynn, a former StartOut mentor based in Atlanta, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and AI consultant dedicated to revolutionizing the global food system. As the founder and CEO of Journey Foods, Riana leads innovative, data-driven solutions to tackle critical nutrition and supply chain challenges, with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. Her pioneering work in AI data patents for generative recipes and her role as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer underscore her commitment to shaping a fairer, more efficient food industry. 

Serena Poon

Serena Poon serves as Senior Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank in San Francisco, where she works with early-stage to Series B companies in the clean tech sector. Beyond her banking career, Serena co-founded Prism, a network supporting queer founders in tech and life sciences. Her dedication to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and her leadership roles in community organizations like Progressive Asian American Christians (PAAC) highlight her commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

Jason Scott

Jason Scott, Founding General Partner at Five Two Five, brings a global perspective to early-stage venture investing. His previous roles include leading startup developer ecosystems at Google and founding initiatives like the Black Angel Group and Net Zero Angels. Jason’s extensive experience in supporting diverse startup communities is a testament to his passion for nurturing innovation across different sectors. Jason is currently based in New York City.

Lorenzo Thione

Lorenzo Thione, a StartOut co-founder and Managing Director at Gaingels, returns to the board after a one-year hiatus. Lorenzo’s multifaceted career spans entrepreneurship, investment, AI advocacy, and Broadway production. Currently residing in Chicago, his work with Gaingels and his dedication to underrepresented founders and inclusive storytelling reflect his unwavering support for diversity in both business and the arts.

The Growth Lab has helped 93 companies grow since launching in 2017, helping support a total of more than 4,200 jobs.

September 9, 2024 — The Growth Lab Accelerator, a joint project between StartOut and J.P. Morgan, today announced the newest selection of startups added to the program. The five-month program provides founders with critical access to resources for funding, networking, education and mentorship to promote long-term growth and more equitable access to opportunities within the current business climate.

The Growth Lab has helped 93 companies grow since launching in 2017, helping support a total of 4,216+ jobs and raising more than $892 million in fundraising across the program’s lifetime. As the co-lead sponsor of the program, J.P. Morgan grants Growth Lab participants with access to the firm’s global network of experts and resources.

“The entrepreneurs of Cohort 14 are driving innovation across a variety of industries, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges different communities and customers face, and creating effective solutions needed to address them,” said David Barbee, Managing Director, Head of Business
Development for Capital and Advisory Solutions and Head of LGBTQ+ initiatives for J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. “We are proud to provide services and resources from the firm to help these leaders scale and achieve long-term success.”

The companies selected to join Cohort 14 include:
• ADEii Health (Los Angeles, CA): Provides resources for behavioral health and mental wellness treatment to school districts, higher education institutions, community health organizations and healthcare providers.
• Delve Deep Learning (Washington, DC): Develops AI technologies to aid intelligence gathering within the public affairs sector.
• Gritty in Pink (Los Angeles, CA): Hosts a digital platform to spotlight female talent and bolster hiring across the music industry.
• Paldara Pharmaceuticals (Stillwater, OK): Offers innovative drug delivery technology to treat up to 99% of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
• Shimmer (San Francisco, CA): Empowers individuals with ADHD by providing life coaching and mental wellness services.
• The Builder Market (Los Angeles, CA): Connects more than 2 million construction and home services professionals via a powerful and proprietary new social media platform.
• The Rave (Mexico City, MX): Hosts a digital tool integrated into e-commerce websites to provide customers with real cash rewards upon purchases.
• Tripiamo (New York, NY): Provides international travelers with professional, locally-verified online guides for driving abroad.
• Voda (London, UK): Services the LGBTQ+ community with mental health resources to support with gender and identity-specific topics.

“Each company in this cohort is united by a shared commitment to promoting equity, enhancing wellness and fostering innovation within their community and at the global level,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut. “We are excited to reach our 5th year in partnership with J.P. Morgan and look forward to another successful cohort of entrepreneurs.”

To learn more about the StartOut Growth Lab, including details on the application process for the next cohort, visit: startout.org/growth-lab

For more information on the financial solutions available to guide business growth, visit: jpmorgan.com/commercial-banking and to learn more about JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, visit jpmorganchase.com/lgbtq

About StartOut
Founded in 2009, StartOut, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the largest national organization to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with over 28K members nationwide. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future. 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.

About JPMorganChase
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $4.1 trillion in assets and $341 billion in stockholders’; equity as of June 30, 2024. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services
for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally.
Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com

Media Contacts
StartOut
Christa Kilday
christa.kilday@startout.org

JPMorganChase
Marguerite Ward
marguerite.ward@chase.com

August 14, 2024 — StartOut is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sean E. Mickens to its Board of Directors. Sean is the Associate Vice President of External Affairs at Comcast, where he leads the government affairs and public policy team’s external engagement with civil rights, LGBTQIA+, and consumer interest organizations on digital equity, broadband deployment and access, technology, and telecommunications policies.

“We are incredibly honored to have Sean Mickens join our board,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut. “Sean’s expertise and his dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity align perfectly with our mission to empower LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. We look forward to his contributions as we continue to expand our impact. Furthermore, Comcast NBCUniversal and the Comcast Foundation have been invaluable partners to StartOut over the years, providing critical support for initiatives such as the StartOut GrowthLab, the StartOut Index, and The StartOut Awards. ”

With an extensive background in tech policy and public affairs, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the StartOut board. Before his tenure at Comcast, Sean was a Public Policy Manager at Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook), where he managed strategic outreach, partnerships, and engagement with progressive and civil rights think tanks. His experience advising nonprofits and philanthropies on public policy research, strategic planning, and issue advocacy further underscores his commitment to driving meaningful change in the tech sector and beyond.

Sean has a long history of advocating for marginalized communities, and his work has often focused on the intersectionality of various identities within the LGBTQ+ community. 

“Supporting marginalized communities is not just about addressing individual challenges, but about recognizing the interconnectedness of our experiences,” said Sean. “The LGBTQ+ community embodies this intersectionality, and I am excited to contribute to StartOut’s mission of uplifting and empowering these voices.”

Sean studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science as a Luard-Morse scholar and graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Howard University. His expertise, combined with his passion for advancing digital equity and technology policy, will be invaluable as StartOut continues to champion diversity and innovation in the entrepreneurial space.

Learn more about the programs Comcast has supported at StartOut Growth Lab and StartOut Index. 

July 17, 2024 – StartOut, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, is excited to announce the addition of Herman Flowers as the new Program Associate for Access to Capital. Additionally, three team members have been promoted in recognition of their outstanding contributions: Tarik Perkins to Chief Program Officer, Allison Wright to Director of Education, and Christa Kilday to Senior Marketing Manager.

Herman Flowers (he/him)
Herman Flowers joins StartOut with a wealth of experience in talent acquisition, customer success, program management, and operations. He was one of the early team members at Automately, a recruiting services company later acquired by venture capital firm, Sequoia Capital, where he played a pivotal role in transforming their services to help early-stage founders streamline their hiring processes effectively. Based in San Francisco, Herman will focus on connecting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with the capital they need to thrive. His dedication and expertise will undoubtedly make a significant impact on our mission.

Tarik Perkins (he/him) – Chief Program Officer
Tarik Perkins, with nearly three decades of professional experience, has been promoted to Chief Program Officer. Residing in upstate New York, Tarik’s extensive background in food manufacturing, international development, and organizational development, along with his expertise in people management, program design, and fundraising, has been invaluable to StartOut. He has a proven track record, having tripled revenues at his family’s food manufacturing plant in Jamaica and overseen impactful programs at Cuso International.

“I am eager to improve the impact and quality of StartOut’s programs, to ensure that LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs have the resources and support they need to succeed,” said Tarik Perkins. “I look forward to continuing our work to create a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Allison Wright (she/her) – Director of Education
Allison “Al” Wright, with over 15 years of experience in digital program development, learning design, and instructional design has been promoted to Director of Education. Al’s innovative strategies and leveraging of new technologies have elevated the learning experience for many. Located in Portland, Oregon, she will spearhead StartOut’s education strategy, integrating best practices in learning design, mentorship, and digital programming to enhance the knowledge and skills of LGBTQ+ startup founders.

Christa Kilday (she/her) – Senior Marketing Manager
Christa Kilday, a marketing professional with over 8 years of experience in the non-profit sector, has been promoted to Senior Marketing Manager. Since joining StartOut during the onset of the pandemic Christa has revitalized StartOut’s marketing efforts through a rebrand, new website, and expanded storytelling. Based in Colorado, Christa’s expertise in marketing strategy and brand awareness will continue to drive StartOut’s mission forward when it comes to supporting LGBTQ+ founders.

“These appointments reflect the exceptional talent and dedication within our team,” said StartOut CEO Brian Richardson. “With Herman joining us and the well-deserved promotions of Tarik, Al, and Christa, we are poised to make even greater strides in supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and building a more equitable business environment.”

Diversity VC, ​All Raise, ​2Gether-International, ​BLCK VC, ​Somos VC, ​StartOut and Vets in Tech Release Whitepaper to Standardize Demographic Data Collection

May 8, 2024 – StartOut, the leading national nonprofit committed to empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, announced the election of founder Charlotte Hamilton (she/her) and attorney Miguel A. Lopez (he/him) to its board of directors.

“Charlotte and Miguel each bring deep knowledge, hard skills and a track record of success to the StartOut Board of Directors,” said StartOut’s CEO, Brian Richardson.  “They also bring their individual lived experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community – experiences that will help guide StartOut, as we work to empower entrepreneurs across the nation.”

Charlotte Hamilton

Born and raised in Alaska, Charlotte is a lifelong entrepreneur who has co-founded and led five hard technology startups and currently serves as the CEO of N5 Solar. To date, she has raised over $24 million in venture capital and already enjoyed one exit. Charlotte was also a member of the inaugural edition of The Gaingels 100 that honored 100 leading LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs after she publicly identified herself as a transgender woman in 2021.

“Being a diverse founder running a hard tech start-up, I understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial journey,” remarks Charlotte Hamilton. “Joining StartOut’s board is an honor, and I am excited to leverage my experiences in the startup space to help the next generation of LGBTQ+ founders succeed.”

Charlotte currently resides in Syracuse, New York. Her work has been featured in the WSJ, The Independent, CleanTechnica, USA Today, and other publications.

Miguel A. Lopez

Miguel is a partner at Littler Mendelson, a full-service employment firm. He has extensive experience working with clients in the software, sciences, and healthcare sectors, among others, and has a special interest in startup and gig-economy businesses. Miguel is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Columbia University.

“Joining StartOut’s board aligns perfectly with my mission to drive economic empowerment within our community,” says Miguel Lopez. “As a gay man and first-generation American, I know that it takes a special type of effort to forge a career outside the traditional legacy networks. I want to ensure every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has a real chance to enjoy real success.”

Miguel’s leadership extends beyond his legal practice through his service as Co-Chair of the New York City Bar Association’s Trade Secrets Committee and contributes to LGBTQ+ advocacy through the New York State Bar Association. He lives in New York City.

Charlotte and Miguel were each elected to two-year terms, effective immediately.

April 24, 2024 – StartOut welcomes four new hires to their national team, furthering the nonprofit organization’s ability to champion LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship and to build a more inclusive economy for all. 

“At StartOut, we’re not just building a team,” said CEO Brian Richardson (he/him). “We’re building a movement that will foster innovation and progress for LGBTQ+ people across the nation. With the addition of these incredible leaders to our movement, our impact will only grow – creating more opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and our entire community.” 

Phillip Ozaki (he/him) – Chief Development Officer
With a distinguished background in civil rights advocacy and a passion for empowering marginalized communities, Phillip joins StartOut as our first Chief Development Officer where he will develop and lead the organization’s fundraising strategy, including corporate partnerships and donor engagement. Based in San Francisco and Atlanta, Phillip’s journey is deeply rooted in a legacy of resilience and activism, and has shaped his dedication to fighting for justice and equity.

“My family has a long history of both entrepreneurship and fighting for social justice,” Phillip shared. “It is an honor to combine those two parts of myself and work at StartOut.  I look forward to getting to know our members, partners and friends so we can ensure StartOut has the resources necessary to advance queer entrepreneurship.”

Phillip most recently served as the Development Director at the Japanese American Citizens League. Previous roles included Lambda Legal and Infosys. He holds an MBA from Esade Business School in Spain, where he founded the school’s first LGBTQ Business Club. 

Bethany B.  (they/she) – Digital Marketing Associate
Residing in Texas, Bethany’s expertise in digital communications and strategy, combined with their passion for fostering connected and collaborative communities, makes them an invaluable addition to our team. Through their previous nonprofit experience at organizations like ConnectUp! Institute, CloseKnit and OutFront Minnesota, Bethany brings a creative and innovative approach to our marketing efforts. 

Ben Haberman (he/they) – Development Associate
A recent graduate from UC Berkeley, Ben Haberman provides a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to community development. He has interned at a variety of nonprofit organizations in development and communications roles, and at Chasing Rainbows, the LGBTQ+ focused venture capital firm. In his new role at StartOut, he will support development and fundraising. Ben lives in Berkeley, California. 

Erica Lee (she/her) – Data & Insights Fellow
Erica is a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company based in Houston, Texas. She joins StartOut with a mix of corporate consulting and nonprofit experience, and will be serving as the Data & Insights Fellow as part of an externship program with Bain & Company. Erica has led many women and LGBTQ+ advocacy initiatives in her professional career which include Pride at Bain Houston. Following her fellowship at StartOut, Erica will join the MBA program at UC-Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Danielle Wiggins (she/her) – Access to Capital Manager
In addition to the new team members, Danielle has been promoted to Access to Capital Program Manager, where she will oversee the growth of StartOut’s program connecting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs directly to potential investors. Danielle first joined StartOut as a Program Associate. 

“In just one year with the StartOut team, Danielle has proven what a thoughtful, dynamic, and talented team member she is,” Richardson continued. “I am thrilled that she has agreed to take on this new role and look forward to working with her – and the entire team – to grow our impact.”

Prior to joining StartOut, Danielle joined a fellowship for entrepreneurs with Future Founders and worked in consulting at trepwise. Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Danielle currently lives in New Orleans.

We look forward to the incredible contributions our newest team members will make to StartOut and the communities we serve. Welcome aboard!

March 13, 2024 – StartOut, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, is thrilled to announce the election of Mohit Jolly (he/him) as Board Chair. A longtime executive at Google and a marketing expert, Mohit brings not only a wealth of experience but also a passion for fostering inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to this role. Immediately prior to his election as Chair, Mohit served as Board Co-Chair for one year. 

Mohit serves as Senior Director of Global Ads Marketing at Google and is the Executive Sponsor of PRIDE at Google, Google’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. He is also on the advisory board of CapitalG, Alphabet Inc’s growth fund that invests in growth-stage tech companies. 

“StartOut stands at the intersections of innovation, business and the queer community, ensuring opportunity for more people to launch and scale their businesses,” said Mohit Jolly. ” I am excited to build on StartOut’s incredible track record to ensure more opportunities for future LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.”

Prior to his role at Google, Mohit worked in management consulting at the Boston Consulting Group. Mohit currently lives in San Francisco and holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

“Mohit has been a leader in the tech and entrepreneur worlds for more than a decade,” said Brian Richardson, StartOut CEO. “Our community is lucky to have such a committed and talented voice guiding StartOut toward a future of even greater impact and success.”

In addition, the Board of Directors also elected Rick Kleczkowski (he/him) to a two-year term on the board, making him the newest member. Rick is an accomplished entrepreneur and respected senior executive with experience from the agency world to adtech and fintech. Rick has led multiple start-ups through funding, scaling and successful exits. As a board advisor, Rick has stayed at the center of tech innovation across sectors and at companies including IRIS.TV, OhWaiter and ABXR Engine.

“Rick brings his experience as a successful entrepreneur to our board, helping ensure our strategy and vision continues to hew to our mission of empowering and championing the next generation of LGBTQ+ founders,” says Genesis Garcia (she/her), Board Vice Chair and Chair of the Nominating Committee.

“I know how hard it is to turn an idea into a success, but I know that with access to skills, capital and community, success is attainable,” Rick said. “That is why I am privileged to serve on the Board of StartOut, to ensure everyone in our community has that access and chance to succeed.” 

Rick started his career in investment banking, spending nearly a decade at Lehman Brothers and Credit Lyonnais. He currently lives in New York City.

“With leadership and vision from Mohit, Rick and our entire Board, StartOut will be able to expand our impact, strengthen our partnerships and create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs everywhere,” Brian continued. 

 LGBTQ+ founders gain access to peer network, mentorship and business resources to support long-term growth

March 4, 2024 (NEW YORK) – Today, StartOut and J.P. Morgan welcomed the newest cohort of companies to the Growth Lab Accelerator. With less than one percent of startup funding being allocated toward LGBTQ+ founders in 2023, as found by a recent StartOut study, this five-month program is critical in providing resources and education to help entrepreneurs grow and compete. 

Seventy-four companies have participated in Growth Lab since 2016, raising more than $892 million in funding and creating more than 4,216 jobs. As co-lead sponsor of the program, J.P. Morgan provides Growth Lab participants with access to the firm’s network of global experts and resources.  

“The founders in Cohort 13 are problem solvers, developing unique products and solutions across a range of industries, from technology and software to food and beverage,” said David Barbee, Head of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. “As they continue to scale, these companies will need access to resources like capital and banking solutions, investors and business advisors. We are proud to join forces with StartOut to provide mentorship and access to our firmwide capabilities to help them reach the next level.” 

The companies selected to join Cohort 13 are:

• Ceemo.ai (Washington, D.C.): Generates custom visual identities and marketing materials for startups. 
• Gay Water (New York, NY): Offers mission-driven lifestyle products that celebrate and empower the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Growbie (Boston, MA): Delivers career support for international students in the United States.
• Hera Solutions, Inc. (Atlanta, GA): Supports delivery companies’ operations with performance tracking, automated coaching and vehicle management.
• Merify (Portland, OR): Empowers people managers through a community-based skills assessment platform. 
• Modica (Louisville, KY): Offers a superfood cocktail and mocktail mix for consumers.
• PopViewers (New York, NY): Provides media consumers a platform to react and engage with TV and movies.
• Rare Candy (New York, NY): Enables card collectors to trade cards on a digital platform. 
• Studious (New York, NY): Helps individuals study through an AI-driven, gamified learning assistant. 

“Each Growth Lab introduces us to an inspiring new cohort of founders, bringing fresh ideas, breaking barriers and expanding our vibrant, global StartOut community,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut. “We’re delighted to continue this vital work with J.P. Morgan and look forward to another exciting five-month journey.”

To learn more about the StartOut Growth Lab, including details on the application process for the next cohort, visit: startout.org/growth-lab

For more information on the financial solutions available to guide business growth, visit: jpmorgan.com/commercial-banking

Learn more about JPMorgan Chase’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community at jpmorganchase.com/lgbtq

You can view the original press release here.

About StartOut
Founded in 2009, StartOut, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the largest national organization to support LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with over 28K members nationwide. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of the LGBTQ+ community to drive its economic empowerment, building a world where every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has equal access to lead, succeed, and shape the workforce of the future. 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.

About JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America (“U.S.”), with operations worldwide. JPMorgan Chase had $3.9 trillion in assets and $328 billion in stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2023. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.

Media Contacts

JPMorgan Chase
Elizabeth Connerat
elizabeth.connerat@chase.com 

StartOut
Jonathan Ochart
jochart@thepostcardagency.com