Founders Program
Our programs help founder members accelerate their growth, no matter what stage, which changes their worlds in the process.
Founder Resources
StartOut’s programs are designed to uplift and support the LGBTQ+ entrepreneurial community. We welcome founders who respect and support this mission and create a welcoming environment for all.
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 business people to connect with one another.
The Forum
Connect with LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, investors and others 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 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 accelerator designed with LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in mind.
Insights
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 entrepreneurs who have been historically underrepresented, underserved, and underestimated within our community.
Please complete the Founder Application for consideration.
