Growth Lab
StartOut Growth Lab is a startup accelerator that offers top quality mentoring, education, and networking opportunities for companies that happen to be founded or co-founded by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
65
graduated companies
$763M
in funding raised
3,650+
new jobs

Now Accepting Cohort 12 Applications
StartOut Growth Lab (“SGL”) hosts a new virtual cohort of early-stage companies twice a year. Up to ten companies are selected for each cohort. Think your company has what it takes?
In order to apply to join StartOut Growth Lab (SGL), please fill out – or update – your founder application on StartOut online community portal. Once you submit your founder application, you will be redirected to a dedicated page with additional questions specific to StartOut Growth Lab.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE JUNE 30TH
What We Offer
- A virtual community of LGBTQ+ founders who support and motivate one another.
- Mentoring from our entrepreneur-in-residence and direct access to StartOut Experts.
- Free legal consultations from DLA Piper.
- Weekly digital lunch & learns with guest experts covering a broad range of topics presented by founders, experienced professionals, and investors.
- A graduation event at the end of your term to celebrate your successes with the StartOut community.
- Semi-annual in-person events to connect with present and future cohort members




What We Expect
- A commitment from your company’s founder(s) to participate in the entire 5-month program while working full time on your startup company.
- A spirit of collaboration, volunteerism, and joy in giving back to your peers and others who contribute to your success.
- Long hours and hard work to make the most of your tenure at SGL
- Mandatory attendance at monthly Lunch & Learn events.
- Participate in an in-person kick-off event in San Francisco
What Makes an Ideal Candidate
- Company or a subsidiary is registered in the US
- Product or service is established in the marketplace
- Business runway is 9+ months (not a requirement)
- Generating revenue
- High-growth companies with a path to scalability
Companies Not Suited for the Growth Lab
- Consulting services
- Cannabis-related, sex-tech, or firearm companies
- Brick-and-mortar businesses
- Pre-MVP
- Non-profit organizations
- A company where the founder is not working full-time in the business
Applications for Growth Lab Are Due June 30th
In order to apply to join StartOut Growth Lab (SGL), please fill out – or update – your founder application on StartOut online community portal. Once you submit your founder application, you will be redirected to a dedicated page with additional questions specific to StartOut Growth Lab.
Join StartOut
Almost every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has encountered unequal access to key resources needed to advance their business.