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

Apply Today

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
View Growth Lab FAQ
"I think connections feel stronger when we bond over being part of the LBGTQ+ community – and it’s no different in the startup world. The founders and investors you meet through Growth Lab have a stronger connection because that personal connection bonds us."
Maca Baigorria (she/her)
Maca Baigorria (she/her)Founder, Avocademy
"I think having those peers in my Growth Lab Cohort who were also women and queer was affirming to me and something that really sets the Growth Lab apart from other accelerators. It’s been great to see StartOut work so hard to recruit underrepresented founders, and I think it’s been paying off."
Leigh Honeywell (she/her)
Leigh Honeywell (she/her)Founder, TallPoppy
"StartOut has been so influential to ConciergeBot’s success. I joined with just a prototype and applied for the GrowthLab to see what kind of feedback I would get. I honestly didn’t think I would get in because of my experience level, but I did! StartOut gave me the confidence I needed to start a business that was more than just a side hobby."
James Silva (he/him)
James Silva (he/him)Founder, ConciergeBot
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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.

Apply Here

Thank You to Our Growth Lab Sponsors

Cohort Companies

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