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

Our Impact

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.


StartOut Growth Lab (“SGL”) hosts a new virtual cohort of early-stage companies every six months. Up to ten companies are selected for each cohort. Think your company has what it takes?

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.
  • Monthly digital lunch & learns with guest experts covering a broad range of topics presented by founders, experienced professionals, and investors.
  • Founders only “Lonely at the Top” meetings to discuss founder issues in a small, supportive and safe space.
  • A graduation event at the end of your term to celebrate your successes with the StartOut community.

What We Expect

  • A commitment from your company’s founder(s) to participate in the full 6-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.
  • Agreement to take turns organizing our monthly group social events.
  • Mandatory attendance at monthly Lunch & Learn events.
  • Long hours and hard work to make the most of your tenure at SGL.

What Makes an Ideal Candidate

  • Product or service is established in the marketplace
  • The business runway is +9 Months (but not a requirement)
  • Generating revenue (not a requirement)
  • High-growth companies with a path to scalability
  • For-profit business

Applications for Growth Lab Are Currently Closed

APPLICATIONS FOR COHORT 12 WILL OPEN SPRING 2023

Thank You to Our Growth Lab Sponsors

Join StartOut

Almost every LGBTQ+ entrepreneur has encountered unequal access to key resources needed to advance their business.