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.

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.