How To Get Started

Our resources are designed to support LGBTQ+ startups at various company stages.

If you are an LGBTQ+ founder looking for support then you’ve come to the right place. Once you’ve become a StartOut founder member, you’ll gain access to our suite of resources and programs that are designed to help you grow your business.

Who We Support

Aspiring founders who are developing their ideas
Solo-founders or teams developing scalable solutions
Founders open to building an enduring business in a number of different ways, whether through bootstrapping, funding, or otherwise
Founders of established companies (our network of accredited investors range from angel/pre-seed to Series D+)
We are not industry-specific
Service-related businesses (one on one coaching businesses, consulting companies, single brick & mortar establishments, etc) are not a good fit for our programs

Eligibility Criteria

At least one founder must identify as LGBTQ+
You work at least part-time on your startup
You are developing a scalable solution (product or service) to address a large market ($500 million or more)
You are able to identify specific and critical milestones that you can realistically achieve in the next twelve months
Remark: Service-related businesses will only be eligible for our community resources, our perks, and Expert Office hours

What We Expect From You

A spirit of collaboration and responsiveness when interacting with your peers and others who contribute to the success of the program (mentors, experts, investors)
A commitment to report on few metrics during the program
Become a giving community member (monthly donation of $12.50) for the duration of the program or apply for an empowerment or need-based scholarship

What You Can Expect from Us

A dedicated resource, your Founder Experience and Relationship Manager (FERM), who will be your main point of contact throughout your journey with StartOut
A team of passionate professionals that will support you during your participation in our specific program verticals
Access to investors who are committed to supporting LGBTQ+ and intersectionally diverse founders in our community
A team that is motivated to ensure that our programs are inclusive and diverse for founders who meet our eligibility requirements
A wealth of knowledge and experience from our mentors and subject matter experts who are committed to enriching our programs