New executive cohort, presented by UBS, supports founders navigating scale, liquidity and life after entrepreneurial success
NEW YORK, NY — July 14, 2026 — StartOut today announced the launch of Legacy Circle, an invitation-only executive cohort for accomplished LGBTQ+ founders and senior leaders preparing for major liquidity events. Designed with and supported by UBS, the program completes StartOut’s strategic vision of supporting entrepreneurs from ideation through successful exit.
Nominations for Legacy Circle can be made here.
“Three years ago, we committed to building a complete founder pipeline as part of our strategic plan,” said Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut. “Legacy Circle fulfills that promise. Today, StartOut champions LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs for ideation to exit, empowering them to create not just economic opportunity for themselves, but for the generations of founders who follow.”
For nearly a decade, StartOut has accelerated the growth of mid-stage LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through its flagship Growth Lab. That program has supported more than 120 founders who have collectively raised over $1 billion in capital and built companies that have created more than 5,000 jobs. Last year, StartOut expanded that pipeline upstream with Spark Lab, an incubator designed for founders at the earliest stages of company building. Spark Lab launched to exceptional founder satisfaction, earning a 9.5 Net Promoter Score, and graduates raising an average of $201,350 following their participation.
Legacy Circle completes that pipeline, bringing together a highly curated cohort of accomplished LGBTQ+ founders to navigate the unique opportunities and responsibilities that accompany entrepreneurial success.
The inaugural Legacy Circle cohort will convene October 27-28 in New York City, bringing together approximately 20 founders and senior leaders who have built and scaled exceptional companies. Through confidential peer discussions, expert facilitation and curated conversations with industry leaders, the cohort will explore topics including identity after a major liquidity event, wealth stewardship, board service and the transition from operator to what’s next.
“As LGBTQ+ founders achieve greater success, they face opportunities and decisions that are often difficult to navigate alone,” said Santi Miller, UBS. “UBS is proud to work with StartOut to launch Legacy Circle because entrepreneurship doesn’t end at liquidity. By bringing together accomplished founders to learn from one another and thoughtfully shape their next chapter, we’re investing not only in individual leaders but in the future strength of the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Chris Davidson, former Head of StartOut’s Growth Lab, will steward the Legacy Circle experience, weaving together each retreat, speaker and conversation into a cohesive journey for participants. As head of Growth Lab, Chris helped transform the program into one of the nation’s premier accelerators, mentoring more than 120 entrepreneurs who collectively raised over $1 billion in capital. Drawing on his experience as an executive coach and founder mentor, Chris will cultivate the trusted, peer-driven environment that defines Legacy Circle.
The inaugural cohort will include founders and c-suite executives from across industries nearing significant business growth, acquisitions, public offerings or other major liquidity events. In addition to peer learning, participants will become an integral part of StartOut’s long-term ecosystem, helping mentor emerging entrepreneurs and strengthen opportunities for future generations of LGBTQ+ founders.
Legacy Circle is an invitation-only cohort. StartOut welcomes nominations from founders, investors and ecosystem leaders who know exceptional LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs preparing for significant growth or liquidity events. Learn more or submit a nomination at startout.org/legacy-circle.