Program · Accelerator
StartOut Investor Network
StartOut Investor Network is StartOut's accelerator offering support for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and connecting them with investors.
- Application state
- Accepting
Overview
What StartOut Investor Network offers
What StartOut Investor Network is
StartOut is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs since 2009. With a community of over 28,000 members, StartOut supports more than 700 individual founders annually through mentorship, capital access, and ecosystem building. The StartOut Growth Lab is a 6-month intensive accelerator focused on startup development and growth, providing education, mentoring, and networking opportunities tailored for LGBTQ+ founders.
Operational profile
Program status and context
Program status describes the program itself. Application availability and deadlines remain separate.
- Operational status
- Active
- Program type
- Accelerator
- Host organization
- StartOut
- Last reviewed
- March 16, 2026
What Accelerator means
An accelerator is a structured, short-term program designed to speed up a startup's progress toward product-market fit, traction, fundraising, or scale.
Open the glossary entryTerms and economics
Published program terms
- Price
- Free
- Compensation
- No Compensation
Compensation and economics
Participants in the StartOut programs do not receive financial compensation.
Focus and fit
Who the program is for
Program thesis
StartOut aims to bridge the gap between underrepresented LGBTQ+ founders and capital allocators, fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The organization focuses on supporting startups that are founded or co-founded by LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing the unique challenges they face in accessing resources and funding.
Eligibility
The program targets startups founded or co-founded by LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.
Selection approach
StartOut welcomes applications from both founders seeking capital and investors interested in supporting LGBTQ+-founded companies. The application process is open and accessible through their website.
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Regions
- United States
- Audience
- Investors
Format and cadence
How participation works
- Presence
- Remote
- Main location
- United States
- Duration
- 26 weeks
- Engagement
- Full Time
Delivery model
The StartOut programs are primarily remote, allowing participants from across the United States to engage without geographical constraints.
Participation expectations
The program requires a full-time commitment over the 6-month duration, with intensive support and resources provided to participants.
Availability and engagement
Application timing and route
- Application state
- Accepting
- Admissions
- Open
Published timeline
The StartOut Growth Lab runs for a duration of 6 months, providing intensive support and resources to participating startups.
Value and support
What participation may provide
Publicly described support is context, not a guarantee of current delivery or future benefit.
What participants may receive
Participants in the StartOut Growth Lab gain access to a network of over 200 mentors, curated deal flow from LGBTQ+ founders, and connections to more than 100 venture capital firms and angel investors.
Common questions
Program details at a glance
StartOut Investor Network is published in Upseed as a accelerator program hosted by StartOut. Upseed treats the Program and its host Organization as separate records so each can have its own status and sources.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 16, 2026
Known limits
Terms, deadlines, and application states can change. Confirm current details at the published destination before acting. Upseed does not yet classify every Program destination as official.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or the official representative of this program or its host.