Deadline: Ongoing Opportunity
Submissions are now open for the Lightship Accelerator, a 12-week program driving inclusive acceleration, education, and opportunity for minority and female tech founders.
The Lightship Foundation enhances ecosystems nationwide with remarkable, scalable companies traditional investors often overlook.
Among year-round training and mentorship, the Lightship Accelerator consists of two 6-week targeted “work sprints” that include applied coursework in branding/marketing, product development, practical application of AI, legal considerations, and fundraising.
Programming
- Investment Deck Audit and Revision
- Pitch Audit and Revision Consultation
- Financial Audit and Guidance
- Legal Guidance
- Brand Audit and Workshop
- Customer Insight Report
- Business Model Canvas
- Product Landing Page Audit and Revision
Under Lightship Accelerator, they leverage specialized programming to implement technology-focused economic development; accelerating high-quality job growth supporting the next generation of industry- leading companies.
What does accelerator programming consist of?
- Programming is comprehensive and includes guidance for entrepreneurs in areas of business relevant to their success, including branding and marketing, product development, practical application of AI, legal considerations, fundraising, and more. Following participant selection, they will conduct a strategy session with each founding team to identify two strategic projects to accomplish together.
How much does lightship invest in accelerator companies, and what are the terms of lightship’s investment?
- Lightship invests up to $500,000 each in ten companies per Accelerator cohort in exchange for 5-10% equity. The founders also sign a Founder Agreement Form, which outlines expectations including attendance of all Lightship programming and events during their 12 weeks in Cincinnati or Tulsa, in addition to responsibilities around communication with Lightship staff and investors before, during, and after the Accelerator.
Eligibility Criteria
- Underrepresented founders include any humans having founded a business, who identify as part of a minority group that has traditionally been outside of access to funding. This includes people of color, women, and the friends in the LGBTQIA+ community.
- They accept applications from companies all over the country! However, they require companies accepted into the Accelerator be present in Cincinnati or Tulsa during the two 6-week work sprints that make up the programming.
- Ideal Accelerator participants are amazing founders who have created scalable, tech-driven businesses. Their companies are past the idea stage and have products, customers, and revenue. They also look for founders who reflect Lightship’s core values: Stewardship. Empowerment. Inclusion. Revolution.
- Lightship primarily invests in companies in four verticals: AI, sustainability, E-commerce, CPG, and Health-Tech.
- Lightship does not provide housing for Lightship Accelerator participants.
- Lightship is not able to help founders outside the U.S. obtain visas to participate in the accelerator.
For more information, visit Lightship Foundation.
