StartOut

At StartOut, we are committed to expanding and deepening our impact, ensuring queer entrepreneurs have the skills, community and access necessary to grow their companies, thus creating a more inclusive economy for all. StartOut is here for you.?#strongertogether A statement below from StartOut CEO Brian Richardson

?? There are 3?? weeks left to apply for the #StartOut Growth Lab's 15th Cohort! ?? Since our founding, 93 graduated companies have raised $892M+ in funding and created 4,216 new jobs. ?? Still trying to figure out if the #StartOutGrowthLab is right for you and your startup? Join our virtual info session on Tuesday, December 10 to meet the program manager, ask questions, learn about the program content & how to make your application stand out! ????? ?? Apply to the Growth Lab and register for the information session at https://linktr.ee/startout

“My name is Perrin Quarshie, and I was in the first cohort of StartOut's Growth Lab, the world’s first LGBTQ+ startup accelerator. It was there I met my mentor and friend, Peter Sisson, who embodied the very best of StartOut: brilliant, passionate - and, above all, committed to helping others succeed. Like so many StartOut members, Peter believed deeply in the power of individuals to change the world. When I first joined the Growth Lab, I had ambition but was untested and needed guidance. One pivotal day, Peter, a serial entrepreneur himself, sat me down and, sometimes bluntly, helped me craft my story. He was direct — ‘Slow down. Keep it simple. You have a good story, just tell it more directly.’ His straightforward advice, paired with StartOut’s unmatched support, helped me close a $3.7 million seed round. My company then grew from zero to managing $77 billion in assets, culminating in a successful exit earlier this year. I’ve made my gift; will you?” - Perrin Quarshie, founder of RealBlocks, StartOut Growth Lab Alum and 2024 StartOut Peter Sisson Next Generation Award Recipient ?? Peter Sisson was a serial entrepreneur and dedicated community member who helped bring StartOut’s vision to life through mentorship. Last summer, we lost Peter unexpectedly. To honor his legacy and the impact he had on StartOut founders like Perrin, Peter’s husband, Abdul, and brother, Stephen, are offering a matching gift in his name. Every dollar you donate through December 31st will be matched by Peter’s family - up to $50,000 - doubling the impact of your support. So, if you give $500 today, your gift will be matched - doubling your impact to $1,000! By giving today, you’re not only doubling your impact but also fueling the journeys of future founders who will carry Peter’s legacy forward. Together, we can create a world where all LGBTQ+ people can truly flourish. ????? Donate today at startout.org/donate. #StartOut #LGBTQMentor #LGBTQFounder #StartOutGrowthLab #SGL

?? There’s still time to submit our 2024 survey, share your thoughts on StartOut’s work and be entered for the chance to win a free trip on JetBlue*! ?? Our survey closes next Tuesday and we want to make sure you get the chance to help shape StartOut’s future and how we can continue impacting LGBTQIA+ innovation. ?? Thank you to JetBlue Ventures, JetBlue for collaborating with us on this survey prize and supporting LGBTQ+ founders. This survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete, get started at https://bit.ly/3Zf7hB1! *Terms and blackout dates apply. Prize includes 2 round-trip tickets for one winner and 1 round-trip ticket for two winners. #StartOut #Survey #JetBlue #LGBTQFounders #LGBTQIA #LGBTQEntrepreneurs

Proud to learn and grow with founders who lead with trust. Thank you, Shira Yevin at Gritty In Pink, Tarik Perkins at StartOut, and Valentine Aseyo at Matador Meggings. #growthlab #tulsa @gkff Experience Tulsa

?? Join Us for an Evening of Connection and Celebration! ?????? Out Professionals + StartOut- LGBTQ+ Holiday Networking at Hotel Zeppelin - SF I'm thrilled to share that OutPro and StartOut and are teaming up to host a festive LGBTQ+ Holiday Networking event in San Francisco! ?? This is the perfect opportunity to connect with inspiring professionals, expand your network, and celebrate the holiday season in style. ?? Date: Wednesday, December 4 ? Time: 6:00 PM PST ?? Location: Hotel Zeppelin, 545 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 Whether you're looking to spark meaningful conversations, meet potential collaborators, or just enjoy the vibrant community spirit, this event is for you! Special shout out to Danny Gray the pillar of OutPro SF to put this together, and the meaningful support from leaders Charlie Conard from OutPro National and Daniel Anzueto from StartOut HQ. And all the supports from the StartOut SF family Dawn Dzurilla, Skye King, MS, MPH, EQCC, Julia Gleason, Ethan Tse, Dan Cafiero, Chris Luquetta-Fish, Jacob Smith. And the beautiful venue of Hotel Zeppelin San Francisco, who has been the host since last year! Let’s celebrate diversity, innovation, and success together. ??? Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gkyPmMPZ See you there! ?? #LGBTQNetworking #StartOut #OutPro #HolidaySeason #SFEvents

????? Did you miss the first "Ask Me Anything" session last week? No worries, join our next virtual info session on Tuesday, December 10 and ask all your Growth Lab questions to our Program Manager, Jake Hannigan. Drop in to meet the program manager, ask questions, learn about the program content & how to make your application stand out! RSVP ?? https://lnkd.in/gEzpBDza ??Applications are due 12/20 #SGL #StartOutGrowthLab #Accelerator #LGBTQFounder