The LAUNCH Accelerator is a high-impact, 14-week program designed to help startups build faster, raise funding, and scale efficiently. With an investment of $125,000 for 7% equity, this accelerator provides hands-on mentorship, investor connections, and a strong founder community to help early-stage companies achieve rapid growth. Unlike traditional accelerators, LAUNCH is structured as a hybrid program, allowing participation from anywhere in the world with select in-person sessions in San Francisco, Austin, and New York City.
LAUNCH Accelerator Program Overview
The LAUNCH Accelerator is designed to provide startups with funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them scale quickly. Here’s what you need to know about the program:
🌍 Program Duration: 14 weeks
📍 Location: Hybrid (primarily virtual with select in-person sessions)
💰 Funding: $125K investment for 7% equity
📈 Equity Taken: 7%
❌ Program Fee: Not mentioned
🎯 Cohort Size: 7 startups per class (highly selective)
Key Benefits of LAUNCH Accelerator
🚀 Fundraising support to help startups raise their next round faster and at a higher valuation
🤝 Direct access to the LAUNCH investor network
🎤 Pitch training for investors, media, and recruiting
📢 Opportunities for prioritized speaking engagements at events like This Week in Startups and Founder University
👥 Strong peer community of experienced and emerging founders
LAUNCH Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for LAUNCH Accelerator, startups should meet the following criteria:
- Stage: Pre-Series A with some level of traction
- Revenue & Growth Metrics:
- 📊 Enterprise/Marketplace Startups: $2K+ in MRR with 20%+ month-over-month growth
- 📈 Consumer Products: 3K+ DAUs with 5%+ week-over-week growth
- 🛠 Deep Tech Startups: An MVP and a strong technical team
- Team Composition: At least one full-time founder dedicated to the startup
- Global Accessibility: Startups from anywhere in the world can apply
- Fundraising Status: Startups may or may not have raised angel or seed rounds before joining
Application Process
Applying to LAUNCH Accelerator is a structured yet competitive process designed to identify the most promising startups. Here’s what to expect:
- Online Application
📝 Founders apply through the LAUNCH Accelerator website.
📅 Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. - Screening & Selection
🔍 The investment team evaluates applications based on traction, market size, and team strength.
📞 Select startups are invited for interviews. - Final Interview
🎙️ Shortlisted founders go through a final investment interview with the LAUNCH team. - Acceptance & Program Enrollment
💵 Startups receive the $125K investment upon acceptance.
🎯 Founders gain immediate access to the LAUNCH mentor and investor community.
💡 Pro Tip: Highlight strong user traction, revenue growth, and a clear go-to-market strategy in your application to stand out!
LAUNCH Accelerator Investment Terms
- 💰 Initial Investment: $125,000 for 7% equity
- 💵 Follow-on Investment: LAUNCH has the option to invest $250K (or pro rata) in the next two rounds.
- 📊 Target Ownership: Over time, LAUNCH aims for 10%-15% equity in the startups they support.
- 🚫 Non-Negotiable Terms: Due to the program’s high value, these terms cannot be adjusted.
- ❌ Zero Fees: The program does not charge fees—startups receive full investment support.
Why Choose LAUNCH Accelerator?
1. High-Impact Fundraising Support
- Startups in LAUNCH raise money faster, at higher valuations.
- The program includes pitch training and direct introductions to top-tier investors.
2. Silicon Valley Network Without Relocation
- While some in-person sessions are held in major U.S. cities, the program is primarily virtual.
3. Access to a Powerful Founder Community
- Join a strong network of alumni founders who help each other grow and succeed.
4. Exclusive Media & Speaking Opportunities
- Gain visibility through speaking opportunities at events like This Week in Startups and Founder University.
5. A Long-Term Investment Partner
- LAUNCH accelerator is designed as a multi-stage investor, potentially funding companies from pre-seed to Series A & B.
Tips for a Winning LAUNCH Application
🔥 1. Show Strong Traction & Growth
- Highlight revenue growth, user engagement, and clear metrics.
- If you’re a marketplace or SaaS startup, mention MRR growth and customer retention.
💡 2. Demonstrate a Clear Market Opportunity
- Explain why your market is scalable and venture-backable.
- Show evidence of demand, industry trends, and competitor gaps.
🚀 3. Have a Well-Balanced Team
- LAUNCH prefers technical and business-oriented founders working together.
- If you’re a solo founder, demonstrate a strong ability to execute and lead.
📢 4. Perfect Your Pitch
- Be concise, direct, and compelling.
- Investors should immediately understand what your startup does and why it matters.
📝 5. Be Ready for Investment Conversations
- Have a clear fundraising plan and understand how you’ll use the $125K investment.
- Be prepared to discuss your valuation, cap table, and financial projections.
Final Thoughts on Getting Into LAUNCH Accelerator
Getting accepted into LAUNCH Accelerator is a highly competitive yet rewarding opportunity for early-stage startups looking to scale fast, secure funding, and build a strong network. The program’s hands-on approach, founder-focused mentorship, and long-term investment potential make it one of the most valuable accelerators available.
If you’re an ambitious founder with a strong product, growing traction, and a scalable vision, applying to LAUNCH could be the catalyst that takes your startup to the next level.
🚀 Apply today and take your startup to the next level!
