Fund a Founder

We happen to believe that founders are the bravest people on earth, they are the ones that are going and blazing the uncharted path, developing their idea, creating jobs, stimulating our economy and so we really want to put them first in everything that we do.
 
 
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Lighthouse Labs has been around for more than a decade - we are the #1 ranked accelerator in Virginia

Over the last 11 years, we have accelerated 127 companies, giving $2.2 million in equity-free grant money to the most exciting founders in Virginia and beyond. Our goal for the next 10 years is to double that number. The Fund a Founder campaign will allow us to continue the important support of our alumni, providing additional funding and resources to ensure their success after graduating from our accelerator program.

 
 
 
 
 

Why should you donate?

Be part of making a significant difference in the lives of our founders. With your help, we can continue to build the next generation of entrepreneurs, support our alumni to their full potential even after they leave the program, attract the best and brightest talent to the region, and showcase why Richmond is a great place for startups. We rely solely on donations and sponsors to support our organization. With your help, we can continue to Invest in the Lives of Founders™.

 
 
 

What is the goal?

Our goal is to raise $5 million over the next 3 years, helping us to double the amount of underserved founders we accelerate and support our fabulous alumni to ensure their success as they scale their businesses. With the contribution of a very generous donor, we will match the first $1 million in gifts from the community.

 
 
 

Who are the founders you will be supporting?

More than 65% of our companies have an underrepresented founder or cofounder. Our companies wouldn't be here today if somebody didn't take that risk or stroke that first check to launch a founder's idea, and we continue to guide and support them as alumni of our accelerator.

We also work across all industries, bringing in the best and brightest talent not only with our founders, but with our phenomenal mentors and investors as well! This funding will continue to help us innovate alongside the most exciting sectors.

 
 
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 What our founders have to say…

 
 

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Thank you to our

Fund A Founder Supporters