The Startup Runway Foundation plugs investors into the top startups led by underrepresented founders through our Showcase events. Women and people of color get less than 5% of investments in startups–yet represent over 40% of founders.

At Startup Runway, we turn the funding gap into an onramp, so innovation soars.

Invited VCs provide feedback and mentorship on the path to a first check. Investors enjoy curated dealflow from across the country from startups led by underrepresented overachievers. Multiple studies show diverse teams return more capital to investors.

Mentors co-pilot our competitive selected startup founders, guiding them to proven resources to support their early scale, like angel capital, legal, biz dev, co-founders, and tech talent. Our Finalists continually say the mentorship experience is the highest value segment of our program.

Leading companies back inclusion by sponsoring Startup Runway. Sponsors are true partners, providing expertise and connections alongside capital to elevate underrepresented founders. Showcase your inclusion and innovation commitment. Join us.

Our partner, the Atlanta Startup Podcast, curates an inspiring playlist of Startup Runway Finalists.

Startup Runway Finalists are 6X more likely to raise a seed round than underrepresented founders who have not gone through our free, fundraising-focused nonprofit program. In the last 3 years, our Finalist have raised over $20 million. Join us for our inspiring next Showcase over underrepresented overachievers.