The Growth Lab Accelerator, a joint initiative by StartOut and J.P. Morgan has announced its 2024 cohort of LGBTQ+ owned startups. Since its inception in 2017, the Growth Lab has propelled 93 companies to scale, helping create over 4,200 jobs and raising more than $892 million in funding.
During the five-month program, the selected startups will receive resources such as funding, mentorship, networking opportunities and education. With J.P. Morgan as a co-lead sponsor, participants will also tap into the firm’s expansive global network of experts. This comprehensive support aims to drive long-term success and create more equitable opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in today’s challenging business landscape.
“The entrepreneurs of Cohort 14 are driving innovation across a variety of industries, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges different communities and customers face, and creating effective solutions needed to address them,” said David Barbee, Managing Director and Head of LGBTQ+ Initiatives for J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. “We are proud to provide services and resources from the firm to help these leaders scale and achieve long-term success.”
Meet the Startups
The latest cohort of the Growth Lab includes a diverse lineup of companies, each pushing boundaries within their respective fields:
•ADEii Health (Los Angeles, CA): Focuses on behavioral health and wellness, offering mental health resources to schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
•Delve Deep Learning (Washington, DC): Develops cutting-edge AI technologies to assist public affairs professionals in intelligence gathering.
•Gritty in Pink (Los Angeles, CA): A digital platform highlighting female talent and promoting hiring in the music industry.
•Paldara Pharmaceuticals (Stillwater, OK): Innovates drug delivery systems to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
•Shimmer (San Francisco, CA): Provides life coaching and wellness services to empower individuals with ADHD.
•The Builder Market (Los Angeles, CA): Connects over 2 million professionals in the construction and home services industry through a unique social media platform.
•The Rave (Mexico City, MX): Offers a digital tool integrated into e-commerce platforms that rewards customers with cash for purchases.
•Tripiamo (New York, NY): Provides travelers with locally-verified guides for driving abroad, making international trips safer and more informed.
•Voda (London, UK): Serves the LGBTQ+ community with specialized mental health resources focused on gender and identity.
Brian Richardson, CEO of StartOut, highlighted the shared mission of these companies: “Each company in this cohort is united by a shared commitment to promoting equity, enhancing wellness and fostering innovation within their community and at the global level. We are excited to reach our 5th year in partnership with J.P. Morgan and look forward to another successful cohort of entrepreneurs.”
You can also check out last year’s cohort, profiled here.
To learn more about the StartOut Growth Lab and how to apply for future cohorts, visit StartOut Growth Lab.
For information on J.P. Morgan’s financial solutions for business growth, visit J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. To explore the firm’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, visit JPMorgan Chase LGBTQ+ Initiatives.