StartOut and J.P. Morgan Welcome New Cohort of LGBTQ+ Owned Companies to Growth Lab Accelerator

Program provides founders with six months of mentorship and training to support growth

On January 18th, StartOut and J.P. Morgan welcomed a new cohort of ten high-performing companies to the Growth Lab accelerator, a six-month program that helps LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs grow their businesses through networking, mentorship, and education.

Now in its sixth year and eleventh cohort, Growth Lab has helped 65 early-stage companies raise more than $763 million in funding and create more than 3,650 new jobs across the United States. This incoming cohort of businesses brings together innovators from across the U.S. and Australia, specializing in fields ranging from healthcare and climate to fashion and education.

J.P. Morgan serves as the co-lead sponsor of Growth Lab, providing expert mentors and educational materials to support participating companies. Additionally, J.P. Morgan is making the newly launched Capital Connect, a digital platform that directly connects founders and investors, available to eligible cohort members.

“We are proud to continue our work with StartOut as we work to accelerate the growth of LGBTQ+ owned businesses nationwide,” said David Barbee, Head of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking. “Growth Lab offers a unique opportunity for collaboration and community building, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives and innovative thinking Cohort 11 will contribute to this unique community of entrepreneurs.”

The companies selected to join Cohort 11 are:

A Leading Role (Los Angeles, CA): On a mission to create the most iconic and beautifully designed dress-up and costume brand in the world