WHO QUALIFIES AS AN “REMARKABLE (UNDERREPRESENTED)” FOUNDER?
 

Underrepresented founders include any humans having founded a business, who identify as part of a minority group that has traditionally been outside of access to funding. This includes people of color, women, and our friends in the LGBTQIA+ community.
 

DOES LIGHTSHIP ACCEPT COMPANIESBASED OUTSIDE OF THE MIDWEST?

Yes, we accept applications from companies all over the country! However, we require companies accepted into the Accelerator be present in Cincinnati or Tulsa during the two 6-week work sprints that make up our programming.

IS LIGHTSHIP ABLE TO HELP FOUNDERS OUTSIDE THE US OBTAIN VISAS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACCELERATOR? 

​

No.

​

 

WHAT TYPE OF COMPANIES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

​

Ideal Accelerator participants are amazing founders who have created scalable, tech-driven businesses. Their companies are past the idea stage and have products, customers, and revenue. We also look for founders who reflect Lightship’s core values: Stewardship. Empowerment. Inclusion. Revolution.

​

 

WHAT IS LIGHTSHIP’S APPLICATION PROCESS?

​

Our Accelerator process includes a short application followed by virtual interviews. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed weekly. If our team feels you are a good fit a member of our team will reach out directly to you. 
 

WHAT INDUSTRIES ARE A GOOD FIT FOR THE ACCELERATOR? 

​

Lightship primarily invests in companies in four verticals: AI, sustainability, E-commerce, CPG, and Health-Tech. 

​

​

WHAT DOES ACCELERATOR PROGRAMMING CONSIST OF?

​

Programming is comprehensive and includes guidance for entrepreneurs in areas of business relevant to their success, including branding and marketing, product development, practical application of AI, legal considerations, fundraising, and more. Following participant selection, we will conduct a strategy session with each founding team to identify two strategic projects to accomplish together. 
 

HOW MUCH DOES LIGHTSHIP INVEST IN ACCELERATOR COMPANIES, AND WHAT ARE THE TERMS OF LIGHTSHIP'S INVESTMENT? 

​

Lightship invests up to $500,000 each in ten companies per Accelerator cohort in exchange for 5-10% equity. Our founders also sign a Founder Agreement Form, which outlines expectations including attendance of all Lightship programming and events during their 12 weeks in Cincinnati or Tulsa, in addition to responsibilities around communication with Lightship staff and investors before, during, and after the Accelerator.

 

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?​

 

Applications are rolling all year round.

WHEN WILL THE NEXT ACCELERATOR COHORT BEGIN? 

We tailor the scheduling of work sprints to your calendar! Typically sprints will be completed within 3-6 months of accelerator acceptance. 

​

DOES LIGHTSHIP PROVIDE HOUSING WHILE PARTICIPANTS ARE ON-SITE?

​

No, Lightship does not provide housing for Lightship Accelerator participants.