By Tim Ryan
Lighthouse Labs is back, and applications for Batch 18 are officially open! As one of Virginia’s premier seed-stage accelerators, Lighthouse Labs is ready to help innovation-driven startups scale their impact and change the world. If you have a technology-led company eager to disrupt industries—whether in FinTech, HealthTech, B2B SaaS, HardTech, or even dual-use solutions—Batch 18 could be your launchpad.
Lighthouse Labs has made its mark by delivering results for startups, many of which are now leading in their fields. Just take a look at VerbaAI, a standout from Batch 17 that leveraged the accelerator’s support to become a force in digital forensics, or Dr. Lauren Siff’s inspiring story of growth in Batch 17. Now, it’s your turn to take the leap.
Why Lighthouse Labs?
Joining Lighthouse Labs means more than simply getting into an accelerator program—it means joining a community of like-minded founders and gaining access to resources that can truly take your startup to the next level. Here’s what Batch 18 has in store:
- World-Class Mentors: Tap into the experience of top mentors who have been there and done that. These mentors know what it’s like to be in your shoes and can offer strategic insights to help you avoid pitfalls and accelerate your journey.
- Equity-Free Funding: Receive $20,000 in non-dilutive funding to help scale your operations. No strings attached.
- Tailored Curriculum: You’ll go through an 11-week program with workshops and guidance designed to match your needs, whether you’re fine-tuning your product or preparing to pitch investors.
- Demo Day: Present your startup to investors, community members, and potential partners at the culminating event of the program—a key opportunity to get exposure and find the right fit to take your business to new heights.
Who Should Apply?
Batch 18 is open to startups with big ambitions and even bigger ideas. Whether your startup is in FinTech, HealthTech, HardTech, or other high-impact sectors, Lighthouse Labs provides the ecosystem to support your growth. Their mentor network is equipped to guide founders across sectors, ensuring that your needs—no matter how niche or specialized—are met with tailored support.
The journey from innovation to industry disruption can be daunting, but Lighthouse Labs is all about investing in the lives of founders. Their mission is to help you succeed not just in building a business, but in making a meaningful impact. The new managing director, Art Espey, has brought a renewed vision to Lighthouse Labs, with a focus on inclusivity and bringing diverse founders to the forefront of innovation.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: December 12, 2024
- Program Dates: March 3, 2025 – May 16, 2025
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to accelerate your startup’s journey. Whether you’re ready to go full speed ahead or just curious about what’s possible, this is your chance to get in front of investors, mentors, and a community that truly cares about founder success. Apply now and illuminate the path for your startup’s future!
