Startup Runway Foundation

The Startup Runway Foundation is a nonprofit organization in the United States, dedicated to bridging the funding gap for underrepresented startup founders. Established in 2016, it began as an initiative to increase diversity in pitch competitions, originating in Atlanta's Midtown. The foundation's mission is to connect underrepresented founders with their first investors, offering a platform where ambition and innovation can flourish[1][3].

Mission and Impact

The foundation aims to source the best underrepresented founders and introduce them to their first investors. This effort is backed by research indicating that diverse founding teams return more capital to investors compared to homogenous teams[3]. Startup Runway's programs have supported over 5000 startups and facilitated numerous successful fundraising rounds for its finalists, with rounds led by prominent firms like Canaan Partners, Microsoft, and Valor Ventures[1][5].

Programs and Events

Startup Runway hosts regular showcase events that serve as platforms for investor introductions. Additionally, it maintains an active angel network to facilitate connections between startups and potential investors[2][4]. The organization provides undiluted grants to startups and has helped raise almost $100 million in funding for participating startups. Founders associated with Startup Runway are reportedly 6X more likely to raise a seed round[5].

Notable Achievements

Since its inception, Startup Runway has:

• Supported 1000 underrepresented founders with first investor introductions[3].
• Facilitated over 500 first investor introductions[3].
• Organized multiple successful events and showcases, marking significant milestones in promoting entrepreneurial success among underrepresented groups[5].

Partnerships and Recognition

Startup Runway collaborates with various partners to amplify its impact, including major venture capital firms. It has been recognized for its role in championing diversity in the startup ecosystem, creating a platform for underrepresented voices to thrive in entrepreneurship[1][3].