An online program for founders
Launched online. Support everywhere.
Project
Underdogs.
No deep pockets.
No connections.
No problem.
For founders who've got the talent but not the access. We supply the support and the network — then put you in the room with the investors who write the check.
01 / Access, not privilege
Our founders aren't short on talent. They're short on access.
Immigrant, first- and second-generation, Arab and Muslim, Black and brown founders everywhere are building storefronts, software and stages. But capital, mentors and the language of finance still sit behind closed doors.
“A recapitalization? It's a cash-out refi on a house.” One sentence in his own language, and a whole industry opened up.
02 / Two checks, one path
We back you in.
Investors back you out.
Check one / When you join
A real first check
From the Underdogs Fund, for a fair share of your company, on terms published before anyone applies.
Check two / When you graduate
The real round
From our investor partners, once you've met the full standard they've told us they invest against.
- 01
Apply
Open online applications. Anyone can apply — no warm intro, no connections required.
- 02
Select
Interviews and our review team choose six teams per class.
- 03
First check
The Underdogs Fund invests in every company we accept, for a fair share, on terms published up front.
- 04
Build
Twelve-plus weeks of weekly dinners, office hours, Unpolished Pitches and Pitch Perfect sessions.
- 05
Graduate
Hit the full investor-ready standard. No time limit — you graduate when the numbers say so.
- 06
Get funded
Graduates go in front of our investor partners, ready for the next check.
04 / Who we serve
One program.
Founders everywhere.
Main-street businesses
Storefronts, trades and family businesses ready to grow past the owner.
High-growth startups
Software and product companies built to raise and scale.
Creatives & performers
Makers, artists and podcasters building a real business around the work.
The next generation
Students and first-time founders who have never seen an investor deck.
Three minutes / Ten questions
How ready is your business?
See where you stand today and what to work on next.