The Harlem Capital team is building upon their experience as early-stage investors and expertise crafting the most robust and diverse VC internship program to bring intentional community to high performing operators.

Applications are open through May 2, 2023 – APPLY HERE

In late 2015 the founders of Harlem Capital set out to invest in underrepresented entrepreneurs as a small angel syndicate. Since then the team has evolved into an institutional early-stage venture capital firm on a mission to invest in 1,000 diverse founders over the next 20 years. Throughout this journey we have had the privilege of building and nurturing a network of budding and experienced founders, investors, and operators. 

We quickly realized we are uniquely positioned to foster a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem beyond our portfolio. We began with the first Harlem Capital internship class in 2018 and never looked back. Our program has received over 10,000 applicants and has become one of the most diverse and robust in the industry, providing opportunities for historically overlooked talent to break into investing. Today, we are excited to announce the expansion of our platform with a Founder Launchpad Community for high performing tech industry operators to start the next decade defining company.

The Founder Launchpad program will equip operators interested in becoming founders with the community and knowledge required to launch companies that change the face of entrepreneurship. Diverse operators face 4 key challenges when thinking about launching a company: 1) Isolation, 2) Idea Generation, 3) Potential Co-founders, 4) knowledge about VC and working with VCs. This community will provide intentional programming, tools, and connection to help bridge these gaps

The Harlem Capital Founder Launchpad will provide underrepresented tech industry operators with the community, network, and tools to set them up for launching a company.

Program Dates: The six-week Harlem Capital Founder Launchpad Program will run from May 15 through July 15, 2023.

APPLY or SHARE: Applications for the first Harlem Capital Founder Launchpad cohort open on April 18th and are due on May 2nd 2023 at 11:59 PM. Click here to apply

FAQ’s

Who is eligible for this program?

• Actively working on a startup idea full-time or part-time outside of work
• At least a few years out of school

How much does it cost?

• There is not cost associated with this program, we’re looking to build a long-term relationship with top operators

Do I need to have started a company to join?

• No, but we require everyone to be actively working on a startup idea full-time or part-time

What’s the time commitment?

• We expect individuals to commit approximately one hour weekly, and attend all events in person or on Zoom

Does Founder Launchpad happen in person or virtually? What if I’m not based in NYC?

• Our first event is in person, mainly to build community, so if you’re not in NYC that’s OK
• All sessions afterwards will be virtual