Startup Runway Showcase

Startup Runway is a grant initiative managed by the Startup Runway Foundation, a private organization aimed at reducing funding gaps for underrepresented entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Startup Runway primarily supports high-growth potential startups in the U.S. South, extending from Maryland to Texas. The initiative aligns closely with venture capital firms, accelerators, and corporate sponsors to provide non-dilutive financial support and exposure to early-stage founders who have historically faced barriers in accessing capital. The program targets scalable startups led by at least one underrepresented founder—defined by race, ethnicity, or other marginalized identity categories. Eligible applicants must have progressed beyond the idea stage and show early traction through customer validation, revenue, or a functioning MVP. Applicants must also have raised less than $250,000 in total funding and must not have participated in prominent accelerators such as Techstars, Y Combinator, or Gener8tor. This focus ensures Startup Runway serves founders often overlooked by traditional venture funding channels. Successful applicants are invited to participate in a Startup Runway Showcase, an event held either virtually or in-person at various innovation hubs across the South, including cities like Atlanta, Richmond, Savannah, and Columbus. Each cohort receives pitch preparation tailored to real investor expectations, structured mentoring from experienced operators, and ongoing visibility after the Showcase. Founders compete for 1–3 non-dilutive grants of $10,000 at each event. The grant awards are determined live at the end of the showcase by a panel of venture capital judges, based on pitch strength and business potential. Startup Runway hosts between 5 to 8 showcases annually. The program operates on a rolling basis with applications accepted throughout the year. Founders not selected for a specific showcase may be reconsidered for future events depending on alignment with upcoming themes or regions. There is no explicit pre-application process such as an LOI or concept paper, and applicants can reapply or remain in consideration without resubmission. Exact cohort dates and showcase locations are communicated directly to selected founders. Importantly, the grant funds are entirely non-dilutive, requiring no equity exchange or repayment. In return, Startup Runway asks recipients to stay in touch about business milestones to support longitudinal tracking and alumni engagement. The program emphasizes community-building and offers access to an alumni network of founders who have gone on to raise institutional capital from firms such as Canaan Partners, Microsoft, Techstars, and Valor. Applicants are required to submit basic company information, including their elevator pitch, location, revenue history, capital raised, and details about product-market validation. Supporting documents may include pitch decks or videos. Contact with the organization can be made via [email protected] for further questions or clarifications. The application form is accessible through their official website. Given the recurring and thematic nature of showcases, Startup Runway remains a valuable and flexible funding opportunity for diverse early-stage founders across the Southern United States.

Focus on demonstrating traction through MVP, early sales, or validation; founders must be underrepresented and show readiness for investment.