Want to pursue your startup full-time? Here’s how Visible Hands can help.

Apply Now for the Visionaries III Accelerator Program

It seems like almost every day, we’re hearing more success stories about founders who have taken their lives into their own hands, quit their 9–5s, and pursued their dream businesses. These stories can seem like a fairytale-esque possibility, something that can only happen to those who come from family lines of wealth or privilege.

Visible Hands is changing that narrative.

We have officially launched our 2023 Visionaries III Accelerator applications for underrepresented founders in need of funding and who are looking to work on their ventures full-time. Here’s what you need to know about the accelerator cycle, applying, and how you can start changing your “How did they pursue their business?” questions into “This is when I’ll start pursuing mine,” answers.

What is Visible Hands?

Visible Hands is a venture capital firm that funds and empowers underrepresented founders building high-growth startups. While Visible Hands now runs numerous accelerator and fellowship programs, the Visionaries Accelerator program is an intensive program designed to help early-stage startups grow and scale their businesses, with applications open now through May 29th, 2023.

At Visible Hands, we evaluate individuals rather than just ideas, teams, or companies. We look for skilled, ambitious, and high-potential people who are ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship, whether or not they already have an idea or prototype.

Visible Hands’ vision is to narrow the VC funding gap and we’ll only be able to do that if more people from underrepresented backgrounds become founders. Historic underrepresentation and a lack of access to opportunity have kept many talented people from starting companies in the first place — we built an accelerator program to address these barriers.

How does the accelerator work?

The Visionaries Accelerator program is a program designed to help early-stage startups grow and scale their businesses. Our program provides hands-on mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to help you build the skills and connections you need to succeed.

We’re looking for passionate founders who are working on innovative solutions in sectors like fintech, edtech, healthtech, and more. Whether you’re a solo founder or have a small team, we welcome applications from anyone with a strong vision and the drive to make it a reality.

With access to dedicated mentors, company-building support, and the tools and resources you need for your startup, Visible Hands will help you to validate your ideas and gain early traction.

Throughout the program, we want you to be able to focus your time and energy on the most important thing: building your company. Although we will still hold office hours, run workshops, and bring in speakers, you will have the autonomy to decide what you need to learn and how you want to spend your time.

Our accelerator will also integrate emotional intelligence, wellness, and leadership development to empower you to build without burnout, lead effective teams, and successfully navigate a tech world where you may feel isolated or overlooked because of your identity.

You will also gain access to the Visible Hands Ecosystem, our ever-growing diverse national network. With members ranging across sectors and experience levels, our ecosystem can be supportive to you in a variety of ways, including as a potential customer base, a talent pool for co-founders and early hires, and a source for mentorship, industry insight, fundraising advice, and strategic introductions.

You will walk away from this accelerator having built deep connections with your cohort — an exceptionally talented group of founders who will be there for you as you continue forward in your entrepreneurial journey. Plus, you’ll always have the support of the Visible Hands team and our larger ecosystem (your most valuable professional network, even long after the accelerator is over).

Is the Visionaries III Accelerator for you?

You are eligible for Visible Hands’ Visionaries III Accelerator if you fulfill the following criteria.

Your gender and/or racial identity is underrepresented in tech. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Female
• Nonbinary, genderqueer, or gender non-conforming
• Transgender
• Black or African American
• Latinx
• Indigenous American, American Indian, or Alaska Native
• Pacific Islander or Hawaiian Native

You are ready to launch a high-growth startup.

You’re at the earliest stages of company-building: you may or may not already have an idea, you might be looking for co-founders, or you might be working on an early prototype.

You are willing to commit full-time for the entirety of the program.

How can I apply?

If you’re interested in applying for the program, here’s what you need to know:

• Applications will be accepted until May 29th, 2023
• The Visionaries III accelerator will run from September 11, 2023 to November 17, 2023, with virtual-first programming.
• 20 founders will make up this year’s Visionaries cohort, and will receive a $200K investment, game-changing resources, and a community that supports them every step of the way
• To apply, please visit our website and fill out the application form here.

Don’t miss this opportunity to take your startup to the next level! Apply now for the Visionaries Accelerator program and join a community of like-minded entrepreneurs who are building the future.