Blue Ridge Labs Catalyst (2027 cohort)

Blue Ridge Labs Catalyst (2027 cohort) is sponsored by Blue Ridge Labs at Robin Hood. A 16-week accelerator for early-stage tech nonprofits using AI to expand economic mobility for low-income New Yorkers.

Blue Ridge Labs - Catalyst Accelerator Program Turning bold ideas into impact Blue Ridge Labs is Robin Hood's venture studio for scaling innovations to solve the most pressing social challenges. A small, bespoke accelerator for ventures expanding economic mobility in NYC.

Catalyst is Robin Hood’s intensive 16-week accelerator for pre-seed startups and early-stage tech nonprofits using software, AI, and data to help low-income New Yorkers navigate the systems that shape economic mobility.

Investment for for-profit ventures or grant for nonprofits, with the potential for additional follow-on funding for select ventures Robin Hood community partners offering pathways to meaningful collaboration Applications are now open for our 2027 Catalyst cohort. Have a working product and early traction? Apply by November 13.

Catalyst is designed for startups with traction (with no more than $150k in total revenue within any given 12-month period or raised more than $500k excluding grants), helping you scale effectively through funding, coaching, and community. Across four months, you’ll refine your product, strengthen your go-to-market, and build the partnerships needed for long-term success.

We source transformative ideas with the power to reshape the future. Founders who align with this vision work toward systemic change. Whether you’re focusing on housing, education, future of work, health, financial services, or any area impacting economic mobility for all, we want to hear from you.

Phase 1: Scale Foundations February-March 2027 | 10 weeks | Union Square, NYC & SXSW Build from Robin Hood’s new Union Square HQ alongside Blue Ridge Labs alumni founders and operators, and Robin Hood program officers. We will also travel together to SXSW to network and discover. This phase focuses on refining your business model, validating impact at scale, and setting a strong foundation for growth.

Weekly workshops on scaling operations, growth, and fundraising Founder lunch & learns and networking events Access to Robin Hood’s network for validation and feedback Phase 2: Growth & Visibility April-June 2027 | 6 weeks | Union Square, NYC This phase is about execution, exposure, and investor readiness. You’ll refine your strategy and stagecraft, scale user acquisition, and prepare for fundraising.

Weekly programming on growth, storytelling/fundraising, and partnerships Dedicated pitching support Showcase at demo day with investors, partners, and Robin Hood’s network Explore all of the innovative startups and organizations in our portfolio . Meet some of our Catalyst alumni, a diverse and talented cohort of changemakers. Frequently Asked Questions I’m a solo founder; can I apply without a team?

You can apply as a solo founder or as part of a small team. Teams must be building scalable tech solutions, already have developed an MVP with traction, with an alignment to low-income New Yorkers and Americans, in general. Companies must not have earned more than $150k in total revenue within any given 12-month period or raised more than $500k (excluding grants).

Do you focus on specific impact areas? We’re interested in AI for good, edtech, housing, food security, future of work, health, and public benefits, all areas supporting Robin Hood’s core issue areas. What stage of development should my startup be in?

You’re probably pre-revenue or no more than $150k in total revenue within any given 12-month period. The majority of companies have demonstrated traction. Idea stage: see the Founder Fellowship .

I’ve raised money at a higher valuation than is implied by the Catalyst investment? Am I too far along to do Catalyst? Nope!

Some founders have already raised money at higher valuations than what Catalyst’s investment implies. Don’t think about Robin Hood’s investment as setting your “valuation. ” Instead, just ask yourself: Will joining Robin Hood’s network improve my startup’s chances of success?

If yes, it’s worth it. I’m not technical. Will you still invest?

You need to be able to build your product yourselves or vibe code. For most startups, that means you need a technical cofounder on your team. Robin Hood has already invested in a company similar to mine.

Will that affect my chance of being accepted? No. We believe there are strong synergies between companies in the impact space. Do we need to know someone at Robin Hood to get in?

No. We consider all applications equally and have a diverse judging panel comprising civic-minded leaders, investors, Robin Hood leadership, and DIG members. If we did another accelerator, can we still do Catalyst? Yes.

We’ve had companies join Catalyst after doing another accelerator. How is Catalyst different from other accelerators? Robin Hood’s Catalyst is committed to creating economic opportunity for low-income New Yorkers and Americans.

You’ll join a tight-knit community of changemakers, mission-aligned, who are as passionate as you are about change. We don’t because of the volume of applications; however, if you’re invited to interview with us, we’ll do our best to give you timely feedback. What can I use the Catalyst investment/grant for?

You can spend the money on whatever will help your business! Most founders should start by paying themselves a salary so they can work on their company full-time without worrying about rent, groceries, or other bills. Bottom line: take care of yourself first so you can focus on building your company.

Can I apply if I’ve already received some funding or have existing traction? Yes. Whether you’re bootstrapping or already have some funding up to $500k (excluding grants), we welcome applications that align with our mission.

Will I receive ongoing support after the program? Yes! Catalyst is committed to your long-term success.

After the program ends, we’ll continue to offer introductions to investors, mentors, and partners, as well as invitations to bespoke events. We’re here for the long haul, even after you graduate from the program. Do we need to incorporate before applying?

No. However, you’ll need to incorporate immediately should you be accepted into Catalyst. Download the complete FAQs 100% of ticket sales go directly to the poverty fight. All fields required unless otherwise noted.

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