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Camelback Ventures

We Support Innovative, Diverse Leaders Ready To Take Their Social Impact Venture to the Next Level.

New Orleans, LA, USA

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Description

Camelon Ventures is a national venture philanthropy firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, that provides seed funding and intensive fellowship programs specifically for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and women entrepreneurs.
  • Sector Focus: The firm supports ventures in Education (EdTech), Conscious Tech, and Local Economies. 
  • The Fellowship: The primary entry point is a highly competitive, intensive program.
  • Method: Founders apply via the Camelback Ventures portal.
  • Criteria: Selection is based on the "Three Cs": Competence (technical skill), Commitment (mission alignment), and Character (leadership potential). 
  • Rolling Inquiry: While the fund accepts inquiries year-round, the Fellowship operates on an annual cycle.
  • 2026 Deadlines: Applications for the 2026 Camelback Fellowship typically open in late spring/early summer 2026. Prospective applicants should sign up for their newsletter for the exact 2026 launch date. 

Eligibility

  • Diversity: Must be a founder of color or a woman.
  • Geography: Must be based in the United States.
  • Traction: Preference for organizations that have a functional prototype and early evidence of social impact.

Process

  1. Online Application: A multi-stage process including a written application and video submission.
  2. Selection: Approximately 12–15 fellows are selected per cohort.
  3. 15-Week Fellowship: A hybrid program consisting of virtual workshops and three in-person "Summits" in various U.S. cities.
  4. Mentorship: Fellows are paired with a "lead evaluator" and a network of specialist mentors.
  5. Pitch Showcase: The program culminates in a high-visibility showcase for investors and philanthropists. 

What an Applicant can Obtain

  1. Direct Capital: Access to seed funding through a specialized investment vehicle.
  2. Mentorship: Personalized coaching from experienced social impact leaders and tech operators.
  3. Operational Support: Expert guidance on "inclusive leadership," fundraising, and scaling social impact models.
  4. Network: Membership in the "Camelback Fam," a lifelong community of hundreds of diverse social entrepreneurs