Description
Women’s Startup Lab (WSLab) is a Silicon Valley-based startup accelerator and leadership development program dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs globally. It combines an immersive accelerator experience with mentorship from experienced founders, executives, and investors and emphasizes CEO development, network access, and tailored support for early-stage founders. WSLab has operated since 2013 and is based in Menlo Park, California.
Unlike traditional venture capital funds that are primarily deployed as checks for equity, WSLab functions mainly as an accelerator and community ecosystem focused on growth, leadership, and fundraising readiness for women-founded startups.
Specific Funding Stage
Early-Stage Focus (Pre-Seed / Seed Readiness)
- WSLab targets founders in the earliest phases of company formation and startup scale readiness, typically pre-seed through seed.
- It prepares founders for fundraising and investor engagement rather than acting as a direct seed investor.
Funding Participation (Indirect / Preparation)
- The program is designed to accelerate funding readiness and founder confidence; some alumni have successfully raised external capital following participation.
Investment Amount and Percentage Equity (Company-Level)
Check Size / Funding Model
- Women’s Startup Lab is not a traditional investor that routinely writes standardized venture checks as part of every cohort; instead, it focuses on mentorship, leadership development, and community support.
- Historically, there is no publicly stated uniform check size associated with participation. WSLab’s value proposition centers on coaching, network access, and fundraising preparedness rather than upfront capital.
Equity Taken
- WSLab does not publicly state standard equity terms linked to accelerator participation. Any investment by external parties (including mentors, advisors, or affiliated VCs) is negotiated separately between founders and those investors.
Implied Ownership (Contextual, Not Published)
- Because WSLab does not standardize investments, there is no direct implied ownership percentage from the program itself — equity outcomes depend on subsequent fundraising activities with external investors.
Equity Structure
- WSLab does not act as a primary investor and does not have a published equity structure for participation.
- If founders secure investment from external VC or angel investors facilitated through the program’s network, equity terms are determined on a deal-by-deal basis with those investors.
Application / Submission Method
Submission Method
- Founders apply to WSLab’s accelerator through an online application process, which may include options for different program lengths (e.g., immersive or intensive formats).
- Programs have varying durations and structures, including two-week intensives and multi-month immersions.
Interaction
- Accepted founders participate in workshops, coaching sessions, and network events designed to sharpen leadership skills and prepare for investor conversations.
Eligibility
Sector Focus
- Broadly industry-agnostic, with a strong focus on technology and innovation-driven ventures led by women founders.
Geography
- Based in Silicon Valley, California, with a global founder base — participants come from around the world.
Stage
- Early-stage founders: idea through early traction, including pre-fundraising and seed-stage companies.
Team Profile
- Founders committed to deep skill development, leadership growth, and scaling their companies with investor readiness and mentorship support.
Process
Application Submission: Founders apply through the program’s online form detailing team, business concept, and goals.
Program Review: Accelerator directors assess alignment with WSLab’s mission and founder profiles.
Interview / Selection: Shortlisted applicants may have interviews or follow-up conversations to confirm fit.
Program Invitation: Selected cohort members are invited to participate.
Engagement: Founders engage in cohort activities, mentorship, and milestone reviews throughout the program.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Leadership Development: Structured programming focused on CEO and executive skill growth.
Mentorship & Network: Access to seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and industry influencers within and beyond Silicon Valley.
Fundraising Preparedness: Coaching, workshops, and exposure to investor networks that help founders raise external capital. Alumni have raised funds and achieved exits following participation.
Immersive Experience: Intensive engagement (e.g., residential programs) that combines business growth with personal development.
Community: A global network of women entrepreneurs, with alumni benefits and ongoing support.
