Description
Envision Accelerator is a community-driven, equity-free startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, focused on helping young and underrepresented founders grow their early ventures. Rather than being a typical investor-backed VC program, Envision combines non-dilutive funding, mentorship, programming, and community support to help founders accelerate their businesses and navigate early growth.
Specific Funding Stage
Pre-Seed / Early Startup (Program Focus)
- Envision targets early-stage founders, particularly those who are beyond the idea stage (e.g., with a prototype or MVP and some initial team traction).
- Because it provides equity-free grant support and acceleration rather than direct venture capital investment, its primary purpose is to help founders prepare for seed funding, traction building, and scaling readiness rather than functioning as a traditional investor.
Investment / Funding Model
Non-Dilutive Grant Funding
- Envision offers non-dilutive grant funding to participating teams for the duration of its accelerator program.
- Grants are provided without taking equity in the companies — founders retain full ownership of their ventures.
Program Incentives
- The accelerator has deployed hundreds of thousands of dollars in non-dilutive grants across cohorts and helps founders access additional funding opportunities and introductions.
Equity / Ownership Structure
-
Equity-Free: Envision is explicitly an equity-free accelerator — it does not take ownership or shares in participating companies. Founders retain 100% ownership of their ventures through the program.
- Because the model is grant-based and programming-oriented, later venture investment from outside investors (VCs/angels) is negotiated independently by founders.
Application / Submission Method
Submission Method
- Founders apply via the online application process to join an upcoming cohort.
- Eligible founders are typically those with a prototype or MVP, engaged full-time on their startup, and aligned with the program’s focus on diversity and early growth.
Program Format
- Programs have previously included 8-week cohorts with workshops, 1:1 mentorship, themed sessions, and a demo-style finale.
Eligibility
Sector & Stage
- Envision is industry-agnostic — the accelerator welcomes founders across different technology and business domains as long as they have an early-stage product or team.
- Stage Focus: Pre-seed / early startup (beyond idea stage).
Founders Profile
- Emphasis on young and underrepresented founders (e.g., women, nonbinary, BIPOC, LGBTQ+) — though the accelerator is often open to any founder meeting stage criteria.
- Often includes student founders or recent graduates with nascent companies.
Geography
- Based in the U.S., but many parts of the program (e.g., mentorship) are conducted virtually/online, enabling broader participation.
Process
Application Submission: Founders submit an online application outlining team, product stage, and goals.
Selection Review: The program team evaluates alignment with the accelerator’s mission and readiness.
Acceptance & Onboarding: Invitations are extended to selected teams into the cohort.
Program Participation: Founders engage in workshops, mentorship, and end-of-program presentations.
What an Applicant can Obtain
Non-Dilutive Funding: Startup funding without giving up equity.
Workshops & Curriculum: Themed programming covering pricing, hiring, fundraising guidance, and operational strategy.
Mentorship: One-on-one mentor time with founders, operators, and investors.
Community & Network: Connections to a community of diverse founders and industry professionals.
Investor Introductions: Customized introductions to angel and VC investors as part of growth support.
Tools & Resources: Discounted software credits and operational support resources through program partners.
