Description

• The LaunchPad SBDC Accelerator is structured to support early-stage companies that are developing technology, software, medtech/medical device, clean tech, climate tech, IoT, SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, and related innovations.
  
  
• The program is particularly relevant for startups preparing for capital raises (late seed, Series A, Series B) and those needing refined investment strategy and pitch readiness.
  
  
• Its assistance helps participants enhance capital fundraising strategies, validate investor messaging, and accelerate funding pace.
  
  

• LaunchPad SBDC does not directly invest capital into participating startups in exchange for equity.
  
  
• It is a pro-bono service funded by the SBA (with cash match support from OCTANe and its partners), focusing on capital strategy coaching, pitch deck refinement, funding readiness, and connection to potential investors.
  
  
• Many alumni of the accelerator subsequently go on to raise institutional capital from angels, VCs, strategic corporate partners, and grant programs — but those rounds are external to LaunchPad’s direct support.
  
  

• None by LaunchPad SBDC itself. Because the program is operated through the SBA-funded Small Business Development Center, it does not require startups to give up equity or pay fees for participation.
  
  

• Equity Required by Accelerator: No — LaunchPad does not take equity or ownership.
  
  
• Any ownership or terms stem only from outside funding rounds founders pursue with investors introduced or accessed through network support, not from LaunchPad itself.
  
  

• Founders apply via the online application portal on Octane’s LaunchPad site when intake windows are open.
  
  
• Applications typically ask for startup details including team, product/technology stage, market, and growth plans.
  
  

• The program selects startups based on their capital readiness needs, technology potential, and ability to benefit from early funding strategy refinement.
  
  
• Because it is an SBA-supported development initiative, selections aim to include companies aligned with regional innovation growth and investor connectivity goals.
  
  

Eligibility

• Software & SaaS
  
  
• Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
  
  
• Cybersecurity
  
  
• IoT & Hardware
  
  
• CleanTech / Climate Tech
  
  
• MedTech / Medical Devices / Life Sciences
  (These classifications come from Octane’s published program scope and alumni feedback.)
  
  

• Pre-Seed to Early Growth, particularly companies preparing for late seed or institutional funding rounds.
  
  

• Based in Southern California (primarily Orange County) — program activities are open to startups locally and regionally but often accept participants beyond Orange County where relevant.
  
  

• Founders who are building innovative, high-growth startups, seeking to improve capital-raising outcomes, strengthen pitch readiness, and connect with investors and strategic advisors.

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Capital Funding Strategy: One-on-one and group coaching on how to structure funding strategy and improve investor engagement.
  
  
• Pitch Refinement: Expert feedback on pitch decks, investor messaging, and storytelling.
  
  
• Investor & Mentor Network Access: Connections to local investors, angel networks, corporate partners, and ecosystem advisors.
  
  
• Domain Expertise: Guidance from industry veterans in tech commercial scaling, medtech, business development, and investor relations.
  
  
• Alumni Network & Events: Participation in Octane community events (e.g., investor forums, pitch showcases).
  
  

• LaunchPad SBDC graduates include hundreds of startups that have progressed toward funding and scaling. Alumni companies have raised significant follow-on capital (e.g., collectively over $5.2B, per LinkedIn reporting) after participating in the program.