Description

• Launchpad LA focuses on early-stage ventures, especially pre-seed and seed stage technology startups. 
  
  
• It operates as an accelerator + seed fund, participating in early financing rounds and helping founders refine their go-to-market and investment strategies. 
  
  
• Portfolio evidence shows involvement in seed and early institutional stages before founders raise larger rounds with outside investors. 
  
  

• Launchpad LA has historically invested between ~$25,000 and ~$100,000 per startup as part of its accelerator terms, including free office space in Santa Monica and access to mentors and investors. 
  
  
• According to third-party accelerator data, Launchpad LA often takes around ~6% equity in exchange for its initial capital (e.g., first ~$50K), with terms for a second ~$50K structured via convertible instruments (notes with caps). 
  
  

• Launchpad LA does take equity in portfolio companies as part of its seed funding/accelerator investment — equity terms are negotiated per deal rather than a flat published model across every deal. 
  
  

• Investments include common stock equity for initial checks and convertible securities (e.g., notes) for subsequent capital commitments. 
  
  
• Equity percentages vary based on the funding tranche, negotiated valuation caps, and company stage at entry. 
  
  
• Since Launchpad LA functions as both an accelerator and seed fund, terms resemble early institutional VC involvement more than non-equity pre-accelerator arrangements. 
  
  

• Founders can apply through the Launchpad LA official website during open cycles to be considered for accelerator admission and funding. 
  
  
• Startups typically provide a pitch deck, team details, traction, and vision, and go through an evaluation process with Launchpad LA partners. 
  
  

• Selected companies join the accelerator cohort, receive capital, workspace, regular mentorship sessions, strategic guidance, and introductions to investors and advisors. 
  
  

Eligibility

• Broad technology orientation (software/SaaS, enterprise applications, consumer tech, media & entertainment, retail tech, etc.). 
  
  
• Launchpad LA’s portfolio historically includes diverse tech startups — from enterprise SaaS to consumer platforms. 
  
  

• Early-stage ventures (Pre-Seed / Seed) — companies ready to refine product/market fit, launch commercially, and move toward institutional fundraising. 
  
  

• Based in Santa Monica, California (USA), with strong roots in the Southern California startup ecosystem. 
  
  
• While portfolio companies may have broader U.S. reach, local and regional engagement is emphasized through workspace and community support. 
  
  

• Early-stage founders and teams with compelling technology products, scalable business models, and the ability to operate within a mentor-driven accelerator structure. 
  
  

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Seed funding ($25K–$100K+) with associated negotiated equity stakes (e.g., ~6% for initial check). 
  
  

• Access to experienced mentors, advisors, and strategic guidance tailored to early-stage scaling. 
  
  

• Free office space in Santa Monica near the beach during the accelerator period. 
  
  

• Introductions and access to an extensive network of investors, angels, and strategic partners in the Southern California ecosystem. 
  
  

• Launchpad LA has historically supported startups that went on to raise significant follow-on capital and achieve exits, including companies like Connectifier, Prevoty, ChowNow, Pathmatics, Tradesy, and others.