Description
Higher Ground Labs is a venture fund and startup accelerator based in Chicago, Illinois that invests in and supports early-stage political technology companies focused on advancing progressive political outcomes and modernizing campaign tech infrastructure. Since founding in 2017, its accelerator and capital platform has deployed over $50 M across 70+ startups, offering seed investments, tailored programming, mentorship, strategic introductions, and follow-on funding to help founders build scalable tech tools for campaigns, civic engagement, donor systems, and election operations.
Eligibility
• For-profit technology startups focused on political, civic, or election technology aligned with the progressive ecosystem.
• Companies that have shipped an MVP or early product version and demonstrated initial traction.
• Founders prepared to participate in accelerator programming and investor interactions.
• No rigid revenue or profitability thresholds are publicly mandated, but companies should be early-stage and scalable.
Process
Open Call Application: Founders submit applications during an annual “Open Call” cycle outlining team, product, and market fit.
Selection & Investment Offers: HGL reviews submissions and makes seed investment offers (typically via a convertible note or similar instrument) to a select cohort.
Accelerator Participation: Startups join a multi-month accelerator with regular coaching, programming, and in-person intensives.
Mentorship & Networking: Participants gain access to the HGL Advisory Board, expert mentors, investor networks, and potential clients in the political tech ecosystem.
Demo & Scaling: Companies refine product-market fit and pitch to investors; HGL and its partners may provide follow-on funding based on milestones and scaling progress.
What an Applicant can Obtain
✔ Seed investment (~$100 K average) in exchange for negotiated equity/terms.
✔ Structured accelerator support with expert mentoring and tailored curriculum.
✔ Access to a political tech ecosystem with investors, advisors, and strategic partners.
✔ Investor and stakeholder introductions to accelerate growth and scaling opportunities.
✔ Follow-on funding opportunities through HGL and its broader venture portfolio network (~$1 M average).
✔ Platform visibility and ecosystem integration for civic and campaign technology innovation.
