Incubator Los Angeles
The first Launchpad cohort in Los Angeles. Twenty seats, led by Chris Cloud, and a founding class that will be the reason the second one exists. It starts Wednesday, September 23.
Whether you're testing a fresh idea or finally ready to turn your side hustle into a real business, our low-barrier incubator helps you validate your product, sharpen your business model, and get real traction. If you're accepted, you'll join a tight-knit group of founders meeting weekly for practical support, honest feedback, and expert guidance.
- Validate your startup idea with a proven framework from the Founder University curriculum.
- Refine your business plan and go-to-market strategy with expert support and real-world guidance.
- Get investor-ready. Build confidence and make connections in our venture network.
Founders who came through Launchpad
Before joining Launchpad, I had the idea and the tool, but I didn't yet have a real business. Launchpad helped turn that vision into something tangible, and now we are up and running with real momentum.
Tom B., AmICompliant
Thoroughly enjoyed my time at Launchpad. Blake, Tom and the team were great and we cherished their mentorship.
Eric O., Bivvy
What comes with it
Every accepted founder gets:
- A mentor matched to you, to coach you where you're weakest.
- The Launchpad digital community, our invite-only home for founders, mentors, and investors across every market we run.
Every accepted founder is also eligible for more than $12,000 in credits and services:
- A professional tech roadmapping session with Worthwhile, a $2,500 engagement
- Up to $10,000 in AWS credits through AWS Activate
- HubSpot at 90% off
- Notion free for six months
- Superhuman and Framer free for your first year
- Rho business banking, plus partner pricing on Lovable
What it costs
$500, plus a $250 deposit you get back when you finish all twelve weeks. Nothing is charged unless you're accepted.
The incubator takes no equity. Y Combinator takes seven points. Techstars takes six. We take $500 and a few hours a week.
Questions founders ask before applying
How much time does it take?
One two-hour class a week, one hour with your mentor, and a short written update. Three to four hours, every week, for twelve weeks.
What if I have to miss a session?
Let us know up front and we can usually make accommodations. Telling us in advance is what matters.
What if I'm out of town?
Every in-person cohort is livestreamed, so you can join the session from wherever you are that week.
What if $500 is a stretch right now?
There's a needs-based scholarship for the program fee, and you can request it inside the application. The $250 deposit still applies.
Do I need to be incorporated?
No. Plenty of founders arrive with an idea and incorporate during the program.
Do I need a co-founder?
No. Solo founders are welcome and common.
When do I hear back?
Within two business days of applying.
Meet Your Market Lead
Chris Cloud
Chris is a practitioner and believer in entrepreneurship as a force for good in our communities and around the world, driven by a deep commitment to purpose-driven leadership.
He is the founder of CloudNINE Business Coaching, focused on organizational alignment and health. He's served as coach to CEOs, executives, and nonprofit leaders across sectors including healthcare, technology, home services, construction, private equity, manufacturing, and property management.
He was born in Nepal and has a deep love for mountains and the outdoors. One of his great joys was returning to Nepal to help establish a nonprofit organization there, where he also served as Chairman of a network of purpose-driven entrepreneurs.
After helping to launch and lead an innovative, centralized property management company through a season of rapid growth, Chris has recently relocated with his family to Los Angeles. He serves on the board for the Center for Faith and Work LA.
Chris holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, and a Masters in organizational psychology.
Where we meet
Cohort sessions run 6 to 8 pm PT every Wednesday at BizHaus in El Segundo, 1730 E Holly Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245. Sessions are also livestreamed for the weeks you can't be in the room.