Incubator New York City
Our second New York cohort. Twenty founders, one room in Midtown, and a program that costs less than a month of coworking. The current cohort started September 24. Applications stay open, and the next cohort launches as soon as twenty seats are filled.
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
12 weeks.
From an idea sitting in the Notes app on my phone... To building an MVP and becoming a tech founder pitching investors.
To winning best pitch.
I can't even!!
Melanie B., Dirty Hippie
The program has been exceptional, not only because of the curriculum, but because of the people. The mentors generously shared their experience, the founders inspired us with their own journeys, and the organizers created an environment where startups genuinely help one another grow.
Musho M., ShareVino
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
Mike Rohner
Mike Rohner brings over 20 years of capital markets experience, including a decade at Nasdaq’s Corporate Client Group advising C-level executives at public and private companies on capital markets strategy and investor relations.
As a Fractional Chief Growth Officer, Mike recently helped scale a DTC brand from $4K to $60K in monthly revenue in eight months. He’s also a Launchpad alum himself, having built AirGalleries — a platform connecting independent artists with venues like boutiques, hotels, and Airbnbs to create distributed sales networks — giving him firsthand experience with the challenges founders face.
Mike is also an award-winning oil painter and an elected board member of Allied Artists of America, where he serves as Communications Chair.
His corporate, entrepreneurial and creative experiences have given him unique perspective on brand, storytelling, and audience-building.
Where we meet
Cohort sessions run 7 to 9 am ET every week at 885 Third Avenue, 20th floor, in Midtown Manhattan. Livestream available for the weeks you can't be there in person.