SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK — StartOut, a national non-profit organization that supports, educates and connects LGBTQ entrepreneurs, today announced the launch of its online platform, the StartOut Community. It is designed to address the multifaceted needs of LGBTQ entrepreneurs. The primary goals of this digital portal are to accelerate the ability of LGBTQ founded and run companies to reach sustainable success, showcase the significant contributions StartOut members make to societies all over the world, and help level the economic playing field for LGBTQ entrepreneurs.
StartOut’s inaugural research study, The State of LGBT Entrepreneurship in the U.S., conclusively shows that startups founded by LGBTQ entrepreneurs are at risk for discrimination—affecting where founders choose to locate their businesses, to what extent they can raise capital, and how they build trust with investors. Based on the data and findings from this research study behind us and seven years of “real-life” success accelerating LGBTQ entrepreneurship, StartOut is now taking its programs to the next level with the launch of the StartOut Community. Supported by ROI Genius, the new complementary platform is open to all LGBTQ entrepreneurs, friends, supporters, and allies globally. The platform includes:
- Online forums, organized by topic and industry, designed to allow users to take advantage of StartOut members’ deep entrepreneurial and business expertise
- Forums to share experiences and advice specific to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender entrepreneur communities
- Invitations to local and national events
- Educational content
- Inspirational member successes stories
“Designed for massive scalability, our new StartOut Community is the first platform of its kind tailored specifically to the LGBTQ entrepreneurial community,” says Executive Director Andres Wydler. “Too many LGBTQ entrepreneurs still lack role models they can relate to and the professional networks to advance their businesses. We are determined to connect our members with the contacts they need to succeed, and provide the visibility, recognition and respect they deserve, no matter where they live.”
Following this initial launch, StartOut will release its premium features, including a searchable directory to connect its members 24/7; a nationwide mentorship program, supported by AT&T; and an investor portal to connect LGBTQ-friendly investors with StartOut premium members.
To support and help fund the ongoing development and program management for this groundbreaking portal, you may become a member at https://startout.org/membership.
Sounds, like a fabulous adventure & wonderful way to interconnect the LGBT community through a vast networking of gifted & talented people, helping each other.
S. U. R. E. Foundation
Santa Fe, NM
TG Owner/CEO
ECLECTICS Art Gallery
Exhibiting Artists from New Mexico, only!