Start.coop

Start.coop is a unique accelerator program and venture fund dedicated to supporting and scaling cooperatively-owned businesses. Founded in 2018 by Greg Brodsky and Jessica Gordon Nembhard, Start.coop emerged from a recognition of the need for specialized support for the cooperative sector, which often faces challenges in accessing traditional venture capital due to its distinct ownership and governance structures. Their mission is to build a more inclusive and equitable economy by fostering the growth of successful cooperative enterprises. Start.coop's investment thesis centers on the belief that cooperatively-owned businesses, by distributing ownership and profits among members (workers, consumers, or producers), are inherently more resilient, innovative, and impactful. They look for high-growth potential businesses that are either already structured as cooperatives or are committed to transitioning to a cooperative model.

Start.coop runs an intensive accelerator program that provides selected startups with mentorship, education, and access to a network of cooperative experts, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Key aspects of their program include workshops on cooperative legal structures, governance, financing, and scaling strategies. They also provide direct investment, typically in the form of convertible notes or SAFEs, tailored to the cooperative model. While their geographic focus is primarily North America, they are open to supporting cooperatives globally that demonstrate significant potential. Notable portfolio companies often include tech-enabled cooperatives, platform cooperatives, and businesses addressing social and environmental challenges through a cooperative framework. What makes Start.coop stand out is its singular focus on cooperatives, providing not just capital but also specialized expertise and a supportive ecosystem that understands and champions the unique advantages of this business model, bridging the gap between cooperative values and venture-scale growth.