AcceleratorIn Person

Launchpad Fall 2026 Cohort

Launchpad is an intensive 12-week incubator program designed to guide early-stage entrepreneurs from raw idea to market-tested venture. Through operator-led curriculum, cohort-based accountability, and access to the Ignite Fund, founders build foundational business acumen and scale their concepts. Programs are offered in person across South Carolina, New York, Los Angeles, and globally online.

About the Program

Launchpad is a dynamic startup incubator and accelerator platform established to bridge the gap between initial concept and sustainable business execution. Dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial leaders across multiple regional hubs—including South Carolina, New York, Los Angeles, and via a Worldwide Virtual track—Launchpad has trained founders who lead some of the fastest-growing startups in the Southeast and beyond. The program's core philosophy centers on developing the founder as an operator while providing the validation framework needed to test whether an idea is truly worth building.

Program Structure & Timeline

The Launchpad Incubator runs for 12 weeks, structured around operator-led curriculum, tactical workshops, and milestone-driven sprints. With cohorts capped at 20 founders, participants receive intensive peer support and hands-on guidance. During the initial weeks, founders focus on problem-space validation, customer discovery, and value proposition refinement. The middle weeks pivot into product mechanics, go-to-market testing, and unit economics. The program concludes with high-impact pitch feedback and strategic planning, positioning graduates either for self-sustaining growth or continued acceleration.

Mentorship & Community

Launchpad boasts a robust network of over 150 active mentors and more than 200 members across diverse tech and commercial sectors. Participants engage directly with seasoned operators who have scaled companies, navigated early customer acquisition hurdles, and raised institutional capital. Post-graduation, founders remain embedded in the Launchpad ecosystem, gaining lifelong access to an active alumni community across regional chapters.

Growth and Capital Access

Beyond the initial 12-week incubator, Launchpad provides a seamless graduation path into Ignite, its dedicated growth program for operating ventures. Through Ignite, founders access hands-on scaling advisory and capital investment opportunities via the Ignite Fund. By pairing leadership development with direct access to follow-on financing and localized partner networks, Launchpad provides an end-to-end launch platform for early-stage innovators.

What You Get

Operator-led 12-week structured curriculum
Access to capital via the Ignite Fund
Network of 150+ experienced mentors
Lifetime membership in an active 200+ founder community
Hands-on growth support through the Ignite program
Regional partner and anchor sponsor network access

Eligibility

Open to early-stage founders with an idea or early concept looking to validate their market opportunity, as well as early operating businesses. Applicants can participate in person in New York, Los Angeles, or South Carolina, or globally through the Worldwide Virtual cohort. Cohorts are limited to 20 founders per batch.