ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future

Supporting individual and community resilience in the United States

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
FACTORS WE CONSIDER
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the Program

Lack of access to financial services, healthcare, employment benefits and adequate financial protection has disproportionately impacted historically excluded and underserved communities. The pandemic and the rise of natural disasters due to climate change have elevated these challenges.

ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future in the United States

The new dual-track program, with support from MetLife Foundation, will support 20-24 startups that help communities and individuals adapt to challenges related to climate change, healthcare, wellness, and economic mobility.

Eligibility

Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity
Headquarters or operations in the US
Market-based solution that tackles social resilience challenges
A minimum viable product (MVP), and raised less than $1.5M in equity
At least one full-time founder based in the US
Meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, it can also be successful pilots, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships)

Meet the Cohort

Advisory Board

Andy Zetlan

Director, Center of Excellence, Hitachi ABB Power Grids

Gillian Muessig

Managing Director, MastersFund

Erin Horne McKinney

National Executive Director, The PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship at Howard University

Grace Lee

CEO, Health Enovations, Inc.

Hannah Davis

Co-Founder, ClimateRaise

Jordan Nichols

Senior Account Executive, Financial Services, Google

Tahira Dosani

Managing Partner, ResilienceVC

Kate Stillwell

Founder, Jumpstart Insurance

Startups Recruitment

Disaster Preparedness: Insurtech and other solutions that help community leaders build plans to prepare for, respond to and recover from climate-related and other natural disasters.
Financial Preparedness: Startups that amplify community-based financial solutions to help communities prepare for macroeconomic shocks and economic uncertainty.
Financial Health: Solutions that help individuals and families manage day-to-day financial needs, face unexpected financial challenges, and seize opportunities for improved financial security and economic mobility.

Health and Wellness: Startups that improve access to healthcare, fitness and mental health services for low-income individuals that are traditionally priced out, and for individuals who belong to historically underserved groups.
Economic Opportunity: Startups that are creating pathways to local, tech-driven jobs in sectors like green jobs and healthcare.
Work and Learning: Solutions that help people find jobs, advance in them, and prepare for the future of their careers, from college graduates to those re-entering the workforce.

Startups Benefits

Mentorship

Opportunities to network and receive mentorship from potential investors, strategic partners, founders, and business leaders.

Connections

Build deep connections with other founders in their cohort and our larger Village Capital investor and alumni network. Participate in mock board meetings with representatives from relevant institutions, corporations, and investors.

Training

Three interactive workshop weeks tailored to help their startup identify early milestones and prepare them for their next round of capital (if relevant).

Advice

One-on-one coaching with an investment analyst focused on building a financial model, identifying unit economics, and using financial metrics to drive both their business and investor diligence.

Exposure

Exposure on Village Capital’s program website and other communications collateral.

Peer Selection Grant

The top two (2) startups selected by their peers will receive grant capital of USD $50,000 to support their operations. All companies will also receive $3,000 for support.

Program Timeline

August 1

Applications Open

September 1

Applications Close

October to December

Program Dates

Virtual Workshop 1: October 17-21

Virtual Workshop 2: November 14-18

Virtual Workshop 3: November 28-December 2

In-Person Venture Forum: December 5-7 in NYC