Village Capital
Donate

ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future, United States 2024

An initiative to support impact-creating founders around economic mobility in the United States

  1. ABOUT THE PROGRAM
  2. ELIGIBILITY
  3. PROGRAM TIMELINE
  4. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About the Program

The lack of economic mobility, wealth inequality, and health disparities threaten the global population, especially historically marginalized communities, further creating systemic barriers to long-term stability. The agile startup environment is where the solutions exist to build a more resilient, confident, and financially healthy future for all.

The second iteration of ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future will support 10 to 12 founders proximate to the issues and communities they serve, that are building solutions that address Economic Inclusion, Financial Health, and Community Resilience impacting underserved and underrepresented communities.

Meet the Cohort

More than 70 startups from 23 states applied to participate in the accelerator. The final cohort includes 10 startups from seven states, with 50% of the cohort headquartered outside of the main tech hubs in the US (CA, MA, NY), 100% led by a proximate-founder or C-suite member and 80% led by a female founder or C-suite member. Use the arrows below to view and learn about each cohort company.

Arbol

Arbol (Buffalo, NY) helps universities improve retention by preventing financial disruption.

Eligibility

  • Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity.

  • Headquartered in the United States.

  • Market-based solution that tackles the challenges above.

  • Have a minimum viable product (MVP), and raised less than $1.5M in equity.

  • Have at least one full-time founder proximate to the issues and communities they serve.

  • Have meaningful customer or business validation (not limited to revenue, it can also be successful pilots, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships).

Advisory Board

Tatiana Holcomb

Tatiana Holcomb

Sr. Director, Financial Wellness Solutions, TIAA

Chianoo Adrian

Chianoo Adrian

Managing Director, Financial Wellness Solutions and Fintech Engagement, TIAA

Renee King

Renee King

Founder & CEO, FundBlackFounders

Havell Rodrigues

Havell Rodrigues

Co-Founder & CEO, New Majority Capital

Aimeelene Gaspar

Aimeelene Gaspar

Chief Product Officer, CNote

Brian Ramirez

Brian Ramirez

VP Growth and Marketing, Resolve

Zaan Pirani

Zaan Pirani

Program Manager, Financial Health Network

Steven Peralta

Steven Peralta

Vice President, Acumen

Who Should Apply

The call for applications is open to startups in the United States building high-growth, scalable solutions that address one or more of the following challenges:

Economic Inclusion

• Create professional networks and pathways to employment and training for both underrepresented students and those re-entering the workforce.

• Contribute to financial literacy to reduce burdensome debt and improve credit scores.

Financial Health

Help low-income or other underserved communities build savings, investments, emergency funds, retirement funds, and lifetime income.

• Democratize access to financial products and services such as financial advice, fraud protection, and insurance.

Community Resilience

• Build a more inclusive response to climate resiliency and prepare individuals and communities for the challenges associated with climate change, such as losing one’s home, employment, or access to essential services. 

• Implement pathways for advancement for those who are displaced due to climate change, immigration, or other pivotal life moments. 

Benefits for Startups

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.  

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.

Learn more about mentoring with Village Capital

Timeline

November 15, 2023

Applications Open

January 5, 2024

Applications Close

January 2024

Cohort Selection

February - May, 2024

Virtual Workshops & In-Person Program Summit

Virtual Workshop Week 1: February 20 to 23

Virtual Workshop Week 2: March 18 to 21

Virtual Workshop Week 3: April 15 to 18

In-Person Program Summit (two days): May 16 and 17 in New York City

Latest News

Ten US Startups Selected for Social Innovation for Resilient Future Accelerator

Washington, DC (February 29, 2024) - Village Capital, in partnership with the MetLife Foundation and with support from TIAA, announced the selection of ten US-based startups to take part in the accelerator program, ADAPT Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future, United States. Through workshops, mentorship, and catalytic capital, the accelerator program will help the startups develop the necessary networks and tools to scale their impact.

Village Capital Puts Out Call for US Startups Focused on Economic Inclusion, Financial Health, and Community Resilience

Washington, DC (December 13, 2023) – Village Capital, in partnership with MetLife Foundation and with support from TIAA, launched a call for applications for “Adapt: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future,” the second iteration of the accelerator program for startups helping communities and individuals build their capacity to withstand, adapt to, and recover from adversity by addressing health and wealth disparities in order to change the trajectory of economic mobility.

Village Capital Just Launched a Resiliency Cohort for Founders Working In Disaster Relief

ADAPT: Social Innovation for a More Resilient Future in the United States will support 20-24 startups pursuing solutions in climate change, healthcare, wellness and economic mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main goal of the program? 

Plus

2. Do you require us to move to the cities of the program? 

Plus

3. Do you take equity for participating in the program? 

Plus