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.
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
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
Sr. Director, Financial Wellness Solutions, TIAA
Chianoo Adrian
Managing Director, Financial Wellness Solutions and Fintech Engagement, TIAA
Renee King
Founder & CEO, FundBlackFounders
Havell Rodrigues
Co-Founder & CEO, New Majority Capital
Aimeelene Gaspar
Chief Product Officer, CNote
Brian Ramirez
VP Growth and Marketing, Resolve
Zaan Pirani
Program Manager, Financial Health Network
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:
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.
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.