INTENTIONALLY GOOD
VC-Backable Startups.
Tech-Enabled Small Businesses.
Tech Workforce Programs.
Tech-Focused Nonprofits.
A COMMUNITY FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF TECH-FOCUSED SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS AND DIVERSE FOUNDERS.
WE’RE ACCELERATING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE NEXT GENERATION OF PROMISING VENTURE-BACKABLE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS AND DIVERSE FOUNDERS
Intentionally Good: Scalable Tech Startups is a relationship and growth program that unifies the startup, corporate, and social good ecosystems to increase the competitiveness of tech-focused social entrepreneurs and diverse founders (Black, Latinx, or Women) for endorsements, landing key advisors, securing strategic partnerships, and angel/seed-stage venture investment. Spurred by a Tech Done Right grant from Kapor Center and an accelerator curriculum + data collection tool grant from Village Capital, we’re closing racial and gender equity gaps in the technology sector with a bunch of amazing partners.
Augmenting existing accelerators and incubators, the program works to reduce startup customer acquisition costs by connecting entrepreneurs to strategic corporate partners for pilots as well as to influential people for enhanced brand recognition before making introductions to investors.
We’re leveling the playing field for top social entrepreneurs and diverse founders by putting people and relationships at the center of tech. Relationships matter. This is how tech should be done. Join us.
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
THESE FOUNDERS GOT NEXT
These founders are far less likely to be connected to those that work at top companies or graduated from top colleges/universities. This leads to a lower likelihood of receiving financing, higher risk of stress, and stalled professional development.
Here’s How You Can Help Them Today
Scroll down the list of founders below to find the one(s) you might be able to assist. Click on their card for more information, and then click on the “Introduction Link” to start the process of getting in contact with them. Note: Please no service providers. You can register here as an expert.
WHAT WE DO TO COMBAT THE RELATIONSHIP GAP
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
We evaluate the strengths and areas of improvement of founders through readiness evaluations; help them with goal & milestone setting; provide advice from experts including with storytelling & media training; and hold them accountable through groups, partners, and progress reports.
WARM INTROS
We connect our founders to professionals from prestigious universities & companies for increased opportunities; influencers for endorsements and advisor roles; large companies for pilots and partnerships, and to investors for potential funding.
MENTAL HEALTH
We host Founders’ Therapy each month – small group support sessions where the founders vent amongst themselves about problems only they can understand. It amplifies peace of mind.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Holding Founders Accountable for Making Progress and Helping Them Grow as Leaders. All Sessions are Virtual
Readiness Evaluations: 45 minute sessions where 3rd parties assess your readiness to take on influencers, large companies, and funders.
Weekly Accountability Group Sessions: 30 minute small group video calls to report your morale, recent wins, plan for the upcoming week, and needs.
Weekly Peer Accountability + Review: You’re matched with another founder for check-ins on each other’s OKR progress as well as to rate each other’s investability.
Monthly 1:1’s: 30 minute check-ins with Program Manager and Entrepreneur-In-Residence
Office Hours: Book 45 minute calls with coaches for instruction on OKR improvement areas.
Educational Sessions: Workshops, group coaching sessions, etc.
Events: Invites to program events like mental health sessions and partner events.
Progress Report Events: online events where you report your recent progress to key stakeholders.
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: STARTUPS
Is the program only for scalable tech startups?
Yep, but we do have a division for tech-enabled companies.
How are you defining diverse-led startups?
We define diverse-led entities as they founded by or led-by people from groups underrepresented in tech: Black, Latinx, and women (from any background), military veterans, LGBTQ+, etc.
How are you defining social impact startups?
We’re defining social impact startups as they those working on economic development, financial access, education, environmental sustainability, health, and safety. The founders may be of any ethnicity.
How is this different from existing entrepreneur support programs?
It is meant to compliment them. Think of The Intentionally Good Project as concierge-level support as we’re providing access to high-powered social networks in an effort to improve your social capital. Essentially, it boils down to making a ton of connections for you. The first part of the program is shoring up your weakest areas so that you are ready for great opportunities. Think of it like a social network + sales/marketing program.
How much does it cost for a startup to participate in the program?
Zero. It’s completely free.
How is it possible that this is free?
Because our amazing sponsors, partners, and volunteers want to help create a better world.
Can I be a solo founder?
We prefer teams of 2-3 people as it increases the likelihood of success. It takes a lot to be successful, and it is extremely difficult for one person to do by themself. But if you’re good, then you’re good.
My team doesn’t have an idea yet. Are we eligible to get helped?
We’re looking for those past the idea stage. However, a few of our community partners have programs that help those with only ideas get it out of your head, and refine it.
Is this initiative only for for-profit companies or can non-profits take part?
This specific program is for companies whose business models and/or ambitions are a good fit for venture capital. Our Tech-Enabled Small Business Division is for companies that don’t fit this criteria.
Do you take equity in my company?
Nope. However if a partner wants to make an investment in your startup outside of the official program, then those terms are worked out between you and them.
Is funding provided as part of the program?
Nope, but we do provide a ton of free resources and a few co-working space scholarships to offer.
I’m not in Atlanta. Can my startup participate?
Yep. We are accepting startups from all over the US now that we’re virtual.
Is this a full-time program? Do we have to be full-time founders?
For the amount of human and social capital we invest, we’re looking for founders that are “all in” on their startups.
What is the time committment?
Great question. Its designed to not pull you away from building your company. Expect about 4 hours a month at minimum, and more if you’d like more assistance. Main thing is keeping in contact with your mentors as well as the people we put you in touch with.
Can my startup participate if we've been a part of an accelerator?
Yep. We’ve designed this program to compliment accelerators, and serve as a support system for accelerator alumni.
Do you think it would still be helpful for us to apply if we don’t need to raise money for a while?
We think so. We only make introductions to investors if it makes sense for the startups. But potentially getting strategic partnerships from large companies is helpful to most startups, and the process of preparing for investors is great whether you go for it or not. It makes your company better.
What is the application process?
Our application process includes a company application and Venture Investment & Readiness Awareness Levels (VIRAL) self-assessment on Abaca as well as phone and video interviews
Is the programming in-person or virtual?
Our programming is 100% virtual during the pandemic. We will produce high-value in-person programming when it is safe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: PARTNERS + SPONSORS
My organization is part of the startup ecosystem. What role can we play?
There’s a bunch of ways to plug in depending on what you want. We can refer startups to your program for training, and/or you can send them our way. You could also provide strategy, product development, marketing, and design mentors.
My company is part of the corporate ecosystem. What role can we play?
In a few different ways. The biggest opportunity is partnering with a startup for a pilot. Also, you could serve as industry expert mentors. And you can always be a sponsor!
My organization is part of the social good ecosystem. What role can we play?
You can really help the impact startups whether it’s with domain-specific advice and connections or assistance with strategizing for funding. And, like the others, sponsors are always welcome.
As a sponsor, what type of role can I play?
Great question! Thanks for asking:) The Tech Done Right grant is awesome, but to really reach this initiative’s potential, we’re looking for financial, venue, and food/beverage sponsors.
