About this programme
Startup Runway Foundation, headquartered in Atlanta, gives non-dilutive $10,000 grants to founders across the U.S. South (from Maryland to Texas), with priority for teams that include at least one underrepresented founder. Since 2016 it says it has served over 5,000 startups, and its founders have raised almost $100 million in follow-on funding and are 6 times more likely to raise a seed round.
The foundation runs 5 to 8 Showcase events a year, each with its own theme or regional focus, where founders pitch to venture capital judges.
How it works
Selected finalists get pitch coaching, structured feedback, one-on-one mentoring, and exposure at the Showcase, plus warm introductions to investors, partners, and customers.
Each Showcase awards 1 to 3 non-dilutive grants, with the exact number depending on the finalist pool and sponsor support. Grant recipients are announced live at the end of the Showcase.
Grants are fully non-dilutive: no equity is taken and there's no repayment. Recipients are asked to take part in occasional follow-ups and share major milestones afterward.
Who can apply
The business must be based in the U.S. South, from Maryland to Texas, and include at least one underrepresented founder.
The company must be past the idea phase, with an MVP, early sales, customer validation, or similar proof points, and be building a scalable, high-growth venture with investment potential.
The company must have raised less than $250,000 and must not have already gone through a major accelerator such as Y Combinator, Techstars, or Gener8tor.
How to apply
- Apply through the external portal at apply.startuprunway.org, on a rolling basis ahead of upcoming Showcases.
- If not selected, you can reapply for a future Showcase.
Frequently asked
Do I have to give up equity for this grant?
No. Grants are completely non-dilutive, with no equity taken and no repayment required.
Where do founders need to be based?
Anywhere in the U.S. South, from Maryland to Texas.
Can I apply if I've already raised a lot of money or gone through Y Combinator?
No. Applicants must have raised less than $250,000 and not have participated in a major accelerator such as Y Combinator, Techstars, or Gener8tor.
What happens if I'm not selected?
You can reapply for a future Showcase; Startup Runway runs 5 to 8 of them per year.
What do I get besides the money if I'm a finalist?
Pitch coaching, structured feedback, one-on-one mentoring, and exposure to venture capital judges and potential investors, partners, and customers at the Showcase.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.