BLACKBIRD FOUNDERS FELLOWSHIP
Investing in founders. Expanding access. Building pathways to growth.
We are excited to announce the relaunch of our cohort-based programming with the inaugural Blackbird Founders Fellowship, a new six-week program of Blackbird Alliance, designed to support early-stage founders as they build, grow, and scale their businesses.
Rooted in Blackbird’s belief in the power of storytelling, the Fellowship helps founders strengthen their businesses and the stories they tell about what they’re building — to customers, investors, partners, and community. Twelve founders will be selected for weekly in-person programming at Blackbird House in Culver City, individualized coaching, a six-month Blackbird House membership, and a culminating Founder Showcase and Pitch Competition.
WHAT EVERY FELLOW GETS
· Six weeks of in-person curriculum at Blackbird House
· Individualized coaching from operators, investors and subject-matter experts
· A six-month Blackbird House membership, 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027
· A $1,000 participation stipend on completing the full curriculum
· A place at the Founder Showcase and Pitch Competition in front of investors and industry leaders
• The opportunity to compete for $15,000 in non-dilutive pitch awards, including a top prize of up to $10,000.
• Individualized coaching and access to expertise, resources, and networks from Blackbird Alliance, Grid110, operators, investors, and subject-matter experts
Eligibility
Applicants should:
- Be women of color founders, allies, and/or co-conspirators
- Be the founder or co-founder of an early-stage venture with existing revenue
- Have annual revenue of no more than $1 million
- Have raised no more than $500,000 in outside investment capital
- Be prepared to share current revenue and financial information as part of the application
- Demonstrate a clear vision for growth and a commitment to building a scalable venture
- Be available in person in Los Angeles for all six sessions
The business does not need to be based in Los Angeles. The founder does need to be in the room.
Selection prioritizes founders who show a compelling opportunity, a commitment to solving real problems, and the potential to benefit from mentorship, investor access and community.
Key Dates
Week 1 (UPDATED)
Thu 15 October
2:00 – 5:00pm
Founder Story, Narrative & Branding
Week 2
Wed 21 October
2:00 – 5:00pm
Market Strategy & Growth
Week 3
Wed 28 October
2:00 – 5:00pm
Capital Readiness
Week 4
Thu 5 November
2:00 – 5:00pm
The Art of the Pitch
Showcase
Thu 12 November
5:30 – 8:30pm
Blackbird Alliance x Grid110 Founder Showcase & Pitch Competition
Closing
Mon 16 November
2:00 – 5:00pm
Close Out & Reflections
Membership runs 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Applications open Monday, September 21. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and applicants may be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will close once the cohort is filled or on October 7, whichever comes first.
FAQs
Six weeks, six mandatory in-person sessions, running from 14 October to 16 November 2026 in Los Angeles.
No. But all programming is in person in Los Angeles and attendance at all six sessions is required.
Nothing. Fellows receive a $1,000 stipend on completing the curriculum, plus a six-month Blackbird House membership.
Yes. All awards are non-dilutive — founders keep 100% of their equity.
The cohort. After Week 4, fellows vote to select the five founders who present at the Showcase. All twelve attend and network with investors.
Founders across any sector. We care more about the strength of the opportunity and the founder than the category.
Fellows keep their Blackbird House membership through March and gain opportunities for continued engagement with both the Blackbird and Grid110 founder communities, resources, and networks. Fellows may also be featured through Blackbird’s channels. Blackbird Alliance tracks fellows’ progress for at least twelve months.
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and applicants may be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will close once the cohort is filled or on October 7, whichever comes first. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and applicants may be accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will close once the cohort is filled or on October 7, whichever comes first. All applicants will be notified no later than October 9th