What is SLP?

Startup Leadership Program (SLP) is a no-equity accelerator focused on developing early-stage entrepreneurs. Over 3,000 founders completed SLP and have collectively raised over $650M.

During our six-month curriculum, entrepreneurs learn some of the key fundamentals about starting and growing a company, negotiating a term sheet, developing a marketing strategy, and many other technical and non-technical aspects of leadership.

Fellows conduct the classes and feature some of the most prominent people in the NYC startup scene.

Volunteer-led by Founders for Founders

The entire SLP-NYC fellowship is organized by past alumni volunteers. That means all fellows have started a company and had difficult conversations early and often like firing employees, setting boundaries and expectations with investors, and bootstrapping a product build.

Most accelerator programs are run by program managers, associates, and investors that have never been founders - we are NOT the same. Our class of 2023 “program lead” volunteers help senior alumni organize classes, interview candidates, and create a fantastic fellowship experience for the next year.

When you have difficulty having a hard conversation with an employee or struggle to take time for you as a founder, we get it because we’ve been there!

We sat exactly where you sat just 1 or 2 years ago.

As alumni, we’re here to tell you that the founder journey is for life and the questions you have are solvable.


Global SLP Community

19 Cities | 10 Countries

SLP is an international organization with more than 3,500 founders across 19 cities and 10 countries. Every year 15-25 Fellows join the program in each location.

Our program is truly global. You can start in one city, but attend a class in any city worldwide. During the program, and for life, you can apply to pitch at investor demo days on three continents and build relationships with growing numbers of entrepreneurs in your sector. More information can be found on the Global SLP website: startupleadership.com


NYC Alumni

Our fellows cover a wide set of industries from B2B to CPG.

What keeps us together is a common drive, curiosity, and humility. Our alumni have been accepted at top accelerators, had multiple exits, and were even featured on Shark Tank. Alumni events continue long after the program ends, offering new opportunities and continued support to fellows throughout their entrepreneurial journeys.

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Our NYC Community

Watch a Past Cohort: