Startup Leadership Program-NYC
The Startup Leadership Program (SLP) is the premier NYC no-equity Fellowship for first-time founders, with 375+ alumni and more than $1b raised.
During our 6 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.
The classes are conducted by fellows and feature some of the most prominent people in the NYC startup scene.
What is SLP?
Startup Leadership Program (SLP) is a no-equity accelerator focused on developing early stage entrepreneurs. More than 3,000 founders completed SLP and have raised over $650M collectively.
During our 6 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.
The classes are conducted by fellows 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.
Class of 2024 Info Sessions
Applications closed for 2024
Interested to learn more?
Applications open in November 2024
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.
Fellowship Format
Length: 6 months
Dates: January 9 - June 25, 2024
Frequency: Classes run every Tuesday for 2.5hrs
During our 6 month fellowship (January 9 - June 25, 2024), founders learn key fundamentals for starting and growing a company, negotiating a term sheet, developing a marketing strategy, and many other technical and non-technical aspects of leadership.
During the fellowship, classes run every Tuesday and last 2.5 hours with dynamic content and high levels of interaction.
During these sessions fellows will explore the curriculum through breakout groups, speaker panels, group discussions and virtual bonding exercises. When possible, we will identify opportunities to safely gather in person. The experience will be immersive and directed at evolving the fellow as a leader.
Criteria for Admissions
You’re a good fit if:
you have started a company
you give more than you take
you are humble and treat others with respect
you are looking for a community of like-minded founders
you are looking for more theory instead of another Techcrunch article
We work closely with the top investors, mentors, accelerators, and founders in NYC to deliver a real-world look into starting and growing a startup from the ground up.
Our NYC Community
