Black And Latino Tech – Connecting Founders of Color to Venture Capital

Attention Tech Trailblazers!

Apply to an exclusive program tailored to help your tech startup reach the next level!

The Urban Tech Accelerator Program (UTAP) — powered by Rutgers Business School’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED) — supports urban tech entrepreneurs who are building high-growth and high-value ventures. UTAP provides participants with the tools, coaching, and connections to accelerate their success in the tech industry.

Historically, urban founders represent less than 2% of all tech startups, often due to barriers in accessing capital, networks, and industry mentorship. UTAP is designed to close that gap by opening doors to venture pathways and elevating underrepresented innovators.

APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY AND LAUNCH YOUR DREAMS!

EXPECTATIONS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
FROM THE PROGRAM

Connections

Mentorship

Knowledge

Capital

OUR EXPERTS

FAQS

How much does it cost?

$300 USD

Who is this for?

Individuals who have background in tech who are interested in starting a tech program.

Why should I apply? What do I get out of it?

This is not a “one shot” program. Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED) is committed to helping the entrepreneurs over their multiple years and phases of growth. Rutgers University allows program participants to have access to teams of MBA students who do consulting projects for them.

When will the program take place?

The 2025 dates are July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24 with a hybrid Demo Day on July 29th.

Where will the program be?

The program will be virtual with a hybrid Demo Day. The virtual sessions will take place via Zoom and Demo Day will take place at Rutgers Business School in Newark and via Zoom. Participants that are not in the tristate area can participate virtually for in-person sessions.

How often do I need to participate?

There are six virtual sessions with a hybrid Demo Day. The dates are July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, and 24 with Demo Day on July 29th.

What topics will you cover in the program?

• Orientation; Startup Toolkit; Structure of the entity; Team development,
diversification and expansion; Law 101 (Contracts, IP); Using the right
startup documents
• Idea Identification; Converting Ideas into Business Models; Differentiation;
Gaining Traction; Customer Discovery and Validation; Competition
• Raising Capital; Financial Pro forma
• Product Development; Technology Dev (Agile)
• Sales, Marketing, Growth Hacking, Business Development; Strategic Partnerships
• Pitch Decks Presentations
• Special guest speaker series session

What can I expect from the mentors?

Mentors will provide assistance, guidance, resources, and connections for their team.

Will I be able to pitch to investors?

Yes! Companies will have an opportunity to pitch to angel investor network being formed specially to investing in tech companies.

Will Rutgers invest in my business?

No, Rutgers Business School will not invest in the entrepreneur’s business. Rutgers is leveraging the platform and its relationships and making space, equipment and resources available to the community of entrepreneurs.

Are you interested in becoming one of our Tech Mentors?

If you are interested in tech mentoring one of our teams, please email cueed@business.rutgers.edu with your resume and areas of expertise. Mentors should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: Building a Technology Platform, Data Analytics, Growth Hacking, Building a Technology Team, User Experience, Raising Capital for a Tech Startup.