Attention Tech Trailblazers!
A Pre-Accelerator Dedicated to Tech Co-Founders

The most successful Black and Latinx start-up tech companies have an exceptional tech co-pilot. We are seeking technologists with an interest in entrepreneurship to join us in June for a virtual pre-accelerator program.
Learn about:

  • Business models and product-market fit
  • Roles and responsibilities of technical cofounders
  • Financial compensation models
  • Developing technology roadmaps in line with proformas and investment requirements
  • Substance, form, content, design and delivery of investor materials

You will be paired with a Black or Latinx founder needing a tech co-founder to apply your learnings. At the end of the program, two tech co-founders will earn a $10K grant to invest in a start-up or advance their own business.

APPLY

EXPECTATIONS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
FROM THE PROGRAM

                  Connections

                   Mentorship

                    Knowledge

                      Capital

OUR EXPERTS

FAQS

Individuals who have background in tech who are interested in starting a tech program and want to be paired with a cofounder

This is not a “one shot” program. Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED) is committed to helping the cofounders 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. Two technical cofounders will receive a $10,000 grant to invest in a start-up team and advance their business

The next BLT program will start in 2025. The exact dates are still to be determined. Please complete the application and we will notify you when the dates have been determined.

The program will be hybrid with a mix of virtual and 3 in-person sessions. The virtual sessions will take place via Zoom and the in-person will take place at Rutgers Business School in Newark. Participants that are not in the tristate area can participate virtually for in-person sessions.

There will be six sessions plus a Demo Day. The 2025 dates are TBD.

• 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

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

Yes! Companies will have an opportunity to pitch to angel investor network being formed specially to investing in tech companies led by teams that include a Black or Latino founder.

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.

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.

PORTFOLIO OF COMPANIES

Check out some of the exciting companies and entrepreneurs
that have graduated from our pre-accelerator program

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