About Us
Launchpad LA was founded as a mentorship organization in 2009 by Mark Suster with the goal of helping young talented startup entrepreneurs build relationships, get funded, and grow while remaining in Southern California. The idea came from Mark’s frustration with seeing too many companies receive funding from Northern California VCs and then choosing to relocate their teams. The Launchpad LA initiative is a true collaboration among the area’s best VCs who have a shared interest in seeing a robust tech community continue to grow and thrive in Los Angeles.
Launchpad LA runs a series of educational meetings, mentor discussions, and networking events designed to share knowledge and experiences between serial entrepreneurs, veteran tech executives, and newer CEOs.
Launchpad LA is currently accepting applications for its third class of Los Angeles-based tech startups. We have significant VC commitments – every entering company will get $50,000 in funding, free shared office space, and access to a world class network of mentors and advisers. Apply today!
Several funds and firms are participating in this investment including Rincon Ventures, Idealab (Bill Gross built the original incubator and there will be active support from Allen Morgan), Baroda Ventures, GRP Partners, David Cohen (founder of TechStars), David Tisch (founder of TechStars NY), DLA Piper and Stubbs Alderton. Office space will be free and is in Santa Monica, walking distance to the Third Street Promenade. Each local participating VC will base themselves out of this facility at least one day per week and plan to spend time actively with any company that is admitted into Launchpad LA.
There is also an amazing group of VC & Individual advisors who will help participate and steer the direction of Launchpad LA including: 500 Startups, BlueRun Ventures, First Round Capital, Foundry Group, Menlo Ventures (Shervin Pishevar), MK Capital, Jason Calacanis, Paul Kedrosky, Peter Levin (Principal, GeekChicDaily/Nerdist Industries), Howard Lindzon & Eric Ries
Sam Teller (310-562-3492 / steller at launchpad dot la) runs Launchpad LA with Adam Lilling and Josh Webb.
For questions or issues, please send an email to Launchpad LA
For media inquiries, please contact Dena Cook:
310-600-7160
dena@brewpr.com
