Applications Now Open
for the Catalyst 2026 Cohort
$100k to Scale Impact. Deadline: November 21, 2025.
Everything You Need to Scale With Impact
Whether you are still building conviction in your idea or have some customers, we will help turn your vision into reality.
$100K to Scale, Sustainably
Receive $100,000 in funding for a 5.5% stake, via SAFE for for-profits or a grant for nonprofits, so you can focus on growing without distraction.
Weekly Programming That Drives Growth
Live sessions led by seasoned founders, operators, and investors focused on scaling product, growth strategy, fundraising, and partnerships.
Traction That Translates to Scale
Work with Robin Hood’s network of mentors, DIG members, and community partners to sharpen your solution and expand your reach. Get feedback from users and partners who understand the communities you’re serving.
Expert Support, When and Where You Need It
Access 1:1 coaching, functional workshops, and support from leaders across sales, product, growth, fundraising, and impact. Dedicated workspace, peer collaboration, and founder lunches keep you accountable and inspired.
A Space and Community to Scale With
Build alongside other determined founders at the BRL Lab in Brooklyn, with weekly in-person sessions, workshops, and socials that fuel connection and momentum. Plus, take your work to SXSW for networking and national visibility.
Get Seen by the Right People
Showcase your progress to Robin Hood’s powerful network of civic leaders, investors, philanthropists, and policymakers who can accelerate your mission.
Questions? Sign Up for Our AMA
We're hosting live sessions Oct. 22 at 12:00pm ET and Nov. 6 at 6:00pm ET.
Hear from the team behind Catalyst and get answers to all your questions about the program roadmap, application, and eligibility requirements.
16 Weeks to a Scalable Venture
Catalyst is designed for startups with traction (with no more than $150k in total revenue within any given 12-month period or raised more than $500k excluding grants), helping you scale effectively through funding, coaching, and community. Across four months, you’ll refine your product, strengthen your go-to-market, and build the partnerships needed for long-term success.
Phase 1: Scale Foundations
February-March 2026 (8 weeks)
In-person at BRL, Brooklyn + SXSW in-person, Austin
This phase focuses on refining your business model, validating impact at scale, and setting a strong foundation for growth.
- Weekly workshops on scaling operations, growth, and fundraising
- Founder lunch & learns and networking events
- SXSW
- Access to Robin Hood’s network for validation and feedback
Phase 2: Growth & Visibility
April-June 2026 (8 weeks)
In-person at BRL, Brooklyn
This phase is about execution, exposure, and investor readiness. You’ll refine your strategy and stagecraft, scale user acquisition, and prepare for fundraising.
- Weekly programming on growth, storytelling/fundraising, and partnerships
- Dedicated pitching support
- Showcase at demo day with investors, partners, and Robin Hood’s network
What is Catalyst?
Who is Catalyst for?
Teams must be building scalable tech solutions, already have developed an MVP with traction, with an alignment to low-income New Yorkers and Americans, in general. Whether you’re focusing on housing, education, future of work, health, financial services, or any area impacting economic mobility for all, we want to hear from you. You can apply as a solo founder or as part of a small team. Companies must not have earned more than $200k in total revenue within any given 12-month period or raised more than $500k (excluding grants).
Why should I apply to Catalyst?
If you're a founder tackling the biggest socio-economic problems, Catalyst offers you more than just funding. You'll get access to Robin Hood’s network of mentors, community partners, DIG members, and the collective intelligence of our portfolio. Plus, we offer a dedicated workspace, one-on-one coaching across functional areas, and special events.
Do you focus on specific impact areas?
We’re interested in edtech, housing, food security, future of work, health, and public benefits. We believe technology innovations can improve economic opportunity for all. That AI should onramp low-income New Yorkers and Americans into building a better future.
What stage of development should my startup be in?
You’re probably pre-revenue or no more than $200k in total revenue within any given 12-month period. The majority of companies have demonstrated traction. Idea stage: see the Founder Fellowship.
Can I apply as a solo founder?
Yes, Catalyst welcomes solo founders with technical backgrounds or domain expertise.
I’ve raised money at a higher valuation than is implied by the Catalyst investment? Am I too far along to do Catalyst?
Nope! Some founders have already raised money at higher valuations than what Catalyst’s investment implies. Don’t think about Robin Hood’s investment as setting your “valuation.” Instead, just ask yourself: Will joining Robin Hood’s network improve my startup’s chances of success. If yes, it’s worth it.
I’m not technical. Will you still invest?
You need to be able to build your product yourselves or vibe code. For most startups, that means you need a technical cofounder on your team.
Robin Hood has already invested in a company similar to mine. Will that affect my chance of being accepted?
No. We believe there are strong synergies between companies in the impact space.
Do we need to know someone at Robin Hood to get in?
No. We consider all applications equally and have a diverse judging panel comprising civic-minded leaders, investors, Robin Hood leadership, and DIG members.
If we did another accelerator, can we still do Catalyst?
Yes. We’ve had companies join Catalyst after doing another accelerator.
How is Catalyst different from other accelerators?
Robin Hood’s Catalyst is committed to creating economic opportunity for low-income New Yorkers and Americans. You’ll join a tight-knit community of changemakers, mission-aligned, who are as passionate as you are about change.
Do you give feedback on applications?
We don’t because of the volume of applications; however, if you’re invited to interview with us, we’ll do our best to give you timely feedback.
What is the program like?
Robin Hood’s four-month accelerator program, scaling effective solutions to upward mobility. We provide the funding, mentorship, and connections you need to scale solutions that can create real, lasting change for underserved communities.
Where does Catalyst take place? Do I need to move to New York City?
The cohort takes place in Brooklyn, NY, meeting 2-days, in-person weekly. We also attend SXSW in Austin. After the four month program, you can go wherever you want.
How many startups are accepted?
Each year, we choose a small group of changemakers from across the U.S. We will be accepting eight startups (including for-profit and nonprofit ventures).
How do we select startups?
We have an application process that’s open to any team in the U.S. You can apply here.
How much do you invest?
For-profit startups, we use a standard SAFE agreement and invest $100k for a 5.5% stake. Non-profits: we provide a $100k grant. The key difference is the funding structure: equity investment for for-profits, recoverable grant for non-profits.
What can I use the Catalyst investment/grant for?
You can spend the money on whatever will help your business! Most founders should start by paying themselves a salary so they can work on their company full-time without worrying about rent, groceries, or other bills. Bottom line: take care of yourself first so you can focus on building your company.
What are the dates?
Catalyst is a four month program, 2-days in-person featuring coaching, founder lunch & learns, workshops, and socials. All programming is required during the in-person sessions. As a founder we expect you to maximize your time to build relations.
What are the dates?
Catalyst is accepting applications for the 2026 cohort. The program will take place from February to June 2026 in Brooklyn.
The deadline to apply on-time is Friday, November 21 at 11 PM ET.
Can I apply if I’ve already received some funding or have existing traction?
Yes. Whether you’re bootstrapping or already have some funding up to $500k (excluding grants), we welcome applications that align with our mission.
Will I receive ongoing support after the program?
Yes! Catalyst is committed to your long-term success. After the program ends, we’ll continue to offer introductions to investors, mentors, and partners, as well as invitations to bespoke events. We’re here for the long haul, even after you graduate from the program.
Do we need to incorporate before applying?
No. However, you’ll need to incorporate immediately should you be accepted into Catalyst.
Catalyst is where traction turns into sustainable scale with funding, mentorship, and a community committed to building solutions that create pathways for upward mobility.
Our impact
Our alumni say one of the biggest benefits of the program is the like-minded community.
Alumni
community partners
Americans Helped
Portfolio Companies
Learn how they’re driving change across key areas like health, education, financial access, and more.
Our founders
Each year, Catalyst selects a small group of founders for a focused 5-month program designed to help them quickly gain customers and grow their ventures.
