Programs Overview
We help startups develop their technologies, secure funding and financing, access new customers and markets, test and pilot their solutions, and unlock their full potential.
Each of our programs will accept and fund 10-15 companies that best align with the program criteria, our mission, and the needs of the communities we serve. Companies selected for our next Cohorts will join a powerful and deeply connected community of diverse LACI founders and alumni who are making an impact.
More than 400 founders have been supported with hands on mentorship, business tools, and valuable introductions to investors, to help their startups scale up and successfully seed.
Are you an innovative cleantech startup, eager to create solutions in clean energy, zero emissions transportation, or sustainable cities that would benefit from hands-on support through market access, business services, introductions to funders, investors and powerful partners? Then our two-year, Incubation program is right for you!
Our one-year Innovators Program offers a lighter-touch, high-impact concierge style ecosystem access opportunity.
Benefits
- Monthly coaching with a Executives in Residence
- Opportunities to engage with peers and industry experts through workshops, networking events, and LACI’s Alumni of more than 400 Founders
- An efficient curriculum that delivers high-impact opportunities and growth
- Participation in LACI and partner events and showcases, including our Power Day event that includes more than 100 angel, venture capital, corporate strategic, and family office investors.
- Inclusion in newsletters and startup updates sent to LACI partners, investors
- Invitations to community building opportunities with other startup founders
- Promotion as a LACI Startup via LACI’s website and social media
- Discounted membership to the Advanced Prototyping Center and membership at the La Kretz Innovation Campus in Downtown Los Angeles
Benefits
- Advanced curriculum based on ten year’s of experience across hundreds of cleantech startups. Study impact-focused business roadmapping, building your team with inclusivity, customer acquisition, and creating a strong legal foundation for business growth and investment readiness.
- Weekly advisory with a dedicated business coach who provides coaching, accountability, and mentorship to define business milestones.
- Qualify for funding for a small-scale pilot deployment. Develop pilot strategy, design, and budget, and receive execution feedback.
- Investment-preparation advisory services from experts who have helped startups raise over half a billion in funding from investors like Energy Impact Partners, Mark Cuban Companies, Blackrock, Trucks VC and others.
- Support with fundraising efforts (e.g. Pitchbook), grant solicitations and networking opportunities with investors and potential partners.
- Showcase opportunity at annual Power Day pitch event in front of more than 100 angel, venture capital, corporate strategic, and family office investors in addition to corporate, public utilities, and various government agencies.
- Discounted rates on desk space or office memberships at the La Kretz Innovation Campus and Advanced Prototyping Center in Downtown Los Angeles.
Meet the Executives-In-Residence
Our Executives-In-Residence are mentors and accountability coaches for business founders in LACI Programs. EIRs lead collaborative meetings and work with startup founders to co-create roadmaps and milestones for success.
Eligibility
Innovators Requirements
- Have a cleantech solution that addresses Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Transportation, or Smart & Sustainable Cities: Circular Economy.
- Own or license a novel proprietary technology.
- Have a significant presence, operations, or sales plans in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura, or Orange Counties.
- Established some proof of concept or TRL 3 with critical function.
- Must be based in the United States.
Incubation Requirements
- Have a cleantech solution that addresses Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Transportation, or Circular Economy with a focus on Smart & Sustainable Cities.
- Have a significant operations or sales presence in Southern California with founder or key executive able to attend meetings, workshops, and events on campus periodically at least four times in the first six months.
- Commit to all curriculum and mentorship opportunities during the first six months, approximately three to five hour weekly commitment.
- Preferably have two full-time employees and a strategy to grow the team in Southern California.
- Own or hold license to a novel proprietary technology.
- Have a working prototype (TRL 4+).
- Need funding assistance for pilot execution, beyond sole purchase of technology or product.
- Agree to a 1.5-3% equity stake in the form of a warrant with the opportunity to earn back through achieving impact milestones.
- Must be based in the United States.
Evaluations Are Based On
- Technology type, innovation, and credibility.
- Investability of a startup based on their market, business model, technology, and competitive advantage.
- Environmental and community impact of the solution.
- Potential for the startup to grow their team, operations, and sales in Los Angeles.
- Founder and team coachability, experience, and commitment.
- Startup commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Overall fit of startup and team within the LACI community.
“Working with LACI helped us double revenues year over year; raise substantial capital from both early stage investors and leading strategic partners; and forge relationships with strategic utility partners including Con Edison, SDG&E, and Southern California Edison.”
Max Aram
Co-Founder & CEO
PickmySolar
“LACI has been a great partner and advocate of ChargerHelp! since our formation in January of 2020. As an FBA alumnus and current Portfolio company ChargerHelp! has been given access to multiple connections and resources that have led to our quick growth in 10 months
Kameale Terry
Founder & CEO
ChargerHelp!
“Securing investor funding for female-led companies, especially in cleantech, is difficult, but LACI assisted Repurpose in successfully pitching the Pasadena Angels to invest over $1 million in Repurpose early on.”
Lauren Gropper
Co-Founder & CEO
Repurpose
Stay Connected
Don’t miss this opportunity! If you have questions about eligibility, reach out to our Pipeline Team at pipeline@alaincubator.org.
