Morgan Stanley's Inclusive Ventures Lab Expands Twofold, Handpicking 23 Up-and-Coming Startups

In 2023, Morgan Stanley announced the significant expansion of its renowned Inclusive Ventures Lab, effectively doubling the size of its previous cohorts by selecting 23 promising tech startups from North America and EMEA. This expansion demonstrates the firm's commitment to fostering diversity and innovation within the startup ecosystem.

The Inclusive Ventures Lab, a five-month accelerator program, is specifically designed to empower underrepresented founders operating in the post-seed to Series A funding stage. This year's selection process was highly competitive, with an overwhelming 7,900 applications received. The chosen startups represent a diverse range of disruptive technology sectors, including healthcare, sustainability, customer service, supply chain optimization, recruiting, and cybersecurity.

What distinguishes this program is Morgan Stanley's dedication to the success of these startups. Each of the 23 selected companies will receive a substantial $250,000 investment from the financial institution, in addition to invaluable mentorship and access to a wide array of resources.

The ultimate objective of the Inclusive Ventures Lab is to contribute to a more equitable investment landscape for underrepresented entrepreneurs on a global scale. By extending this opportunity to promising startups, Morgan Stanley aims to dismantle barriers and level the playing field within the tech startup ecosystem.

The impact of this program is evident, as previous cohorts have collectively raised an impressive $207 million in additional funding. This success underscores the effectiveness of the accelerator in nurturing startups and positioning them for growth.

The journey for this year's participants extends beyond their selection, as the program will continue to provide rigorous support until February 2024, culminating in a global Demo Day. This event offers a platform for these startups to showcase their innovations, attracting potential investors and partners from around the world.

It is worth highlighting that the Inclusive Ventures Lab has received numerous accolades, including Gold Anthem Awards, and has earned a coveted spot on Global Finance's list of Best Innovation Labs.

In a world where diversity and innovation are of paramount importance, Morgan Stanley's Inclusive Ventures Lab stands at the forefront, empowering underrepresented founders and propelling promising startups toward success. With its expanded reach and unwavering commitment, the impact of this accelerator program is set to reverberate throughout the tech landscape for years to come.