Leading LGBTQ Entrepreneur Organization to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Online Community

SAN FRANCISCO and NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- StartOut, a national non-profit organization that supports, educates and connects LGBTQ entrepreneurs, today announced the launch of its online platform, the StartOut Community. It is designed to address the multifaceted needs of LGBTQ entrepreneurs. The primary goals of this digital portal are to accelerate the ability of LGBTQ founded and run companies to reach sustainable success, showcase the significant contributions StartOut members make to societies all over the world, and help level the economic playing field for LGBTQ entrepreneurs.

StartOut's inaugural research study, The State of LGBT Entrepreneurship in the U.S., conclusively shows that startups founded by LGBTQ entrepreneurs are at risk for discrimination—affecting where founders choose to locate their businesses, to what extent they can raise capital, and how they build trust with investors. Based on the data and findings from this research study behind us and seven years of "real-life" success accelerating LGBTQ entrepreneurship, StartOut is now taking its programs to the next level with the launch of the StartOut Community. Supported by ROI Genius, the new complementary platform is open to all LGBTQ entrepreneurs, friends, supporters, and allies globally. The platform includes:

• Online forums, organized by topic and industry, designed to allow users to take advantage of StartOut members' deep entrepreneurial and business expertise
• Forums to share experiences and advice specific to our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender entrepreneur communities
• Invitations to local and national events
• Educational content
• Inspirational member successes stories

"Designed for massive scalability, our new StartOut Community is the first platform of its kind tailored specifically to the LGBTQ entrepreneurial community," says Executive Director Andres Wydler. "Too many LGBTQ entrepreneurs still lack role models they can relate to and the professional networks to advance their businesses. We are determined to connect our members with the contacts they need to succeed, and provide the visibility, recognition and respect they deserve, no matter where they live."

Following this initial launch, StartOut will release its premium features, including a searchable directory to connect its members 24/7; a nationwide mentorship program, supported by AT&T; and an investor portal to connect LGBTQ-friendly investors with StartOut premium members.

To support and help fund the ongoing development and program management for this groundbreaking portal, you may become a member at https://startout.org/membership. Your generous support will help StartOut continue to build on its tremendous momentum and extend engagement among LGBTQ entrepreneurs and their ecosystems worldwide.

ABOUT STARTOUT

Founded in 2009, StartOut is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization fostering and developing entrepreneurship in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ("LGBTQ") community. StartOut helps aspiring LGBTQ entrepreneurs start new companies; supports current LGBTQ entrepreneurs as they grow and expand their existing businesses; and engages successful LGBTQ entrepreneurs as role models and mentors. StartOut's goals are to support, educate, inspire and connect members of the LGBTQ community around entrepreneurship and business leadership. To become a member, please visit https://startout.org.

Media Contacts:  
Darren Arquero, Marketing Manager 
Phone:  415 275 2446 
Email: [email protected]

Andres Wydler, Executive Director 
Phone:  415 275 2446 
E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE StartOut

Related Links

http://startout.org