Turning bold ideas into impact
Blue Ridge Labs
Blue Ridge Labs is Robin Hood's venture studio for scaling innovations to solve the most pressing social challenges.
Founder Fellowship
Turn your bold ideas into a fundable venture that drives economic mobility.
Blue Ridge Labs’ Founder Fellowship helps early-stage founders move from idea to MVP through mentorship, research, and hands-on support.
Application Deadline: May 3, 2026.
Join the 2026 Cohort
Applications are now open for our next Fellowship, to begin in June 2026. If you have passion and an idea for a social impact tech venture, we want to hear from you!
Everything You Need to Go From Idea to MVP
We welcome founders who are tackling problems tied to Robin Hood’s core issue areas, bring lived or learned experience to the work, and are ready to move from idea to action. You don’t need a prototype or a co-founder—just conviction, clarity, and the drive to build.
The Founder Fellowship is designed to help you test your idea, learn from users, and take the first real steps toward building a venture.
Weekly Programming That Moves You Forward
Join live sessions led by experienced founders and operators focused on research, validation, product, growth, and fundraising
Real User Feedback, Real Traction
Tap into Blue Ridge Labs’ DIG community to pressure-test your idea, gather insights, and shape something people actually want to use
Expert Support, When and Where You Need It
Get 1:1 mentorship, group coaching, and hands-on help from engineers, designers, and product pros
$20K to Build, Not Just Dream
Get a $20,000 stipend so you can go heads-down on execution
A Space and Community to Build With
Co-work alongside other determined founders at the BRL Lab in Brooklyn for collaboration that fuels momentum
Get Seen by the Right People
Tap into Robin Hood’s powerful network by showcasing your work to leaders in tech, philanthropy, and policy
Program Roadmap
20 Weeks to a Fundable Venture
The Fellowship is structured into two progressive phases, designed to help founders explore their ideas, test with real users, and then potentially join a cohort to develop their venture.
In Step 1, a larger group of founders will join a virtual-first program focused on research, discovery, and testing ideas with real users. Approximately 25 founders will be invited to join for Step 2, coming together in Brooklyn to build their MVP with mentorship, a $20,000 stipend, and access to the BRL network.
Step 1: Explore & Test (Virtual Program)
June – July (6-8 weeks)
Virtual-first with optional in-person access
This first step is all about understanding your users, validating your assumptions, and sharpening your story. You’ll learn how to run effective research, pressure-test ideas, and identify the most promising path forward.
- Access to our DIG (Design Insight Group) community for user interviews and testing
- Weekly sessions on discovery, validation, and storytelling
- Space to explore, pivot, and deepen your thinking
- Final presentations to a panel of experts, funders, and community leaders
Note: We invite a larger group of founders to participate in this virtual program so that we can explore a wide range of ideas. The most promising ventures will be invited to the next stage in Brooklyn.
Step 2: Build Your MVP (Brooklyn)
September – November (10–12 weeks)
In-person at BRL Lab, Brooklyn
Phase 2 is focuses on momentum and execution. You’ll build your MVP, refine your go-to-market strategy, and prepare to raise capital or secure pilots.
- A $20,000 stipend to support you during the build phase
- Structured workshops on product, growth, and fundraising
- Dedicated work time + collaboration with functional experts
- Weekly onsite programming for accountability and community
- Final showcase with an audience of funders, operators, and partners
This is where ideas turn into real, fundable ventures—with support every step of the way.
Hear From Our Alumni
Tahnee Pantig • Founder, Common Resolve
"Connecting with the fellows in my cohort was the highlight. These are incredible relationships I’ll cherish forever."
Lindsey Snyder • Co-Founder, Mila Support
"I was impressed by the diverse, driven cohort—and grateful for the Robin Hood teachings and connections. I learned from everyone and had friends to work through the struggles with."
Jacob Watt-Morse • Co-Founder, TalentFair
"The cohort was so strong—I got so much peer support and encouragement."
Yanjaa Munkhbat • Co-Founder, Vesta
"The coaches and speakers were the most valuable part. The program was also a safe space to try, fail, and try again."
Jonathan Muruako • Co-Founder, Fitalyst
"The program acted as a real forcing factor to ideate, build, and iterate."
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
We’re looking for new or early‑stage founders who want to drive economic mobility and bring lived or learned experience with the challenges they’ll address.
You don’t need to have started a company yet. We welcome applicants with strong insight into an impact area and the motivation to move from idea into action.
Do I need a prototype or a co‑founder?
No, you only need conviction, clarity and the drive to build—our virtual program will help you sharpen your story before you code or recruit.
What are the impact areas?
We focus on five key areas that drive economic mobility and community resilience:
- Education
Empower learners at every stage with tools and programs that open doors to opportunity. - Financial Empowerment
Bridge gaps for underbanked communities through innovative lending, saving and investment solutions. - Health
Promote wellness and equitable care with products and services that put people’s well‑being first. - Housing
Create stable, affordable living options that give families a place to thrive. - Hunger & Jobs
Build pathways to food security and meaningful employment that uplift individuals and neighborhoods.
What is the time commitment?
Step 1 runs from June-July with virtual workshops and optional in‑person meetups, and Step 2 runs from September-November with on-site programming two to three days a week at the BRL Lab in Brooklyn.
Is there any cost to participate?
No. The fellowship is funded by Robin Hood. Select fellows advancing to Step 2 receive the full stipend of $20,000 to build an MVP.
What if my idea doesn’t progress past Phase 1?
The first stage of the Fellowship is designed to help participants explore their ideas and elevate the most promising ventures. Whether or not you participate in the cohort, you’ll leave with real user insights, research experience, and a clearer understanding of how to move forward.
Do I need to live in New York?
The Fellowship is open to applicants from anywhere in the U.S., but we do not expect participants to relocate just for this short program. The first stage of the Fellowship is primarily virtual. Participants selected for the Build stage will need to spend time working in person at the Blue Ridge Labs studio in Brooklyn.
How do I apply?
Submit your idea summary and background through our application form by the deadline; we review all entries and notify Phase 1 fellows shortly thereafter.