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.
Apply to Catalyst Today
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open! Apply by November 21, 2025 for $100k to scale impact.
Programming Pillars
Shared Vision
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.
We source transformative ideas with the power to reshape the future. Founders who align with this vision work toward systemic change. 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.
Co-Design
Through our Design Insight Group, you’ll participate in one-on-one sessions, drawing from data and the lived experiences of New Yorkers to inform your solutions.
Investment and Benefits
Ventures selected to participate in Catalyst will receive $100,000 in investment (for non-profit ventures, this comes as a grant. You’ll receive tailored coaching in finance, product, sales and marketing, and engineering. Through our Design Insight Group, you’ll participate in one-on-one sessions, drawing from data and the lived experiences of New Yorkers.
Program Roadmap
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
Catalyst Alumni
Met some of our Catalyst alumni, a diverse and talented cohort of changemakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a solo founder; can I apply without a team?
You can apply as a solo founder or as part of a small team. 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. Companies must not have earned more than $150k in total revenue within any given 12-month period or raised more than $500k (excluding grants).
Do you focus on specific impact areas?
We’re interested in AI for good, edtech, housing, food security, future of work, health, and public benefits, all areas supporting Robin Hood’s core issue areas.
What stage of development should my startup be in?
You’re probably pre-revenue or no more than $150k in total revenue within any given 12-month period. The majority of companies have demonstrated traction. Idea stage: see the Founder Fellowship.
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 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.
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.