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.
Join the 2026 Cohort
Our interest form for the next Founder Fellowship cohort is now open; sign up and stay tuned for more information on the application process.
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.
Weekly Programming That Moves You Forward
Live sessions led by experienced founders and operators focused on research, validation, product, growth, and fundraising
$20K to Build, Not Just Dream
Get a $20,000 stipend so you can go heads-down on execution
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
Expert Support, When and Where You Need It
Get 1:1 mentorship, group coaching, and hands-on help from engineers, designers, and product pros
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
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."
2/8
Program Roadmap
20 Weeks to a Fundable Venture
Over two phases, you’ll validate your assumptions and test with real users in virtual workshops, then build your MVP in Brooklyn with in‑person sessions, expert mentorship, a $20,000 stipend, co-working, and network access.
Phase 1: Research & Discovery
June – July (6-8 weeks)
Virtual-first with optional in-person access
This phase 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.
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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 over-select for Phase 1, so only the most promising ideas will progress to the next stage.
Phase 2: Build
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Early‑stage founders driving economic mobility who bring lived or learned experience and are ready to move from idea to action.
Do I need a prototype or a co‑founder?
No, you only need conviction, clarity and the drive to build—Phase 1 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?
Phase 1 runs June–July with virtual workshops and optional in‑person meetups, and Phase 2 runs September–November with two to three days a week of on‑site programming at the BRL Lab in Brooklyn.
Is there any cost to participate?
No. The fellowship is funded by Robin Hood. Select fellows advancing to Phase 2 receive the full stipend of $20,000 to build an MVP.
What if my idea doesn’t progress past Phase 1?
Phase 1 is designed to surface the most promising ventures, but every participant gains clear research insights, user feedback and a stronger narrative to carry forward.
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.