Growing a Startup During a Pandemic
Jun 23, 2020The founders in our 2020 Multicultural Innovation Lab cohort face some strong headwinds due to the uncertain economy. But there are many opportunities in this environment, too.
You have left Morgan Stanley’s website and are about to enter F6S, which is accepting applications for Morgan Stanley’s Multicultural Innovation Lab. Before entering F6S, please agree to review their Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Please note that Morgan Stanley is not responsible for the quality, content, or security of F6S. Information you disclose through F6S’s site is subject to its privacy and security practices.
I Agree
Cancel
Multicultural Innovation Lab
Building a community of early stage technology and technology-enabled startups led by women and multicultural entrepreneurs, hosted within Morgan Stanley.
learn morewhy the multicultural innovation lab
CURATED CURRICULUM
The Lab provides curriculum customized for each startup, including finance & sales strategy, marketing & branding, and private sessions with industry experts.
BEST IN CLASS MENTORSHIP
Morgan Stanley pairs each startup with relevant mentors who can be helpful to the business, providing advice and counsel for company growth and scale.
POWERFUL NETWORKS
Each startup is introduced to our bankers, financial advisors, technology experts and others with the power to expose each company to their vast industry networks.
2018
2017
our program
Program Overview & Key Dates
An intensive 6-month accelerator designed to help build and scale startups, culminating in a showcase presenting each company to the investor community.
Successful applicants will be provided with:
•
Cash contribution from Morgan Stanley in exchange for equity interest
•
Workspace at Morgan Stanley's headquarters in Times Square
•
Connections to Morgan Stanley and external partner networks
•
Opportunity to pitch to the influential investor community
•
Curated content across a variety of speakers and topics
Ideal candidates will have the following characteristics:
•
Multicultural or woman founder, co-founder, Chief Technology Officer or other member of C-suite
•
A startup that is technology or technology-enabled and within the Seed to Series B funding rounds
•
Has successfully raised Friends and Family, Angel or Seed Rounds
•
Launched product with demonstrated revenues that provide initial validation of business model and market opportunity
•
A commitment to be based full-time at our headquarters for the duration of the program
•
As part of the Morgan Stanley Plastic Waste Resolution, the 2020 cohort will also welcome startups that aid in the prevention, reduction and removal of plastic waste
FAQs
•
What stage of companies are you looking for at the Multicultural Innovation Lab?
The Multicultural Innovation Lab targets early stage technology and technology-enabled startups with a woman or multicultural founder, co-founder, Chief Technology Officer or other member of C-suite. We consider early stage to be within Seed to Series B funding rounds.
•
What do I get for being part of the Multicultural Innovation Lab?
As part of the Lab, Morgan Stanley provides a cash contribution, workspace at our New York headquarters, dedicated programming & support and the opportunity to pitch to the influential investor community.
•
What is the form of the contribution?
Morgan Stanley will provide cash contribution of $200,000 and receive between 3-5% of equity interest.
•
Do I have to work out of the Morgan Stanley office for the entire period?
Yes. We require you to be primarily based in the Morgan Stanley office for the duration of the program. Our location is fully equipped and we believe there is value in the entire cohort interacting with each other as well as the larger Morgan Stanley community.
•
Do I have to be a FinTech company in order to apply?
No. We look for technology or technology-enabled startups across a variety of sectors.
•
I’ve applied to the Multicultural Innovation Lab before, can I apply again?
We absolutely welcome repeat applications and keeping in touch with us between cohorts.
•
When will I hear back about my application?
Applications close 1/3/2020. We aim to target contacting applicants with next steps within 1 month after applications close.
•
Why is the Multicultural Innovation Lab including companies focused on plastic waste?
Through the Morgan Stanley Plastic Waste Resolution, the firm has committed to preventing, reducing and removing 50 million tons of plastic waste from the environment by 2030. Innovation and entrepreneurship are critical to solving this environmental, social and economic challenge.
•
Does my company have to address the plastic waste challenge?
No. The call for submissions focused on plastic waste prevention, reduction and removal is in addition to the open call for technology and technology-enabled startups.
Additional Questions:
Please contact us at mcil@morganstanley.com if your questions were not answered here and we’ll get back to you shortly!