MSISV has supported early-stage startups since 2017, and emerging nonprofits since 2020. In 2026, we are excited to move to a thematic-based approach, reflecting where we see the most potential to scale solutions. This year’s incoming cohort will include a combination of startups and nonprofits creating a measurable impact across four Impact Categories: Environment, Health & Wellbeing, Economic Empowerment, or Education & Human Capital.
Evidence of Traction, Potential to Scale and Measurable Impact
We are looking for evidence of traction in the marketplace and potential to scale. For many, this will be demonstrable revenues for startups or an established element of earned revenue for nonprofits, but depending on the organization, this could be pilot programs, confirmed orders or prior capital raises. Among the 2025 cohort, around 20% had prior-year revenues (or earned revenues in the case of nonprofits) over $1m at the point they applied, but for more than 40%, this was under $100k, including a small number of pre-revenue companies. Most startups in the 2025 cohort had raised some capital previously, across a combination of angel investors, prior accelerator programs and VCs—but this is not a prerequisite. The majority had 10 or fewer full-time employees at the time of application, with many preparing to navigate personnel decisions to support their growth. The coaching we fund during the program focuses on helping scale operations, so companies and nonprofits with an established product are most likely to benefit.
The four Impact Categories reflect where we see the greatest potential to support innovators building disruptive solutions to business and societal challenges. Companies creating measurable impact are encouraged to apply, even if they are unsure whether they fit within one of the outlined categories.
The Opportunity: Capital, Content, Connection, Community
After completing a full due diligence process, we provide a grant to nonprofits or an investment in for-profit startups of $150,000. Our team is structured to provide cohort members with dedicated coverage alongside one of our Entrepreneurs in Residence, meeting weekly throughout the five-month program in sessions fully dedicated to each organization’s specific goals and challenges. Topics covered may include refining the pitch, personnel decisions, balancing earned revenue with other funding streams for nonprofits or other strategic challenges. Many find their perceptions of key challenges changing over time with this dedicated outside perspective.
The program curriculum for all cohort members covers building and positioning a brand, refining a value proposition, executing effective finance and fundraising and sales strategies. These sessions are led by external experts—experienced investors, entrepreneurs and early-stage company specialists—who are also available for individual follow‑up and connections. The hybrid structure allows participants to remain hands on while also benefiting from in-person time with other founders.
In addition to the formal curriculum, our team works to shape connections across Morgan Stanley’s Integrated Firm to support each company’s short- and long-term goals. This may be product feedback from a Technology expert, input for nonprofits on engaging large corporates from Community Affairs or connections to deep sector experts from Research or Investment Banking. Participants will also be paired with a Morgan Stanley mentor based on their sector, stage and specific needs. The program culminates with our Demo Days in New York and London, where organizations pitch investors, as well as potential business partners and customers.
Once a cohort member has a formal board in place, we appoint appoint a Board Observer as part of our ongoing relationship. Many of our portfolio companies have gone on to raise additional VC funding, often with our support to make connections. In the future, we may consider additional follow-on investments where companies show strong growth.
© 2026 Morgan Stanley. All Rights Reserved. CRC #5255341 2/2026