Funding Breakthrough Lab

Funding Breakthrough Lab (FBL) is a selective, equity-free nonprofit pre-accelerator for pre-seed founders in San Francisco, Silicon Valley and the wider Bay Area. Its 10-week Spring 2027 program runs from February 28 to May 8, combining online sessions with in-person gatherings. FBL selects up to 50 founders based on their potential, execution and openness to feedback—not their pedigree—and charges no tuition or equity.

Fellows receive practical support to develop their businesses and prepare to raise funding. The program offers sessions with investors, experienced founders and operators; rotating mentors; ICF-certified one-to-one coaching; weekly mastermind groups; fundraising preparation; three pitch competitions; and an investor demo day. Opening and closing retreats help build connections across the cohort, while alumni gain ongoing community access.

For founders who have an idea but have not yet built an MVP, FBL also offers a three-day Idea to MVP Bootcamp focused on creating and testing a first working product.