SOURCE: https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/diversity/inclusive-ventures-lab – mcil5
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Our Mission
In our 2018 survey, investors reported capitalizing underrepresented businesses at 80% less than businesses overall, and our research shows this translates into roughly $4.4 trillion in missed opportunity. The Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab (MSIVL), part of our Inclusive Ventures Group, is here to change that. Launched in 2017, and expanded to include founders in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 2021, the MSIVL promotes financial inclusion and provides founders of tech and tech-enabled startups with much-needed access to investors—along with the tools, resources and connections they need to grow and thrive. Our mission is nothing less than to transform the investing landscape around the world.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
CURATED CURRICULUM
The Lab customizes a curriculum for each startup, including finance & sales strategy, marketing & branding, and private sessions with industry experts.
MENTORSHIP THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Morgan Stanley pairs each startup with hand-picked mentors who provide advice and counsel to help each company grow and scale its business.
POWERFUL NETWORKS
We introduce startups to our bankers, financial advisors, technology experts and others who can connect each company to their industry networks. We also give them access to potential clients and the investor ecosystem at large.
SHOWCASE AND DEMO DAY
Our five-month program culminates with a Demo Day during which all participants can present to a network of investors, potential business partners and customers, who could help take their companies to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Background and Basics
What is the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab?
The Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab is an intensive five-month accelerator designed to help further develop and scale startups, culminating in a Demo Day and showcase presentation to the investor community.
When and why was the Lab started?
Morgan Stanley launched the Inclusive Ventures Lab, formerly known as the Multicultural Innovation Lab, in 2017 in order to address inequities in funding of underrepresented founders, which our research shows totals more than a trillion dollars.
Who leads the Lab team?
Our global team is led by Managing Director and Global Head of the Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Group Selma Bueno. Bueno has over 20 years of investment banking and capital markets experience. Our EMEA team is led by Sanghamitra Karra. Karra has over 15 years of risk management experience, including in stress testing and investment management.
Where is the Lab based?
The U.S. Lab is based in our office at 522 Fifth Avenue in New York City, and the EMEA Lab is based at 20 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London.
Contact Us
For additional questions about our New York-based program, please use this contact to email us and we’ll get back to you shortly. For questions about our London-based (EMEA) program, please email us here.
Application Details
Who is eligible?
The ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
- Is an underrepresented founder, co-founder, CTO or other C-suite member.
- Has founded a technology or technology-enabled startup that falls within the Seed to Series A funding round stage.
- Has launched product with demonstrated revenues that validate the initial business model and market opportunity.
Do I have to live in or relocate to NYC or London to participate?
We believe that the value of our program lies in part with the relationships built among the cohort and with the broader Morgan Stanley community. In the past, this required all participants to be on site in our offices for the duration of the program. However, since 2022, Lab activities and events have been operating on a hybrid remote and in-person model.
When are applications open?
Applications are currently open and are being accepted on a rolling basis for both our New York-based and London-based 2023 cohorts. We encourage interested applicants to apply early due to limited space and high application volume.
Do I have to lead a FinTech company in order to apply?
No. We look for technology or technology-enabled startups across a variety of sectors.
When will I hear back about my application?
We aim to target contacting applicants with next steps within one month after their application is submitted.
I’ve applied to the Lab before. Can I apply again?
We absolutely welcome repeat applications and encourage previous applicants to keep in touch.
I am interested in applying to the London-based program. What else do I need to know?
The EMEA MSIVL program launched with a first cohort of five companies led by underrepresented founders in late summer 2022. Read more about it here.
Contact Us
For additional questions about our New York-based program, please use this contact to email us and we’ll get back to you shortly. For questions about our London-based (EMEA) program, please email us here.
What You Can Expect
Does Morgan Stanley invest financially in companies that participate in the Lab?
Morgan Stanley will provide participating companies with a cash contribution, a five-month curated program, mentorship, networking, office space for the duration of the program, and access to certain external advisors in exchange for an equity stake of 5.00%. The cash contribution is $250,000 to each company participating in our New York-based program and £250,000 to each company participating in our London-based program.
What does the curriculum cover?
The curriculum is tailored to suit each individual cohort, but it generally includes such topics as branding your startup, developing your investor pitch, refining your value prop and devising effective finance and sales strategies. In addition, we offer participants the opportunity to meet with industry experts for one-on-one consultations.
What kind of mentorship will I receive from Morgan Stanley?
We pair each company with a Morgan Stanley mentor chosen specifically for their relevant expertise. Your mentor communicates with you regularly and can provide advice and counsel on company growth and scaling your business.
Will I be introduced to investors during my time at the Lab?
Morgan Stanley leverages its broad network of clients and investors on behalf of its Lab cohorts, making introductions and connections that aim to grow and scale each company’s business.
What is Demo Day?
Demo Day culminates the five-month Lab program, with each founder pitching to an audience of potential investors and clients.
Does the Lab team support its portfolio companies after the program is over?
Yes, we stay in contact with former participants and follow their successes, continuing to offer advice and support as needed.
Contact Us
For additional questions about our New York-based program, please use this contact to email us and we’ll get back to you shortly. For questions about our London-based (EMEA) program, please email us here.