Winter 2026 Cohort
focus for 2026: architects of the Human Experience
We’re investing $300K into visionary consumer founders with fresh perspectives: builders who design culture, systems, and experiences that shape how we live, work, and connect. We’re excited about technologies that redefine daily life, transform health, wealth, productivity, community (and beyond), and anticipate cultural shifts to create impact at scale.
By consumer, we mean products for individuals: whether direct-to-consumer, prosumer, marketplaces, or B2B2C models. At the core, it’s about innovations that exponentially (not incrementally) improve everyday life. Please take the time to review the important dates & deadlines below.
An extension of Slauson & Co.’s mission of economic inclusion, Friends & Family exists to create an additional pathway for innovative founders building the next generation of category-defining businesses to access capital & community at the earliest stage. The accelerator focuses on helping founders strengthen their business, attract investment, and build a network with other founders living a similar experience. We identify founders uniquely positioned to build something new and support them with the capital, connections and community to operationally move their business forward.
Ideal Applicant Profile:
Founders with an ambitious vision and innovative approach.
Leveraging technology for large scale growth.
Founding teams with technical expertise and lived experience in the space they are building in.
US based for-profit businesses that have raised less than $1M and founded no earlier than January 2024.
Seeking to join a deeply supportive founder network.
Program Details:
$300K funding for 6% via SAFE plus startup discounts/perks
6 month program: in-person program kickoff in Los Angeles with a combination of weekly virtual sessions and company building sprints.
Opportunities to learn from and network with industry titans, investors, operators, and founders across different stages.
Small group and 1:1 office hours to receive more in-depth tailored support.
Important Dates:
Application Open: October 1st, 2025
Info Session: October 8th | RSVP HERE
Virtual Office Hours: Hosted weekly | COMING SOON
Early Application Deadline: October 21st 11:59pm PST
Applications Close: Sunday November 2nd 11:59pm PST
Program Dates: March 17 - August 28, 2026
