CIG Startup Foundry gives underrepresented founders free, expert advisory — pitch practice and customer discovery — from people who have built and backed real companies. No cost. No equity. No catch.
Creative thinking to reimagine what's possible.
Impact that goes beyond the bottom line.
Growth that's built to last.
From underserved communities, underrepresented backgrounds, and overlooked geographies — high-potential founders rarely get into the room with experienced investors and operators. We change that, one session at a time.
Both services are complimentary, focused, and built for founders who are ready to do the work.
Practise your pitch with experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Get direct, honest feedback before the moment that counts — so you walk into every room ready.
Work one-on-one with advisors to sharpen your understanding of who your customer really is, what they need, and how to validate it before you build.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. From apply to advice in days, not months.
Tell us about you and your venture in a short form — about ten minutes, no polish required.
We read every application and get back to you within five business days, on a rolling basis.
Meet an advisor for pitch practice, customer discovery, or both — focused on your real challenge.
Walk away with direct, actionable feedback and a sharper plan for the room that's coming.
At CIG Startup Foundry, underrepresented entrepreneurs are founders who have historically faced systemic barriers to accessing capital, networks, and mentorship — not because of the merit of their ideas, but because of who they are or where they come from. We recognise that these barriers often compound, and that the entrepreneurial ecosystem is stronger when it reflects the full diversity of the communities it serves.
At CIG Startup Foundry, impact means building ventures that create measurable, lasting value for people and the planet — not just returns for shareholders. An impact startup deliberately addresses a social, environmental, or economic challenge as part of its core business model, not as an afterthought. We believe profit and purpose are not in conflict — the most durable businesses solve real problems for real people.
Yes. Every advisory session is complimentary. There are no hidden fees and no equity asks — just experienced people investing their time in your success.
We support underrepresented founders building impact-driven ventures — including, but not limited to, women and non-binary founders, people of colour, immigrants and newcomers, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ founders, and founders from low-income or rural backgrounds. Many founders carry more than one of these identities, and that's welcome.
Two things: a 30-minute pitch practice session with entrepreneurs and investors who give honest, actionable feedback; and customer discovery advisory to help you validate your market and sharpen your value proposition. You can apply for one or both.
Any stage — from an idea you're still exploring, through early validation and traction, to a venture you're actively scaling. The advisory meets you where you are.
We review applications on a rolling basis and aim to be in touch within five business days. The application itself takes about ten minutes to complete.
Absolutely. If you've built or backed companies and want to invest your time in founders who rarely get the chance, we'd love to hear from you — reach out and we'll be in touch.
Apply for a complimentary session. No cost, no equity — just experienced people investing their time in your success.
