ConnectUP! Institute today announces the acquisition of the Lunar Accelerator program, developed by Lunar Startups.
This acquisition combines two trailblazing organizations committed to fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, driving community wealth, and creating high-quality jobs in the Twin Cities. After experiencing the Lunar Accelerator’s proprietary system of support, resources, and community, underinvested founders will now have a clear pathway to access ConnectUP’s capital allocation programs.
“The Lunar Accelerator expands our capacity to connect more entrepreneurs to inclusive capital options and achieve their highest potential,” said Y. Elaine Rasmussen, Founder and Executive Director of ConnectUP! Institute. “Thanks to Lunar Accelerator’s track record of creating capital-ready startups, our Integrated Capital Fund can be deployed even more strategically to drive inclusive economic growth.”
“Since our launch in 2018, Lunar has emphasized that access to capital is a key ingredient for creating real, sustainable change in the ecosystem for underinvested entrepreneurs,” added Lunar Startups Executive Director, Danielle Steer. “Our accelerator program has already generated nearly $250 million in economic impact – without a capital allocation vehicle of our own. ConnectUP! Institute’s leadership and core competencies are the perfect complement to the Lunar Accelerator.”
The Lunar Accelerator will be embedded within ConnectUP! Institute starting with Cohort 7. Applications will open in early 2024. Sign up for Accelerator Alerts here. For answers to commonly-asked questions about the acquisition process, click here.
