Located in Colorado, our organization has programming that is available to exceptional tech-driven BIPOC founders who are at the prototype stage. We provide $20,000 in equity-free funding to accepted startups, as well as mentoring that is customized to each company. Startups may be incorporated or not and have revenue or not. They may have raised funding, be currently raising, or not raising funds.
In six months or less, Access Mode delivers scalable impact, focused on propelling companies from the prototype stage to paid customer engagement.
At the end of the program, founders have lifelong membership in an alumni network providing support for the entire entrepreneurial journey.
The founders of Access Mode are entrepreneurs of color who have expertise in both startups and the corporate environment gained through decades of experience in tech, marketing, legal, and finance. Their personal experiences of removing roadblocks in their own careers motivated them to work to open doors of opportunity for Black, Latino, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and Indigenous tech founders in Colorado and beyond.
Access Mode is a values-driven organization focused on high-touch mentoring that removes barriers to successful startups for the highest potential tech entrepreneurs.
What are our values?
Empowerment: we prioritize anti-racism, counteracting ways that systems have historically failed entrepreneurs of color and affirming the lived experience of founders furthest from opportunity.
Empathy: we listen, understand, and are intentional in the way we engage.
Transparency: we engage all stakeholders with honesty and truth.
Trust: we carefully steward the confidence of our members, investors, and community.
Accretion: we leverage our skills, resources and experience to continuously add value to the tech ecosystem.
Founded in 2022, Access Mode is a Colorado-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented tech founders by removing barriers to entrepreneurial success. Guided by the belief that talent is universal, but opportunity is not, Access Mode provides access to critical resources, mentorship, capital, and networks to ensure historically excluded founders can thrive in the tech ecosystem.
Through our flagship tech accelerator program we have supported 36 entrepreneurs—50% of whom identify as immigrants or first-generation Americans—and helped launch 25 innovative companies. Our founders represent the resilience and diversity of the tech community, with 99% identifying as African American, Latino, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
Access Mode's programming delivers over 200+ hours of expert-led content covering marketing, sales, product development, finance, and leadership. Our accelerator alumni have collectively raised over $3.5 million in funding, secured customer traction, and participated in nationally renowned programs such as Techstars and Gener8tor. Additionally, over 125 entrepreneurs in Colorado’s startup ecosystem have benefitted from our workshops, open office hours, and community mentorship.
Access Mode is building a more inclusive future for tech entrepreneurship. By supporting founders furthest from opportunity, we’re not only changing lives but also supporting the creation of sustainable businesses that drive innovation, economic inclusion and strengthen communities.
Organization name
Access Mode Inc
2022
Tax id (EIN)
88-3454913
Category
Public & Societal Benefit, Science & Technology, Civil Rights, Social Action & Advocacy
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
2400 MONACO PKWYDenver, CO, US
US