Built by a founder who started with no network.

Funding Breakthrough Lab is a free, 0%-equity pre-accelerator in San Francisco for first-time founders. You get the education, network and coaching most people only find after years of expensive mistakes.

✓ About Us

Apply for Spring 2027

Talent is everywhere. Access isn't.

Capital, networks and know-how are unevenly spread. Too many capable founders start without them. They spend years learning what insiders already know, or assume venture capital is the only path because it's the loudest story.

Unlike traditional programs built around a single lecturer, the lab offers a holistic view with input from VCs, founders, lawyers, and more. We believe a range of perspectives paints a fuller picture of the startup ecosystem.

Comprehensive Curriculum
Covers everything from pitch practice to legal frameworks, a complete "fundraising toolbox."

Access to Capital & Networks
Capital, networks, and know-how are unevenly distributed, and too many capable founders start without them. Our cohorts are open to everyone, and we build an environment where founders who've lacked a path into traditional funding can learn, connect, and compete on the strength of their ideas. Having a range of backgrounds and approaches in the room has been eye-opening for every participant.

0% equity.
You keep your whole company.

Altruistic Capitalism
Our culture is to give founders the information they need so that win-win outcomes let them thrive, not just survive.

Vision
To support founders building a positive impact in the world.

Our Values

Multiple Perspectives

We believe that hearing from multiple experts is key in helping gain perspective as well as for building companies that serve real customer needs.

Transparency

No equity, no hidden costs. The program is free; a $500 commitment deposit is refunded when you finish.

Human Centered Approach

We believe trust is built through empathy, honesty, and real support.

Why I started FBL

I started my founder journey with no network, no financial backing and no family support to fall back on. I'm an Asian American woman and an immigrant, and I became a US citizen in 2022.

In 2023 I lost my job and went on unemployment. I took the leap anyway. I cut my rent and my expenses and got used to having no income, while trying to build something meaningful.

I wasn't alone. Many of my friends were smart, driven people facing real uncertainty without the networks that help founders succeed. The more founders I supported, the more I saw the same pattern: the cost of starting without capital, networks or know-how, and how long those take to get.

Many assumed VC was the right path because it was the loudest story, not because it fit their business.

After seven years as a nonprofit community builder, I founded Funding Breakthrough Lab. It gives founders everything I wish I'd had, from mindset and coaching to real-world stories from people who've done it.

— Natalie Pan, Founder & CEO

Our Team

The operators and investors who coach every cohort. They've built, scaled and funded companies, and now they help you avoid the mistakes they made.

Neelam Chakrabarty

Neelam is a 2x founder and seasoned marketing leader with two decades of experience driving growth across startups and enterprises. She has scaled products from zero to $200M and built go-to-market strategies that transformed customer experiences. As a mentor, she helps founders sharpen their problem-solving lens, build traction early, and unlock growth through data-driven decisions.

Holly Uber

Holly Uber is a catalyst for innovation and visionary product leader with over a decade of experience driving technology-enabled transformation. She has developed FDA-registered SaMD products for remote patient monitoring and advanced creative solutions in AR/VR education at zSpace. As an active investor, advisor, and mentor, Holly champions strong teams and future product leaders. Blending expertise in healthcare, emerging technologies, and ecosystem leadership, she turns bold ideas into real-world impact across industries.

Rochi is a Senior Startup Program Manager at INNOVIT, where she designs and runs startup acceleration programs that help early-stage companies scale and succeed. With a data-driven background spanning MercadoLibre, AON, EY, and General Motors, she blends technical expertise with strong business intuition to drive measurable impact, from launching new platforms to leading digital transformation initiatives.

Rochi Cairo Presepi

There's a lot to love
about Funding Breakthrough Lab

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It free?
Yes. There's no tuition and we take 0% equity. We ask for a $500 commitment deposit when the program starts, and refund it in full when you complete it.

Do you take equity?
No. We believe you should understand the startup ecosystem before you give away any of your company. The program is designed to help you understand your value as a founder.

How long is the program?
The program runs for 10-weeks.

Can I do this online?
Yes - the majority of this experience is online, all social events, however, are in person including our retreats and the final demo day.

Can I be in school or have a job?
Yes - However we only take highly committed founders. Lack of commitment hurts the community and downgrades the experience for everyone else.

What is the time commitment?
Expect 6 hrs a week. Expect 5 hours of content or workshop time. Additionally 1 hour to meet with your fellow cohort subgroups once a week. You'll also have time to meet with mentors.

What about the opening and closing retreat?
Their is an optional opening and closing retreat at a Ranch owned by one of our speakers. It's has been the foundation for founders to build connection with fellow cohort members and speakers. We highly recommend you attend.

What's are alumni perk?
You get continued live zoom access to future cohorts, so you can jump in a watch new talks. We ask you let new founders have priority to asking questions. You will also have access to our alumni what's app group and slack.