The Program
The best founders are made, not born.
Building the next generation of startup leaders in New York City.
01 / Overview
What is SLP?
The Startup Leadership Program (SLP) is a highly selective, world-class training program for outstanding founders, innovators, and entrepreneurial leaders. Founded in Boston in 2005, SLP has expanded to over 20 cities across six continents.
SLP NYC is the New York chapter, bringing together founders from across the five boroughs and the greater metro area. Each year, we select a small cohort of fellows and immerse them in a hands-on curriculum covering fundraising, product strategy, leadership, and company building.
02 / Philosophy
Our Philosophy
We believe the best founders are made, not born. Leadership is a skill that can be developed through deliberate practice, honest feedback, and a supportive peer community.
SLP is not a lecture series or a networking club. It is an intensive, hands-on training ground where fellows challenge each other, learn from seasoned practitioners, and build lasting relationships that extend well beyond the program.
Peer-Driven Learning
Fellows learn as much from each other as from speakers. Cohorts are deliberately curated for diversity of experience and perspective.
Practitioner-Led
Every session is led by someone who has done the work: founders, investors, and operators who share real lessons, not theory.
Lifelong Network
Graduating from SLP means joining a global alumni network of over 5,000 founders, investors, and leaders across 20+ cities.
03 / The Path
How It Works
The SLP NYC fellowship runs for approximately six months. Fellows meet regularly for intensive sessions covering the full spectrum of company building, from validating ideas and raising capital to scaling teams and navigating the challenges of startup life.
- 01
Apply
Submit your application during our annual open enrollment period. We review every application carefully and look for founders with grit and a commitment to growth.
- 02
Join
If selected, you join the program and a community of founders. Sessions cover fundraising, financial modeling, product-market fit, and leadership. The cohort stays with you after.
- 03
Grow
Grow yourself and your company. Fellows often raise funding, launch products, or make pivotal strategic decisions during the program, supported by mentors and peers.
$1B+
Capital Raised
450+
Alumni
1K+
Startups
15+
Years Running
Ready to Join?
Applications are currently closed. Sign up to get notified when they open.