Howard University Students Launch “Founders on the Yard” to Connect HBCU Entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley

A new accelerator initiative aims to close the venture capital gap by giving HBCU founders access to mentorship, capital networks, and a Silicon Valley demo stage.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (Publish date: January 29, 2026)

A powerful new initiative is working to reshape the future of innovation coming out of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Founders on the Yard, co-founded by Atuwatse and Chukwuemeka, two student leaders at Howard University, is launching a program designed to connect HBCU student and alumni entrepreneurs with the resources, visibility, and networks typically concentrated in Silicon Valley.

The initiative addresses a longstanding disparity: despite the abundance of talent at HBCUs, founders from these institutions remain significantly underrepresented in venture capital funding and mainstream startup ecosystems.

“We’ve seen firsthand how brilliant HBCU founders are building incredible things but often without the access, exposure, or infrastructure their peers at other institutions receive. Founders on the Yard is about changing that narrative and building a direct bridge to opportunity.”

— Atuwatse, Co-Founder, Founders on the Yard

Building a Bridge Between HBCUs and Silicon Valley

Founders on the Yard is launching its first cohort through a pre-accelerator and accelerator-style program designed to support 10 HBCU founders in 2026. The program will provide:

• Technical coaching and product development support
• Mentorship from founders, operators, and investors
• Access to startup tools, credits, and ecosystem partners
• Community and social capital among HBCU entrepreneurs
• Preparation for a Demo Day in Silicon Valley in April

Rather than focusing on a single pitch winner, the Demo Day will spotlight all participating startups—emphasizing visibility and long-term opportunity over competition.

“We want to make sure every founder in the cohort gets meaningful exposure. This isn’t just about pitching for a check—it’s about building relationships, opening doors, and integrating HBCU founders into the broader innovation ecosystem.”

— Chukwuemeka, Co-Founder, Founders on the Yard

Open to HBCU Founders at Any Stage

The program is open to current HBCU students and alumni founders at any stage—from early ideas to startups already gaining traction. Organizers emphasize that today’s AI tools and startup infrastructure make it possible for founders to build and ship products faster than ever before.

Ecosystem Partners and Supporters Invited to Join

Founders on the Yard is inviting investors, mentors, sponsors, and ecosystem partners to join the mission and support HBCU founders through:

• Mentorship and founder coaching
• Investment and capital connections
• Sponsorship opportunities for the April Demo Day
• Tools/credits/resources that help founders build and scale

Applications Now Open

HBCU founders ready to scale their startups—and ecosystem leaders ready to support them—are encouraged to get involved.

About Founders on the Yard

Founded by Howard University student leaders Atuwatse and Chukwuemeka, Founders on the Yard is an initiative dedicated to empowering HBCU entrepreneurs by connecting them with capital, mentorship, and visibility within the global startup ecosystem.

About HBCU Connect

HBCU Connect is the largest professional network for HBCU students and alumni, connecting diverse talent with career, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities.