Larta Venture Fellows Program

About

A nine-month, no-cost, non-dilutive commercialization program supports U.S.-based early-stage science and technology ventures that are ready to pilot or deploy climate and environmental resilience solutions in Los Angeles communities.

Benefits

• 🆓No cost, no equity
  Participation is free and non-dilutive; Larta states it charges no fees and takes no equity.
• 🧑‍🏫 One-on-one mentorship
  Fellows receive personalized technical assistance and one-on-one mentorship.
• 🧭Commercialization strategy
  Fellows receive strategic guidance to refine business models and scale solutions.
• 🛠️ Workshops
  Fellows participate in interactive workshops on commercialization topics.
• 🤝Potential ecosystem connections
  Fellows may receive potential connections to Los Angeles-based sustainability organizations, research institutions, utilities, investors, and community partners.
• 💰Grant support
  Fellows receive support identifying and applying for grants and other funding opportunities.
• 📣Visibility
  Fellows gain visibility through Larta's Ecosystem Action Network.
• 🌐Network access
  Fellows gain access to Larta's national network of experts and alumni innovators.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications are open to for-profit, nonprofit, and hybrid ventures, including university-affiliated startups and academic spinouts, provided they have a scalable product or technology to commercialize.
• Applicants should be based in or incorporated in the United States and be able to participate in a program that operates on Pacific Time.
• Applicants do not need to be based in Los Angeles but must be willing to pilot or engage meaningfully in Los Angeles.
• The innovation should be beyond the concept stage and in development, validation, or market-ready phase.
• Applicants should demonstrate early informal or formal engagement with potential customers, partners, or investors within the innovation's use case.
• The venture should be developing a science- or technology-based solution that addresses climate and environmental challenges facing Los Angeles communities or aligns with one or more of the program's challenge areas.
• Community-based organizations, nonprofits, or advocacy groups without a commercializable product or technology, policy, research, or education initiatives without a path to market, and consulting or professional services without a proprietary technology component are generally not a fit.

Participation Commitments

• Submit an online application including a brief overview of the innovation, team, and target market.
• Shortlisted applicants participate in a brief interview with the Venture Fellows selection team.
• Selected applicants must incorporate their business before formally accepting to join the program if shortlisted by Larta.
• Fellows commit to the nine-month program running from January 2027 through September 2027.
• Fellows should expect to dedicate approximately 65 hours over the nine months, averaging about 7.5 hours per month.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the cohort may fill before the 30 November 2026 deadline.
• Participation is no-cost and no-equity; Larta charges no fees and takes no equity.

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Energy & Utilities, Real Estate & Construction, Other

Target Location

Applicants should be based in or incorporated in the United States and able to participate in a program that operates on Pacific Time., Applicants do not need to be based in Los Angeles but must be willing to pilot or engage meaningfully in Los Angeles.