Today we're thrilled to share the launch of two key HGL initiatives for 2023: our Accelerator Open Call and Investment Thesis.

The Open Call for our 2023 accelerator cohort is officially live. Running for its sixth year, the accelerator is HGL’s flagship program, facilitating rapid scale and successful integration into the political tech ecosystem for new companies. 

Accelerator companies will join a vibrant group of 50+ HGL startups — such as Mobilize, BallotReady, and Impactive — that have reshaped political technology and helped win critical races. Over five cohorts, we have facilitated 1.3k strategic introductions, coached more than 400 1:1 mentoring sessions, and supported companies to raise $85 million after the accelerator. 

For our sixth cohort, we are looking for promising early-stage founders who share our belief that technology can help campaigns and organizations run better programs. Learn more here about what we're looking for this year, how the Open Call works, and what to expect in the 2023 Accelerator.

Have a great idea with the potential to impact progressive politics? We want you to apply. We'll be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible for the best chance at advancement. 

The startups we select from the Open Call will be aligned with our investment thesis. Every year, Higher Ground Labs creates an investment thesis to define our focus for the cycle ahead. Our core mission is to invest in technology that helps progressives win and our investment thesis is our guide to achieving it.

Since making our first investments in 2017, we now find the political tech ecosystem at a maturation point. With the next presidential cycle just around the corner, now is the moment to not only examine the gaps that remain but also invest in unmet ecosystem-wide needs.

You can read the full 2023 investment thesis and rationale here.

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Later this month we'll be publishing our 2022 Political Tech Landscape Report. Every year Higher Ground Labs tracks the innovations and changes across the political tech industry, recognizing the need to capture these developments in our fast-changing industry.

Join us at our launch webinar on March 23rd 1pm ET / 10am PT and get the first look at the Landscape Report. You'll hear directly from the researchers themselves and get the chance to ask any questions you may have.