Community

Leslie Founders - Spring ‘26 Semester Ahead

Posted By Rebecca Silver
on Tue, Jan 27, 2026

Leslie Founders is a curated community of promising student founders committed to launching and scaling ventures while at NYU. The community provides a supportive network, exclusive events, perks, and coaching to help you take your venture to the next level.

SPRING '26 SEMESTER AHEAD

This spring, we've organized an outstanding lineup of perks and speakers for the Leslie Founders community. Here's what's in store:

Leslie Founders Roundtables

Leslie Founders are invited to exclusive AMA and networking sessions with prominent founders and investors (over pizza and drinks). On deck:

Social Events

Leslie Founders also meet for community-led events like Catan nights, happy hours, and fun runs.

Scheduled Office Hours for Spring

  • Office hours with startup legal partner Brown Rudnick
  • Office hours with immigration legal partners and others (TBA)

ONGOING RESOURCES FOR LESLIE FOUNDERS

Beyond these events, Leslie Founders receive additional support:

Coaching & Program Support

  • Coaching: Leslie Founders are matched with a coach at the Leslie Entrepreneurial Institute who serves as their go-to resource for startup guidance.
  • Startup Sprint & Summer Launchpad support: Leslie Founders are invited to exclusive application review sessions to improve their chances of being selected for the highly competitive Startup Sprint & Summer Launchpad programs.

Other Perks

APPLY TO JOIN THE LESLIE FOUNDERS COMMUNITY

Running parallel to our Startup Accelerator Program, Leslie Founders welcomes applications from all teams that have completed the Startup Bootcamp, Startup Sprint, and/or Summer Launchpad.

Completed a Startup Bootcamp?

Apply to join Leslie Founders today!

  • Apply by February 22nd at 6pm (March 6th orientation)
  • Apply by March 6th at 6pm (March 27th orientation)

Not yet completed a Startup Bootcamp?

Apply for the next Bootcamp:

  • Apply by February 3rd at 6pm for February 11th Bootcamp
  • Apply by March 5th at 6pm for March 13th Bootcamp
  • Apply by March 30th at 6pm for April 7th Bootcamp

NOTE: If you complete the March 13th Bootcamp, you'll have another chance to apply for Leslie Founders later in spring. Those participating in the April 7th Bootcamp will be eligible for Leslie Founders in the summer semester.

Completed a Startup Sprint, Summer Launchpad, or Female Founders Fellowship?

Ventures that complete the Startup Sprint, Female Founders Fellowship, and/or Summer Launchpad will automatically be granted acceptance to the Leslie Founders community.

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