At The Idea Village, we aim for companies to succeed through rapid growth. We INSPIRE the broader community to channel creativity and culture into entrepreneurship. We support idea-stage founders to START ventures with a foundation for rapid growth. We help ventures SCALE by harnessing the power of specialized networks that channel resources and expertise to accelerate outcomes.
Finally, we encourage experienced founders, investors, and stakeholders to re-invest in the system for its continued growth and to build collective wins.
CORE PROGRAMS
A 10-week accelerator designed for idea-stage startups to develop the fundamentals of a scalable business.
IDEAinstitute is a semiannual idea-stage accelerator program that introduces innovative entrepreneurs and aspiring startup founders to the tools they need to turn an idea into a scalable venture.
Pitch Night is the final event for selected founders to showcase their startups to the community and pitch to a diverse panel of judges.
Our industry-leading, mentor-driven intensive accelerator program for venture scale startups.
VILLAGEx is our industry-leading, mentor-driven accelerator program for venture-scale startups that aim to raise at least $1M in the next 24 months.
Demo Day is the final day on which VILLAGEx founders pitch their company and network. It serves as a ‘graduation’ for VILLAGEx founders.
IDEApitch traditionally happens during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW), where founders from VILLAGEx showcase their companies and pitch for a prize. The winner receives an investment prize through the Momentum Fund (see below), provided they meet certain criteria.
All VILLAGEx alumni are also eligible for investment from the Momentum Fund, an affiliated venture fund fueling the growth of local seed-stage startups in New Orleans through venture capital investment, mentorship, and network connections.
Our founder-first venture capital fund investing in the Gulf South’s next generation of startups.
In 2023, The Idea Village launched a new affiliated venture capital fund called the Momentum Fund to invest in breakout alumni of the flagship VILLAGEx accelerator program.
The Momentum Fund was launched with $6.7 million in committed capital from 24 individual investors and family offices, including some of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast’s leading founders. Private capital is complemented by state investment through Louisiana Economic Development’s SSBCI (State Small Business Credit Initiative).
The fund, which is connected to The Idea Village but separately managed and governed, allows us to support accelerator companies over the long term through capital investment and to ultimately participate in the company’s success through a carried interest of profits via the investment fund.
CATALYST PROGRAMS
A venture accelerator that supports select startups founded by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs.
IDEAfuel, supported by Regions Foundation, is a venture accelerator that supports select startups founded by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs with non-dilutive capital, 1:1 mentorship, exclusive business resources, and more to help their startups succeed and scale.
IDEAfuel is open to alumni of IDEAinstitute, or to founders who commit to participating in IDEAinstitute after being accepted into the program.
A venture accelerator for entrepreneurs who seek to solve problems or create new opportunities in the music industry.
METRONOME is a 10-week program layered on IDEAinstitute that is designed to help early-stage founders innovating the music industry refine their business models and accelerate growth. Through expert mentorship, engaging workshops, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, participants gain the tools and connections they need to scale.
METRONOME focuses on the key milestones that drive music industry startup success, helping founders navigate the path to building a sustainable and scalable business.
COMMUNITY AND EVENTS
NOEW is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and culture.
NOEW (pronounced noh-wee) is the ultimate celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Gulf Coast region. Hosted by The Idea Village and Loyola University, this week-long event offers a dynamic mix of keynotes, pitch competitions, workshops, and networking opportunities designed to ignite ideas and foster connections.
Learn more and join us for NOEW here.
An annual VC summit connecting the Gulf South’s top founders with national venture capital.
The 3rd Coast Venture Summit is an exclusive gathering for founders and investors, held during New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW). This event fosters vital connections between innovative startups in the Gulf Coast and national investors, providing a platform to showcase regional talent and drive funding opportunities. Through panels, pitch competitions, and networking, the summit is designed to help high-growth founders scale their businesses and attract the necessary resources for growth.
A podcast where innovation meets culture, featuring thought leadership and expert interviews on startups and innovation.
Big Easy Ideas is a thought leadership podcast filmed live at New Orleans Entrepreneur Week that explores startups, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and culture. The show features a diverse lineup of successful business leaders, startup founders, investors, and cultural influencers who share their insights and experiences. With expertise spanning industries such as climate tech, Web3, and more, Big Easy Ideas inspires founders at every stage of their journey across New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, and beyond.