The 2023 Housing Lab cohort application is now closed. The 2024 application will open this winter.

Stay in the Loop

Apply to the Housing Lab

cohort group image
We are looking for innovators with bold new ideas to make housing more equitable, accessible, and sustainable. To learn more about what we're looking for, read our 2023 areas of interest.

This year's program will run from August 2023 - January 2024. We host a mix of virtual and  in-person meetings. In previous years, we have hosted a fall retreat in California and a winter event with industry leaders and policymakers. See a recording of our 2023 event in Washington DC.

Want to learn more? Read the press release, watch a recording of last year's applicant webinar, and meet our 2022 cohort here.

What do ventures get?

A seed grant

An investment in product development and growth

A dedicated coach

Weekly virtual advising from an expert in policy & business strategy in the housing market

Capital markets advice

Support refining the venture’s financial structure and fundraising approach

Network access

Connections to builders, policy makers, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs

Application process

Determine if you are eligible.

1.
We work best with organizations that have already started to prove their innovation and are ready to grow. For more information on our selection criteria see below

Submit an application

2.
Our first round application is only 9 questions.

Diligence

3.
A subset of applicants will be invited to submit a secondary application with details on finances and growth plans. Top applicants will then participate in additional diligence including 1-2 virtual interviews.

Join the Cohort

4.
Our 2023 cohort will run from August 2023 to January 2024.

Nearly $400 million raised

by Housing Lab ventures since they joined the Lab - an average 20x increase in external funding.

50,000 lives improved

with more stable, affordable housing or wealth building with Housing Lab ventures.

15+ years of partnerships

between Housing Lab ventures and federal and state governments to bring ventures' work to scale.

How we evaluate applicants

Our program team and selection committee analyze companies with a holistic lens. Factors we consider include:

  • The inventiveness & fit of the idea: How new and creative is the core concept, and how well does it fit today’s housing challenges? Can it create transformational outcomes for housing affordability and equity?
  • Strength of core product and business model: Do the core elements of the organization’s product or service work? Are the barriers the organization may face in the regulatory landscape overcomeable? Is there a path to long-term profitability and/or an ability to attract the outside investment needed to grow?
  • Potential for national influence: Could this concept make housing or homeownership more accessible on a national level, either by growing nationally or by creating a model that is replicable by others in their communities?
  • Strength of the leadership team and key staff: Does the core team have the skills necessary for success? Can they attract additional talent to help them grow? 
  • Program fit: Will the Housing Lab’s support help catapult the venture to the next phase of growth?

We believe housing inequality disproportionately hurts the most marginalized people in society — including BIPOC people, people from working-class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people. We believe these communities must be centered in the work we do and strongly encourage applications from organizations led by individuals with these identities or members of other marginalized communities.

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