LaunchPad 725

A cohort-based accelerator for early-stage founders in St. Louis County hosted at TechArtista UCity.

Launchpad 725 is a 6-month, cohort-based accelerator designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds or who are building ventures with social or environmental impact across St. Louis County.

Launchpad 725 is hosted at TechArtista UCity, the premier coworking home in the Delmar Loop. Located at 725 Kingsland Avenue in University City, this vibrant workspace offers founders a professional, creative environment to focus, collaborate, and grow.

Participants enjoy flexible open coworking, professional meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, kitchen and lounge space, and access to multiple outdoor courtyards. With an on-site café, easy parking, and the restaurants, shops, and cultural energy of the Delmar Loop just steps away, TechArtista UCity is more than a place to work—it’s a community designed to support entrepreneurs and community builders at every stage.

Launchpad 725 is funded in part by the St. Louis County Port Authority’s Community Investment Fund, which supports entrepreneurship and small business development efforts that promote inclusive economic growth throughout St. Louis County.

Who LaunchPad 725 is For

Launchpad 725 is open to early-stage founders and entrepreneurs based in St. Louis County who meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Identify as part of an underrepresented group (including but not limited to BIPOC founders, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, or people with disabilities), and/or

  • Are building a business or organization with a social or environmental mission

  • Are seeking structure, accountability, and support as they grow their business.

We welcome founders across a wide range of industries, including service businesses, creative ventures, product-based companies, nonprofits, and community-based organizations. Launchpad 725 is not limited to high-growth, high-tech, or venture-backed startups. You do not need a polished pitch deck, significant revenue, or outside investment to apply. Ideal participants are founders who:

  • Are actively building their business or organization (even if still early)

  • Are open to feedback, learning, and peer collaboration

  • Can commit to regular participation over the six-month program

  • Want to build something sustainable for themselves and their community

  • Each Launchpad 725 participant receives:

    -12 months of free open coworking (valued at $200/mo) at TechArtista

    -6 months during the structured accelerator

    -6 additional months of open coworking after the cohort ends

    -Regular expert-led workshops covering topics such as customer discovery, business models, legal basics, financial modeling, and marketing.

    -Bi-weekly one-on-one mentorship with experienced entrepreneurs.

    -Monthly peer circles focused on problem-solving and shared learning.

    -$500 cash stipend to help offset early-stage business expenses.

    -Impact Showcase & Partnership Forum, where founders present progress and connect with community partners, customers, and supporters.

    -Ongoing access to the TechArtista community and network

  • Applications Open: January 6, 2026

    Applications Due: January 27, 2026*

    Applicants Notified: Mid-February 2026

    Program Runs: March 2026 to August 2026**

    *Deadline Extended!

    **Programming will take place every other Wednesday at TechArtista UCity from 5:30–7:30 PM, beginning the week of March 2.

  • Applications will be reviewed by a volunteer selection committee made up of TechArtista members, including experienced founders, supporters, and community leaders. This community-led review process helps ensure a thoughtful, values-aligned cohort while reflecting the diversity of the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Final selections will be based on overall fit with the program, readiness to benefit from the experience, and cohort balance across industries and backgrounds.

Learn more

Applications for our inaugural cohort are now closed. If you’d like to be notified when future cohorts open and learn about additional opportunities through the TechArtista Foundation, sign up for our email list below.