Sara Lynn Farnsworth’s personal experience with disability sparked an entrepreneurial journey. Twenty-five years ago, a rock-climbing accident left her facing the prospect of paralysis. Through relentless rehabilitation, she regained the ability to walk with a cane, but navigating long distances remained a challenge. Existing mobility solutions like electric scooters and wheelchairs fell short of her needs. She envisioned a lightweight, portable, and fast electric scooter that could easily be transported in a vehicle – a device that didn’t yet exist. This realization ignited her desire to create a solution, not just for herself, but for others facing similar mobility limitations.
Five years later, Farnsworth discovered Venture Labs, a pre-accelerator program specifically designed for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This program, a collaborative effort between 2Gether-International (2GI), a startup accelerator focused on founders with disabilities, and JPMorgan Chase, provided a crucial stepping stone for Farnsworth’s nascent venture. Venture Labs offered a structured curriculum, mentorship, and a supportive community, empowering her to refine her idea and take the first steps towards realizing her vision. Now, with the completion of the pre-accelerator, she aims to join 2GI’s main accelerator program and propel her company, Platypus Mobility Scooters, towards market.
Venture Labs addresses a critical gap in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities, especially in accessing early-stage funding and support networks, 2GI established this pre-accelerator program. While 2GI already supported seed-stage companies led by individuals with disabilities, Venture Labs focuses on an even earlier stage, nurturing nascent ideas and equipping founders with the foundational skills needed to transform concepts into viable businesses. The program’s emphasis on inclusivity and community building creates a supportive environment where entrepreneurs with disabilities can connect, share experiences, and overcome the isolation often associated with the entrepreneurial journey.
The four-week program provides a concentrated curriculum delivered through pre-recorded videos, covering essential topics such as market analysis, customer identification, and problem-solving. These self-paced modules are complemented by interactive group sessions, fostering collaboration and peer learning. Participants discuss their homework assignments, which contribute to the development of a comprehensive presentation deck. Furthermore, Venture Labs connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors who provide valuable guidance and industry insights. This combination of structured learning, peer interaction, and expert mentorship equips participants with the knowledge and tools to validate their ideas and lay the groundwork for their startups.
Beyond the curriculum, Venture Labs prioritizes building a strong sense of community. Recognizing the isolation that entrepreneurs, particularly those with disabilities, can experience, the program fosters connection through various initiatives. Regular online coffee chats provide a platform for participants to network, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. This emphasis on community creates a supportive ecosystem where entrepreneurs can find encouragement, guidance, and a sense of belonging. The program culminates in an in-house pitch competition, offering participants a valuable opportunity to practice presenting their ideas and gain experience in a supportive environment, preparing them for future fundraising efforts.
With its inaugural pre-accelerator program successfully launched, 2Gether-International looks towards expansion. The organization plans to extend its pre-accelerator and accelerator programs to Latin America in the coming years, broadening its impact and supporting a wider community of entrepreneurs with disabilities. This expansion reflects 2GI’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and driving innovation within the disability community globally. Meanwhile, Sara Farnsworth continues to develop her vision for Platypus Mobility Scooters, aiming to provide innovative and accessible mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities and beyond, transforming her personal challenge into a venture with the potential to improve lives and empower others to navigate the world with greater freedom and independence.
