Leadership, Mentorship, and Momentum for Women-Led Tech Startups
If you’re a woman founder building a technology business—and you’re ready to grow, lead with clarity, and access the resources you need to scale—this could be the accelerator you’ve been waiting for.
Applications are now open for the 2025 cohort of FourthWave, a non-dilutive, grant-funded accelerator designed specifically for women-led tech startups. Now in its seventh session, this 16-week program provides access to personalized mentorship, leadership development, and expert business coaching to help you strengthen your strategy, sharpen your vision, and become funding-ready. The deadline to apply is June 6, and the program kicks off on August 6, following a two-day in-person launch in Sacramento the week of August 4.
Why FourthWave?
FourthWave is not a typical accelerator. It’s designed by and for women entrepreneurs—and that distinction shapes the entire experience. This is a space where your leadership growth is just as important as your business model. Where seasoned founders, investors, and coaches meet you where you are. And where the relationships you form can become lifelong collaborators and champions.
The program is primarily virtual, making it accessible to founders across the U.S., but it includes optional in-person opportunities throughout the session for those who can travel. The first in-person gathering—a two-day kickoff in Sacramento—brings the entire cohort together to build foundational trust and connection.
What You’ll Get
Founders selected for the cohort receive:
- Weekly virtual sessions focused on leadership development and business fundamentals
- 1:1 mentorship from successful female entrepreneurs
- Coaching on funding strategy, go-to-market planning, product development risk, and more
- Peer support from a curated group of 12–15 women founders
- The opportunity to present to investors during Global Entrepreneurship Week in November
Past participants have gone on to raise over $150 million in investment and venture capital. Companies like Elve, Hamama, HomeZada, 3D OPS, and Foodom are all part of the FourthWave alum community.
What’s the Commitment?
FourthWave is a nonprofit and does not take equity. There is a one-time fee of $450, which helps cover program costs and demonstrates commitment. If that fee is a hardship, FourthWave will work with you to ensure it’s not a barrier.
About 60% of selected companies will be headquartered in (or willing to locate to) the greater Sacramento region, while the rest come from other parts of the country.
Who Should Apply
This program is ideal for early-stage technology companies led by women or female-identified founders. You should have some traction—such as an MVP, early revenue, investors, or strategic partnerships—but you don’t need to be perfect or polished. What matters most is your commitment to building a sustainable, scalable business and a willingness to engage deeply in your own leadership growth.
Not sure if it’s the right fit? The FourthWave team welcomes questions and is happy to talk 1:1 with prospective applicants. Contact them here.
Upcoming Info Session
- Virtual Info Session: May 13 at 12 PM PT via Zoom Sign up here
Apply Now or Learn More
Applications are due by Friday, June 6, 2025. If you have any questions about whether you and your company could benefit from the program, the FourthWave team is available to talk 1:1 with potential applicants to answer questions. Contact them here.
Apply Now!
Interested in learning about more events and programs happening in the Greater Sacramento region? Check our event listings!