Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are crucial components of a company’s success. We believe that diversity of thought is a powerful asset and have launched the CreateDEI Legal Accelerator to share critical knowledge and insights, expand networks, and access funding. Participants will have the opportunity to experience our innovative approach to practicing law as we assist in preparing them to negotiate and receive venture investment.
CreateDEI offers the services of our Create program plus a $10,000 legal services scholarship covering weekly legal sessions, attorney office hours, and more.
COMPETENT
Founders
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CreateDEI is designed for pre-seed startups, and we believe yet-to-be-formed and pre-seed stage companies will benefit the most from CreateDEI, but all companies are welcome to apply, including graduates from business accelerators.
In addition to being committed to DEI, ideal CreateDEI companies will have the following:
- a viable solution to a compelling problem;
- a team with relevant experience and industry knowledge to deliver its solution;
- and high-growth potential.
Of course, all companies are welcome to apply but note that CreateDEI programming takes place in the early afternoon Eastern time (typically between 12 and 3 ET).
Yes, all weekly sessions and attorney office hours will take place virtually, and each cohort may engage with each other virtually via Slack.
The time commitment for CreateDEI is generally only a few hours per week when you fully engage in the recommended activities. Keep in mind that while attendance at each 90-minute weekly session is strongly encouraged, all components of CreateDEI are voluntary, and we trust that, as a founder and executive, you will prioritize the activities that offer the greatest potential for your company’s success. The Spring 2023 Cohort will run from April to July with breaks for holidays before concluding with the CreateDEI Investor Day.
We strongly encourage at least one founder from your team to attend each weekly session. CreateDEI offers a prime opportunity to involve the entire team, and additional team members are welcome to join.
In addition to learning from GwC attorneys, you will learn from founders who have recently raised funds, active angel investors, and leading VCs and accelerators. We will announce participating investors and partners for the upcoming cohort via social media before it begins.
GwC does not take an equity stake in companies in exchange for participating in the accelerator.
The legal services scholarship will automatically credit to your weekly sessions, attorney office hours, and legal services rendered by GwC staff.
We do not charge fees for the CreateDEI Legal Accelerator; however, CreateDEI is a bolt-on to the Create program, and CreateDEI participants are automatically enrolled in Create. Create is a low-cost, high-value subscription-based program that spans a year, offering your company a suite of customized legal documents with related counseling and access to qualified legal counsel for a set price to get your company ready for investors! A portion of Create fees are accessed up front with monthly payments for the remaining balance until fully paid.
As a part of joining the CreateDEI cohort, you acknowledge that DEI is part of your company’s ethos and strategy like it is ours. After all, the goal of CreateDEI is to ensure that DEI-minded founders – underrepresented and allies – commit to leveling the playing field. The ecosystem change we are contributing to grows with each cohort participant making the commitments in the CreateDEI side letter, which are to promote DEI within the company by attracting, hiring, and retaining diverse talent and seeking diverse investors.
Is my company a good fit for CreateDEI?
CreateDEI is designed for pre-seed startups, and we believe yet-to-be-formed and pre-seed stage companies will benefit the most from CreateDEI, but all companies are welcome to apply, including graduates from business accelerators.
What criteria are used to select CreateDEI companies?
In addition to being committed to DEI, ideal CreateDEI companies will have the following:
- a viable solution to a compelling problem;
- a team with relevant experience and industry knowledge to deliver its solution;
- and high-growth potential.
Can international companies join?
Of course, all companies are welcome to apply but note that CreateDEI programming takes place in the early afternoon Eastern time (typically between 12 and 3 ET).
Can I participate virtually?
Yes, all weekly sessions and attorney office hours will take place virtually, and each cohort may engage with each other virtually via Slack.
What is the time commitment for CreateDEI?
The time commitment for CreateDEI is generally only a few hours per week when you fully engage in the recommended activities. Keep in mind that while attendance at each 90-minute weekly session is strongly encouraged, all components of CreateDEI are voluntary, and we trust that, as a founder and executive, you will prioritize the activities that offer the greatest potential for your company's success.
How many members of my team can participate?
We strongly encourage at least one founder from your team to attend each weekly session. CreateDEI offers a prime opportunity to involve the entire team, and additional team members are welcome to join.
Who will I hear from throughout the CreateDEI Accelerator?
In addition to learning from GwC attorneys, you will learn from founders who have recently raised funds, active angel investors, and leading VCs and accelerators. We will announce participating investors and partners for the upcoming cohort via social media before it begins.
Does GwC receive equity in my company through CreateDEI?
GwC does not take an equity stake in companies in exchange for participating in the accelerator.
How can I use the CreateDEI scholarship?
The legal services scholarship will automatically credit to your weekly sessions, attorney office hours, and legal services rendered by GwC staff.
Does GwC charge a fee to participate in CreateDEI?
We do not charge fees for the CreateDEI Legal Accelerator; however, CreateDEI is a bolt-on to the Create program, and CreateDEI participants are automatically enrolled in Create. Create is a low-cost, high-value subscription-based program that spans a year, offering your company a suite of customized legal documents with related counseling and access to qualified legal counsel for a set price to get your company ready for investors! A portion of Create fees are accessed up front with monthly payments for the remaining balance until fully paid.
What it is in the CreateDEI Side Letter?
As a part of joining the CreateDEI cohort, you acknowledge that DEI is part of your company’s ethos and strategy like it is ours. After all, the goal of CreateDEI is to ensure that DEI-minded founders – underrepresented and allies – commit to leveling the playing field. The ecosystem change we are contributing to grows with each cohort participant making the commitments in the CreateDEI side letter, which are to promote DEI within the company by attracting, hiring, and retaining diverse talent and seeking diverse investors.
