Gulf South founders eyeing a seven-figure raise don’t have to uproot themselves to get access to capital.

Applications are now open for the 2027 VILLAGEx cohort, a four-month hybrid accelerator run by The Idea Village. In contrast to some other programs the long-standing New Orleans support org offers, this one is specifically for startups preparing to raise at least $1 million. 

The program begins Jan. 12 and culminates in a Demo Day pitch in front of more than 300 regional investors and founders. All without leaving the Gulf South. 

“VILLAGEx gives them the mentors, the capital access, and the proof points to build and scale their companies right here,” said Andrew J. Albert, programs director at The Idea Village. 

Heading into its ninth cohort, the program has enough alumni behind it to point to some concrete results.

Eleven VILLAGEx companies have now received investment through The Idea Village’s $7 million Momentum Fund, which launched in 2023 to back accelerator alumni. Graduates that meet the fund’s requirements within 18 months of completing VILLAGEx can become eligible for a $100,000 investment, at market terms. 

Alumni include New Orleans glass recycler Glass Half Full and Hello Gravel, a 2025 graduate that received Momentum Fund investment and soon afterward raised its next round. Another 2025 alum, AI education company CampusKnot, raised more than $1 million in a round that included the Momentum Fund among its investors. 

VILLAGEx is aimed at Gulf South companies that already have traction and are moving toward a larger outside funding round. Applicants should meet at least two of five criteria:

  • Rapid growth
  • Using technology to solve a problem or improve a process
  • Planning to raise at least $1 million within 24 months
  • Serving a new or niche market in a new way or pursuing a business model with the potential to reshape an industry

Accepted participants are paired with experienced founders and investors and receive support on fundraising strategy, pitch decks, investor introductions, diligence and valuation. Each company also gets a 4- to 5-person advisory board that meets monthly. 

Applications, including a pitch deck, financials and cap table, are due Nov. 6.