Meet this week’s guest editor, Ali Greenberg! As the Outreach Manager for Lighthouse Labs, she has helped make the Richmond-based startup accelerator the most founder-friendly on the East Coast. Ali moved to RVA from NYC in 2017 after visiting the area and falling in love with the city. Just six months later, Ali founded The Broad, which served as a workspace and social club for women and gender minorities until it closed due to the pandemic. As a longtime startup mentor and supporter, it didn’t take long for Ali to join forces with Lighthouse Labs to help the growing organization invest further in the lives of founders. She’s also a passionate supporter of reproductive justice, a longtime in-clinic volunteer with Planned Parenthood, and monthly supporter of the Richmond Reproductive Freedom Project. When Ali isn’t working to make Richmond a better place, you’ll find her eating her way around the world with 25 countries behind her and the rest to go. Check out Ali’s quick tips for exploring and celebrating this place we love to call home. Take it away, Ali …
Abuelita's
Homemade Mexican Food
Get yourself an EZPass and make your way across the James to tuck into the top notch cooking at Abuelita's. I love any restaurant that focuses on a few dishes and does them right, and Abuelita's does just that with a rotating menu of guisos that will warm your soul. From chile rellenos to tamales to nopales - a plate of grandma's cooking and an agua fresca is the only thing I want after a day at Pony Pasture.
The little shop that could, Tokyo Market has been in Carytown for decades and recently expanded their space to stock even more delicious treats. The owner, Chong, is one of my favorite people in Richmond and has been kind enough to give me feedback on my kimchi jjigae. From imported candies to domestic rarities (it's the only place in the area that stocks Sun Noodles - a must for homemade ramen), Tokyo Market is the best place to shop globally, locally.
The grand finale of the startup accelerator's program, Demo Day is a chance for the early-stage founders to take the (virtual) stage and share their innovative ideas with the community. Lighthouse is celebrating our 10th cohort - our largest and most diverse yet - on Thursday June 3rd and each team has the chance to win $5,000 in additional funding based on an audience vote. Grab your free ticket to cheer on one of our hometown heroes - EDai, Grantable, lokii, and Team Excel - to help a Richmond team take home the win! Plus, apply for our Fall 2021 program if you have a startup idea that needs funding and support.
Founder-focused, time-tested, and ready to roll. Twice a year Lighthouse Labs invests $20,000 equity-free in 6-10 early-stage startups. Over 3-months, they receive tailored mentorship, extensive education in scaling a startup, and a cohort community to grow alongside for the long-haul. You should definitely apply by June 6th!
