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How it all began
Born from the visionary minds of Stanford LEAD Alumni Deepti Pahwa and Edward Mundt in 2020, LISA (LEAD Incubator & Startup Accelerator) bridges the gap for thousands of Stanford LEAD graduates. This virtual/hybrid ecosystem empowers entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers worldwide.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Our Mission
To add value at every stage of the startup journey, from ideation to MVP and beyond.
We've done quite a bit.
Worldwide.
2020 year founded
200+ startups
9 cohorts
12 weeks program
38 countries
200+ Mentors/ Advisors
2500+ LinkedIn followers
1600+ years collective experience
2 successful Exits
It's close to the home of startups, Silicon Valley.
To further LEAD alumni's entrepreneurship mindset.
LISA’s first cohort consisted of Stanford LEAD participants who benefited from Stanford Graduate School of Business’ (Stanford GSB’s) online learning platform Embark. Embark was designed by Stanford faculty and has exclusive rights to be used by LISA since the first cohort. The platform enabled aspiring entrepreneurs through a step-by-step process to help them turn their idea into an MVP-stage business solution during the pandemic. This platform was also used to support Stanford Rebuild, a one-time global innovation sprint to develop solutions for the wide range of challenges and opportunities post-COVID.
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At LISA, we put founders first. We are the only incubator program requiring no equity.
Yes, you heard that right!
Every quarter, LISA provides Founders selected into each cohort with a rigorous, outcomes-focused program and virtual/hybrid ecosystem and community across 37 countries extending far beyond the 12-week program. A 1:1 ratio of mentors/accountability partners to Founders supports each remarkable journey. Founders have the opportunity to participate in online and in-person meetups and workshops year-round, on-campus events and the Stanford LEAD Innovation Tour.
Each cohort ends in a Pitchfest!
12 weeks of rigor culminates in the LISA Pitchfest where we identify the winning startup. It is brutal to choose one, but a hugely rewarding journey for everyone involved. Including us.
LISA celebrates its 9th cohort and 5th Anniversary since it began in 2025. This time around, the Pitchfest will be held at Stanford's prestigious annual event, Me2We.
We can't wait to see you there.

