Points of Light Civic Accelerator

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator, known as CivicX, is a pioneering accelerator program and investment fund dedicated to supporting 'civic ventures'—for-profit and nonprofit startups that leverage human capital to solve critical social issues. Established in 2012, CivicX offers a 10-week, boot camp-style program designed to equip early-stage ventures with the tools and resources necessary to scale their social innovations and attract further investments. The program convenes 10-15 teams both in person and online, providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes entrepreneur training, business model development, and design thinking methodologies.

CivicX's investment strategy focuses on ventures that address a wide array of social challenges, including digital and financial inclusion, workforce development, and economic mobility. The accelerator has a history of investing $50,000 each in selected startups, aiming to empower them to expand their impact and reach underserved communities. Notable investments have been made in ventures such as ReciproCare, La Cocina VA, Cell-Ed, STEM NOLA, SpringFour, and The Virtual Scholarship Center, among others. These investments reflect CivicX's commitment to fostering innovative solutions that promote social good across various sectors.

Through its strategic partnerships and support from organizations like PwC Charitable Foundation, Starbucks Foundation, Capital One, and others, CivicX has successfully graduated numerous teams that have collectively generated significant revenue and positively impacted millions of individuals. The accelerator's approach emphasizes the importance of human capital in driving social change, positioning it as a key player in the landscape of social entrepreneurship and impact investing in the United States.