Vantage Ventures
Accelerating and investing in the growth of scalable startups in West Virginia
Vantage Ventures is currently accepting applications for the Spring cohort that will run early January 27 to April 30, 2026. We are seeking applicants from anywhere in West Virginia. Applications are due by 11:59 am (ET) on December 10, 2025
Turn your big idea into success
We represent statewide, not just students in West Virginia!
If your goal is to build something that matters, something that lifts communities and sparks economic growth, we want to hear from you.
Vantage Ventures is recruiting founders for the next accelerator cohort. Participants can receive up to $10,000 in technical assistance, plus access to co-working space in WVU’s Reynolds Hall and Ascend WV locations across the state.
Vantage Ventures operates a 13-week accelerator program to help WV-based startups test critical assumptions.
- At least one equity-holding founder must reside in West Virginia (or be a student at a college or university in West Virginia).
- Must plan to create jobs in West Virginia.
- Must have a business model that can scale to compete in a national or global market.
Drawing on the WVU Foundation’s Startup Engine account, Vantage Ventures operates a new seed fund to make investments of up to $100,000 in WV-based startups.
Vantage Ventures is seeking external partners with expertise in areas like product development, artificial intelligence, startup legal, and accounting, to serve as mentors, and speakers in support of our accelerator program.
COHORT QUOTES
Our people tell the story of Vantage Ventures. Check out the testimonial of one of our current cohort members.
“Participating in the Vantage Ventures Accelerator was a game changer for Best Dam Tape. They didn’t just help us refine our existing strengths; they found our potential, unlocking new strategies and connections that propelled our growth to the next level.”
Logan Cuvo
Best Dam Tape
Cohort Class of 2024
EVENTS
Where WV
Ideas Rise to the Top.