Expert Guidance and 1:1 Mentorship
High-impact programs and hands-on mentorship by seasoned operators, AI founders, and investors
NYC AI LANDING PAD:
The AI program of the NYCEDC International Landing Pad Network Scale Your Startup in the Center of Global InnovationEmpowering high-growth AI companies to expand through expert mentorship, strategic connections, and 35,000+ innovator network
BUILD, CONNECT, AND SCALE THROUGH ONE OF NYC'S PREMIER AI PROGRAMS
Tailored Connections & Market Access
Curated introductions to potential customers, investors, and experienced talent through exclusive events and targeted networking
Embedded Presence in NYC's Ecosystem
Instant access to a 35,000+ community, dedicated co-working, and visibility in the heart of New York's innovation ecosystem
A 12-MONTH PROGRAM BUILT FOR GLOBAL FOUNDERS READY TO SCALE
- Curated introductions to potential customers, VCs, and experienced talent through exclusive events and networking opportunities, leveraging Supermomos’ connections and Lightspeed’s portfolio network
- Access to 1:1 mentorship from industry leaders such as AI founders/operators, enterprise buyers, GTM leaders who have seen scale and internationalization
- Strategic 1:1 guidance on scaling GTM, raising capital, building/scaling teams, navigating immigration, and nailing PMF in new markets
- Complimentary cohort-exclusive coworking space for 1 year (up to 2 people per startup) with 24/7 access, meeting rooms, and event space
- Expert workshops and masterclasses covering AI-specific topics: scaling GTM, fundraising strategies, enterprise sales playbooks, breaking into new ecosystems, navigating US AI regulations, and hiring top engineering talent
- Connections to experienced partners offering discounted rates on everything you need to set up in a new market – legal, accounting, payroll, and more
CAPITAL CONNECTIONS THAT POWER EXPANSION
- Fast-track meetings with Lightspeed partners for qualified companies
- Curated investor dinners with funds actively deploying capital in AI
- Strategic guidance on fundraising strategy, pitch refinement, and preparation from operators who are ahead on their capital journey
CONTINUED ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY
- Lifetime access to the AI Landing Pad alumni network
- Priority invitations to exclusive Supermomos and Lightspeed salons, investor dinners, and ecosystem events
- Preferred access to partner benefits such as discounted coworking memberships and professional-services packages
Key Dates
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Application Deadline Jan 16, 2026 (11:59pm ET) -
Decision Notification Jan 30, 2026 -
Program Start Date Mar 2, 2026
SECTOR FOCUS
Artificial Intelligence (AI) driving measurable business and societal impact across industries
ELIGIBILITY
- $5M+ in revenue / funds raised
- Plan to set up in NYC and grow a team of 5+ within 24 months
- Currently operating outside the United States
- Clear AI-driven product or service with demonstrated market traction
Presented by
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors, with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. NYCEDC's Startup and Venture Capital Internship Programs are aimed at supporting tech-enabled startups and VC firms with capacity to host interns, grow their teams, and strengthen their businesses, while developing equitable and efficient talent pipelines in New York City's tech sector.
Supermomos is the world's first verified IRL professional community, and NYC's premier platform for connecting 30,000+ professionals in tech, business, and finance sectors, including 3,000+ startup founders. They are dedicated to bringing people together in real life to foster meaningful connections and knowledge exchange, all while facilitating the participation of underrepresented minority groups. They are also behind major industry events including Super AI ML Summit and the Women's Leadership Summit at the NYSE.
Lightspeed is a leading global multi-stage investment firm, investing across venture to late-stage growth, with a focus on accelerating disruptive innovations in AI, Enterprise, Financial Services, Consumer, Health, and B2B. Over the past two decades, the Lightspeed team has backed hundreds of entrepreneurs building some of the most innovative and category-defining companies in the world. Globally, Lightspeed has invested in more than 500 companies, including Anthropic, Epic Games, Snapchat, Rubrik, Wiz, OYO, Zepto, PocketFM, Physics Wallah and many others.
