UpStart

Reaching Up to bring bold Jewish ideas to light. Together, we’re creating a more just, vibrant, and inclusive future.

Our mission is to inspire and empower leaders to dream, build, and grow bold initiatives that enhance the vitality of Jewish life. UpStart partners with innovators to redesign the experience and expression of Jewish life. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://upstartlab.org/

05/21/2026

Shavuot is about being awakened — collectively — to the wisdom of the Torah, and of our responsibility to uplift the greater community around us.

UpStart is proud to support leaders creating vibrant Jewish life grounded in timeless wisdom and enduring community.

Happy Shavuot, Chag Sameach!

05/20/2026

A mosaic doesn't make much sense up close. You have to step back before the bigger picture comes into view.

Turns out, the same goes for building a team. The UpStart program team gathered in Tarrytown to dig into big questions about what we're building and what holds it together. We shared stories, explored new approaches to problem-solving and innovation, and made space for reflection and real connection.

We also spent an evening at Hone Art Studio making actual mosaics. Tiny tiles. Grout everywhere. The whole thing.

We left with fresh ideas and a clearer sense of what we're building, piece by piece, together.

04/24/2026

To our community near and far: Shabbat Shalom.

04/22/2026

We're hiring a Chief Advancement Officer. This is a senior leadership role at the intersection of fundraising strategy, donor relationships, and organizational growth — and a chance to help more Bold Jewish Ideas get the support they need to build what's next. Learn more and apply at upstartlab.org/about/careers

04/17/2026

Collaboratory 2026 brought together grassroots innovators and institutions in Louisville. Now participants are weighing in on why it mattered and what’s next. Read the coverage at http://upstartlab.org/insights

04/10/2026

Screens down and everyone in the same room — UpStart's 2026 Staff Retreat gave our remote team something you just can't replicate online. A few days of genuine connection, shared reflection, and getting aligned on the bold vision ahead.

04/01/2026

Every year at the Passover seder, we retell the story of our collective liberation as if it were our own. At UpStart, our community of leaders and innovators is adding to our story–creating new ways to gather, build, learn, and belong.

This year, we are excited to support 375 leaders, each writing another chapter, connecting the past to the future.

Wishing you a Passover full of joy and deep reflection. Chag Pesach Sameach!

03/30/2026

The venture leaders of our inaugural UpLift Los Angeles cohort came together in person, and the room delivered. Participants shared their work, built relationships, and got into the substance of social venture leadership, including how we frame the problems worth solving and what we think we know versus what we still need to learn. Stay tuned for news about UpStart's future offerings by signing up for our newsletter at upstartlab.org (link in our bio!)

03/27/2026

The rooms were full. The conversations were real. The connections were lasting. Collaboratory 2026 brought together grassroots Jewish leaders, and what they built together will keep going long after Louisville.

Interested in being notified the next time we host Collaboratory or other events? Sign up for our newsletter at upstartlab.org

03/20/2026

We’re starting 2026 with momentum: investing over $200,000 in 61 ventures across the UpStart Network.

Through the Emergent Support Fund (Belonging and Collaboratory), Early Stage Grant, and Winter Conference Fund, we’re helping bold ideas grow into lasting impact.

Address

1111 Broadway, 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA
94607

Website

http://www.upstartlab.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UpStart posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Oakland?