Backstage Accelerator is a 3-month program designed to give founders the support they need to reach their next critical milestone. Founders will work with a team of experienced, passionate facilitators and will grow through mentorship, investment capital, and access to resources + networks.
We expect all employees, partners, mentors, and community members to adhere to this code of conduct while at Backstage events, workspaces, or while representing Backstage.
Underestimated founders exemplify grit. They do more with less. Diverse teams have stronger business outcomes and more innovative ideas.
Startups don't succeed in isolation. Companies need strong local ecosystems to start, and strong global networks to grow.
Representation matters because everyone deserves the chance to succeed. We're working to create a future where success is shared by founders, their teams, their investors, and their local communities.
Backstage Accelerator is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, color, sex (with or without sexual conduct and including pregnancy and sexual orientation involving transgender status/gender identity, and sex-stereotyping), national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, and political affiliation as well as gender expression, mental illness, socioeconomic status or background, neuro(a)typicality, physical appearance, body size, computing experience, or clothing.
We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.
Harassment includes offensive verbal comments related to gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual images in public spaces, deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording, sustained disruption of talks or other events, inappropriate physical contact, and unwelcome sexual attention. Harassment also includes sharing gossip, touching, fighting, bullying, or sharing rumors online or offline. Digital harassment, including attacking others online using scripts, spam, bots or participating on in flame wars, will not be tolerated.
Accelerator participants violating these rules may be expelled from all Accelerator program activities. Any participants violating these rules may put their investment at risk, as documented in the Accelerator Founder Agreement.
Participants asked to stop any harassing behavior are expected to comply immediately.
Sponsors, mentors, partners, customers, speakers and workshop facilitators are also subject to this Code of Conduct.
If an individual engages in harassing behavior, Backstage Studio may take any action they deem appropriate, including warning the offender or removing the individual from all future Accelerator activities.
Operating under the influence. Distributing, using or being under the influence of recreational drugs is not permitted during Backstage Accelerator program hours or at Accelerator events. While alcohol may be provided at various Backstage social events, underage drinking is not allowed and we expect everyone to drink responsibly and in moderation.
Be mindful of the words that you choose to use, and be open to learning from the perspective of others. Sexist, racist, and other exclusionary jokes can be offensive to those around you. Offensive jokes are not appropriate and will not be tolerated.
Sexual language and imagery is not appropriate for any venue, including talks, workshops, and parties. In particular, sponsors and partners should not use sexualized images, activities, or other material. Booth staff (including volunteers) should not use sexualized clothing/uniforms/costumes, or otherwise create a sexualized environment.
Theft of any kind is not tolerated, including and not limited to digital assets, content and personal items.
Transparency is valued. We expect all participants to disclose all conflicts of interests and any legal agreements that could impact their experience during Accelerator.
Participants are expected to attend all Accelerator activities and events as stated in the Founder agreement. Participants are expected to provide written advance notice when not able to attend any activities or events.
We expect everyone to be a good, diligent, empathic and respectful human with a coachable mindset. We expect everyone to value all opinions, ideas, cultures and identities.
We expect all participants to follow these rules at all Backstage Studio and Accelerator programming, venues and social events online and offline, and we commit to following them as well. It is our goal at Backstage Studio team to create an environment where all Accelerator participants will feel safe, welcome, and able to participate as their full selves.
If you have witnessed a violation of our Code of Conduct, please contact us at [email protected].
The Backstage Accelerator Code of Conduct is a living document. For suggested changes, please contact us at [email protected].