(Bethesda, MD & New York, NY) February 26, 2026 – Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) has acquired the Factor Fellowship, deepening its commitment to the venture-backed startup ecosystem and expanding high-impact pathways into startup leadership – particularly in New York.
Launched in partnership with leading New York venture firms and high-growth startups, Factor began as an 18-week fellowship designed to prepare early-career professionals for in-demand operator roles at some of NYC’s fastest-growing companies. Incubated by Primary Venture Partners, with the generous support of Primary cofounders Ben Sun and Brad Svrluga, the program launched in spring of 2024. In just three cycles, the program attracted nearly 3,000 applicants and graduated 60 fellows, quickly establishing itself as a premier on-ramp to startup careers and a source for in demand talent.
“We are incredibly proud to have launched Factor and built a strong foundation in New York’s startup community,” said Tom Ogletree, Factor’s Executive Director. “As we look to scale the program’s reach and long-term impact, MLT is the ideal partner to lead the next chapter. Their deep expertise in developing high-performing leaders across industries and significant footprint in the startup arena positions Factor for meaningful growth.”
Expanding MLT’s Startup Platform
The acquisition builds on MLT’s growing presence across technology, startups, and venture capital.
- More than 3,500 MLT alumni have transitioned into tech careers.
- Nearly 1,000 alumni have startup experience.
- Over 450 alumni hold leadership roles within venture-backed companies.
- 80 MLT alumni founders have built venture-backed startups that have collectively raised more than $2B.
- 15 alumni-led venture firms have raised more than $4B in capital.
MLT also maintains strategic relationships within the venture ecosystem, serving as a limited partner in funds such as Greylock Partners, Acrew Capital, and Bessemer Venture Partners. In New York, MLT partnered with AlleyCorp to lead two cycles of the $1M Peerless Pitch Competition and has received support from Pivotal Ventures to strengthen pathways into startup careers for women.
What This Means for the Startup Community
Under MLT, Factor will continue to operate as a focused gateway into startup careers, while leveraging MLT’s national alumni network, employer partnerships, and leadership development expertise.
Factor alumni and future fellows will gain:
- Access to an expanded network of startup founders, operators, and investors
- Curated introductions to venture-backed opportunities
- Access to career acceleration programming and community
- Greater connectivity to capital networks and founder pathways
“Startups are a strategic priority for MLT – especially as AI and emerging technologies reshape the economy,” said Mark Taguchi, Chief Startups & Impact Officer at MLT. “Innovation-driven companies are central to wealth creation and long-term economic impact. Bringing Factor into MLT strengthens our ability to expand pathways into these high-growth environments and deepen our engagement with the venture ecosystem.”
With this acquisition, MLT and Factor are aligning two complementary platforms – one built on selecting and preparing a pipeline of top talent for the startup arena, and the other a powerful network of talent already established in the startup arena that can open the door and widen the pathway for those coming behind.
Together, they aim to accelerate access, leadership, and long-term success within the venture-backed startup ecosystem.
About Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT)
Management Leadership for Tomorrow accelerates economic mobility by expanding career opportunities for individuals and improving employer practices to create inclusive, meritocratic workplaces where everyone can thrive.
About Factor
Built by New York’s leading startups and VC firms, the Factor Fellowship connects top talent to startup careers. The Factor Fellowship is a multi-week program for early-career professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking to break into in-demand roles at NYC’s fastest-growing startups.
Media Contact:
Vanessa Tiongson
Chief Marketing Officer
Management Leadership for Tomorrow
vtiongson@mlt.org | 240.685.6645
