Catalyst Coded Foundation Information

Catalyst Coded is a seed funding initiative built for underrepresented founders developing AI-driven businesses in Arizona. We sit at the intersection of culture and code. We were born from a conversation between two women from very different trenches. Kendra Valton is a two-time founder who raised capital through Amazon, Ohio State, and IFundWomen. Gen Dawson spent 25 years at Microsoft, 22 in the executive office. Together we bring what most accelerators do not: lived founder experience paired with enterprise-level credibility. WHAT WE DO We fund and accelerate founders building AI-driven products. We teach you how to move at the speed of modern tech — and we write you a check. Most accelerators do one or the other. We do both. Our program includes seed funding, a 12-week cohort focused on AI and ML fundamentals, fundraising strategy coaching, and access to Arizona's growing tech ecosystem. WHO WE PARTNER WITH We are looking for partners who believe the future of tech belongs to everyone — corporations investing in diverse founder pipelines, foundations focused on economic equity, early-stage investors, community organizations, and mentors ready to give back with intention. WHY FOLLOW US We are building something real in Arizona and we are just getting started. Follow us for cohort announcements, founder spotlights, events, and partnership opportunities. We code the path to equity. Come build with us.