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AcceleratorNo equityVerified
Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs
Also known as: Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs Program
Duke University · Durham, North Carolina
Quick fit check
- No equity required
- Currently active
- Verified by research
Key numbers
Funding range
—
Equity
None
Application
Annual
Program Level
Last activity
2026-06-27
High confidence
Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs
Duke's premier startup accelerator for students who have launched companies. Year-long, not-for-credit, highly selective (10 spots from ~15 interviewees).
Key Details
- Type: Student accelerator
- Duration: 9 months (August–April)
- Funding: Up to $10,000 ($5K initial + $5K follow-on)
- Founded: 2013
- Sponsor: Melissa Bernstein '87 (co-founder Melissa & Doug toys) and husband Doug
Benefits
- Executive coaching (3 sessions/semester)
- Monthly mentor meetings
- Two all-expenses-paid entrepreneurial trips
- Priority access to visiting alumni and Startup Showcase
- Community of peer founders
Outcomes
- 150+ student founders completed program
- $150M+ raised by alumni ventures
- 16+ successful exits
- Notable alumni: Michelle Addison (Allergood), Uzoma Ayogu (Releaf), Courtney Bell (Ungraded Produce)
News & articles
News articles and official sources documenting Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs at Duke University.
1 source
