Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures (MSISV) continues its mission to create a more equitable and sustainable investment landscape. Now in its eighth year, MSISV operates two in-house accelerator programs—The Lab and The Collaborative—which provide critical support to startup founders and emerging nonprofits.
The Lab offers participating startups a range of benefits, including:
- Equity investment
- A five-month curated program
- Expert mentorship and networking opportunities
- Office space for the program duration
- Access to external advisors
A key feature of The Lab is its Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs)—seasoned founders, investors, and product leaders who guide startups through weekly strategy sessions.
Serial entrepreneur David Peto, who has founded three startups over the past 20 years, serves as an EIR in The Lab. Peto believes the difference between successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurs is not talent but experience.
“Having been a founder CEO three times and built three startups over 20 years, I have made a lot of mistakes,” he says. “The thing I am most proud of is helping others avoid those mistakes and navigate challenges more effectively.”
Shared Experiences: How MSISV Transforms Startups
One of the standout companies from MSISV’s 10th cohort is NÜWIEL, a Germany-based electric mobility company best known for developing the world’s first eTrailer.
Despite economic headwinds, NÜWIEL’s founder and CEO, Natalia Tomiyama, credits MSISV with helping solidify the company’s goals and refine its business strategy.
“Being a startup founder is a challenging journey, but working on something that creates value and has a positive impact on our community is incredibly rewarding,” says Tomiyama.
She highlights the mentorship at MSISV as a pivotal advantage, describing it as a transformative experience.
“MSISV has an amazing blend of a passionate team inside Morgan Stanley that has seen over 100 companies go through the cohort,” says Peto.
At the start of the program, startups identify their key objectives—whether fundraising, hiring, refining cap tables, or developing new business models. The MSISV team then guides them through these areas, leveraging insights from past program participants.
For NÜWIEL, the most valuable aspect was Morgan Stanley’s extensive network and access to stakeholders across different industries.
“We were able to test new use cases, refine our go-to-market strategy, and explore new business opportunities in a very short time,” Tomiyama explains.
Sustainability and Inclusivity as Core Business Metrics
Tomiyama was particularly drawn to MSISV’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity, as these values align closely with her company’s mission.
“Sustainability and inclusivity goals should not be separate from other business metrics,” she states. “For all founders in the cohort, these were the driving forces behind our decision to become entrepreneurs, and they will remain central to how our startups grow.”
Investment Landscape Trends and Future Startup Opportunities
As the venture capital (VC) sector navigates tighter fundraising conditions, investors are prioritizing market potential, founder resilience, and a clear path to commercialization.
According to Sanghamitra Karra, Global Co-Head of Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Group, several key sectors are expected to see continued growth, including:
- Agentic AI and AI-driven automation
- Quantum computing
- Energy optimization
- Healthcare technology and innovation
“In 2025, attracting VCs is all about operational resilience and a laser focus on execution,” Karra states. “Investors want startups that demonstrate strong execution and a clear market demand.
With a proven track record of supporting more than 100 startups, MSISV continues to drive innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. By equipping founders with the necessary tools, mentorship, and capital, the program ensures they are positioned for long-term success.
