We help youth ages 12–18 transform bold ideas into real businesses and social ventures through seed funding, mentorship, practical education, and a community that believes in their potential.
LemonTree was founded by Ice Venkatesh, a student entrepreneur with a passion for mathematics, finance, innovation, and creating opportunities for others.
Ice recognized that many young people have strong ideas and the determination to build something meaningful, but often lack the first investment, business guidance, or trusted network needed to move forward.
LemonTree was created to become that first believer. We provide small meaningful grants, practical mentorship, and entrepreneurship education so young founders can test ideas, launch ventures, learn from experience, and build confidence.
More than a grant program, LemonTree is a growing community where today’s founders can become tomorrow’s mentors, leaders, and supporters of the next generation.
We invest in more than ideas. We invest in young people who are ready to learn, create, lead, and make a difference.
To empower young entrepreneurs by providing early-stage investment, mentorship, and opportunities that transform innovative ideas into impactful businesses and future leaders.
To build a world where every young entrepreneur with talent, determination, and a bold idea has the opportunity to create, innovate, and lead, regardless of their financial background.
Great ideas can come from anyone, at any age. Yet many young entrepreneurs never get the opportunity to test their ideas because they lack startup funds, financial knowledge, mentorship, or someone willing to take them seriously.
LemonTree bridges that gap. Through our funding ladder, founders can receive support at different stages from planting their first idea with a Seed Grant to earning LemonTree’s highest honor, the Lemon Grant.
We also believe that success should create opportunity for others. Founders are encouraged to share what they learn, mentor future applicants, and participate in a pay-it-forward cycle that keeps new ideas growing.
These values shape how we select founders, provide support, build partnerships, and measure success.
We recognize possibility and invest in young people with the courage to begin.
We encourage curiosity, creative thinking, and practical solutions to real problems.
We lead with honesty, fairness, accountability, and respect in every decision.
We value learning, resilience, responsible experimentation, and continuous improvement.
We encourage successful founders to mentor, inspire, and create opportunities for others.
We measure success through both business progress and positive community outcomes.