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The Fast Track for Early-Stage Tech-Startups

We Help Startups Grow Faster

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Next application phase: May 25 – July 3, 2022

Batch #26 Kick-Off: Aug. 8, 2022

We are back! On site in Cologne for Batch #26

Our program is going hybrid!

Back to our roots.

After 2 years of remote accelerating, we are hosting the next batch at STARTPLATZ Cologne. That means we are back to live workshops and expert sessions, in person founders sessions, and co-working. Of course, we will be hosting part of the program online as our mentors are spread out Europe-wide.

At STARTPLATZ we believe that real human connection is the foundation of networking. Our offices in Cologne and Düsseldorf offer the perfect space to connect with fellow founders, join events, and build friendships and partnerships.

Our Vision

STARTPLATZ is here to support founders by connecting startups, companies, and innovators throughout Germany.

Our STARTPLATZ Accelerator is a 4-month program providing you with relevant know-how and an invaluable network. Learn from our experts and benefit from firsthand insights of successful founders. Our unique two-phase model focuses on execution speed, rapid testing & user growth. Our goal is to connect you with like-minded founders and ultimately make your startup investment ready!

Your Benefits in the Program

Become part of the largest startup community in NRW and meet entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, corporates and many other stakeholders with an affinity for innovation.

Over 70 mentors coach you in 1on1-sessions and are available for field-specific as well as general founding questions. Our core team gives you important development impulses.

Exclusive Accelerator expert sessions in small groups on the most important startup topics and business areas. Additionally, we offer a wide range of workshops with all community members.

Thanks to our numerous corporate partnerships and the very diverse community, you will easily find access to pilot customers, both in the B2B and B2C area.

Marketing and PR support is available through our own far-reaching channels. From Instagram reposts to blog features.

Over 100k € credits with our exclusive service partners. Additional discounts and deals for many more startup tools.

We actively support you in your search for investment through our Europe-wide network of investors.

Facts & Figures

293

Supported Startups

Locations in NRW

Cologne & Düsseldorf

70+

% Survival Rate

Batches

60M€+

Funding raised

70+

Committed Mentors

Years of Experience

Established in 2012

Our Selection Criteria

We are looking for ambitious founders who want to take their early-stage tech startup to the next level.

The best 10–15 teams are selected from over 100 applications from more than 15 countries per batch.

Early-Stage

Full-Time-Commitment

Software-Focus

Scalability

Testable MVP

Relevant Topic

The Application Process

Pre-Selection

Decision

We evaluate all applications received and invite the most convincing teams for further interviews.

APPLY NOW

If you have convinced us,
you are part of the next STARTPLATZ Accelerator batch!

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Fill in Your Application

Selection Interview

Join the STARTPLATZ community

Fill in the application form and tell us about you and your startup. Upload your pitch deck as a PDF – please refer to our

Pitch Deck Guide. You can still work on your pitch deck after submitting it. If you are selected for an interview you can present an updated version.

The Accelerator program is exclusive to startups in our community. If you are not part of the community yet, sign up for a membership and you are ready to go.

You present your startup to the STARTPLATZ Accelerator jury and we have the opportunity to ask questions and get to know you better.

Program Fees

STARTPLATZ Membership

No Equity. No Expenses.

The Accelerator program is exclusive to startups in the STARTPLATZ community. All you need is one of our memberships. You will not only be part of the program but benefit from all other STARTPLATZ perks Find details here.

Unlike many accelerator programs, we do not take any equity from the startups in the program. There are also no additional costs or fees for taking part in the program. The only cost is that of the STARTPATZ membership.

The Course of the Program

Startups from the Current Batch #25

Startups from Previous Batches

What Our Alumni Say About Us

DR. MED. ALICE MARTIN, COO

"STARTPLATZ has strongly supported us as a medical company in the installation and planning as well as the network. We have received extensive knowledge in the area of PR as well as organizational structure. The community at STARTPLATZ is supportive, familial and network-oriented. A perfect start for every start-up."

BENJAMIN DAMMERTZ, CEO

"The STARTPLATZ Accelerator was extremely helpful for us in the initial phase. The program was well-structured, and competent speakers always provided relevant input. Especially the strong network and the corresponding contacts to corporates, investors, but also to fellow founders were of great value."

MANUEL BORN, Co-Founder

"payactive was accepted into STARTPLATZ in 2020. This was an important and helpful step for the founding team, as linking up with companies and the local start-up scene helped payactive to acquire its first customers. The trainings and coachings were also very good and helped to lay the foundation for the establishment of the company."

Investors

VC's in our network are offering office hours and/or participate in our Demo Day.

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Our Partners

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Software Benefits

In collaboration with selected software providers we offer special discounts & benefits!

Do you miss a tool or want to become a service partner yourself? Then get in touch!

Meet our Mentors

News & Stories

Meet the Team

Marius is the connection point between teams & mentors, and makes sure that our accelerator startups always get the support they need. He also coaches talents with promising business ideas as part of the NRW start-up scholarship program.

Victoria is exploring new ideas and projects for our teams and us, while also running the marketing of the accelerator and the Rheinland-Pitch events via social media.

Marie is responsible for the operational and administrative supervision of the Accelerator Program. She focuses on supporting our promising startups in their development and scouting new talents.

Marius Franke

Program Manager

Victoria Giesler

Business Development

Marie Richter

Accelerator Operations