The STARTPLATZ Accelerator Program

The 2-phase program provides you with relevant know-how and an invaluable network. Learn from our experts, connect with like-minded founders and make your startup investment ready!

THE PROGRAM

The Course of the Program

Application Phase 

1

The application is open now. Startups can apply until June 30. After that a short list of startups will be invited for interviews and a jury will decide who's in the next Batch. Make sure you don't miss out.

Kick-Off

2

The Kick-off is the start of the program. The startups meet at STARTPLATZ Cologne and get to know each other. On August 11 they meet the community at our summer party and present themselves for the first time with an elevator pitch.

Phase 1

3

In phase 1, the startups focus on the MVP and validation. In expert sessions and 1on1 coachings they learn the know-how from experts. Additional events like a mentor matching, a pitch training and regular founder sessions function as support tools.

After Phase 1

Midterm Pitch

4

The startup's development and the midterm pitch determine which startups will move on to phase 2. The startups will pitch to the STARTPLATZ community and share their progress.

Phase 2

5

Phase 2 focuses on growth and funding. Beside the expert sessions, 1on1 coaching and founder sessions the startups get in contact with Business Angels and VCs. In the VC Office Hours, VCs introduce themselves and the startups get answers to all their questions.

After Phase 2

Demo Day

6

The Demo Day marks the end of the Batch. The startups pitch one last time to the community, report on their successes and have the opportunity to network. After the program, we stay in touch with our alumni and support them. 

Topics during the Program

The program will focus on the following topics. Changes are possible. At the beginning of the program, we ask for the needs of the startups and can include topics if necessary or match the startups with the right mentors.

THE APPLICATION

The Application Process

Pre-Selection

Decision

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

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

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.

Fill in the application form and verify your email address. Finish your application by uploading your pitch deck as a PDF – please refer to our Pitch Deck Guide

If you are selected for an interview you can also present an updated version of your pitch deck.

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

The Accelerator program is exclusive to startups in the STARTPLATZ community. Therefore a team community membership is mandatory. 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.

Our Selection Criteria

Digital-Focus

Early Stage

You should be a digital startup with a software-based product or service. At best you are a startup that deals with the topics Web 3.0, NFT or Metaverse.

You should be an early-stage startup, young and dynamic, heading towards fast growth and first investment.

We are looking for ambitious founders who aim to take their early-stage startup with digital focus to the next level.

Testable MVP

Full-time Commitment

The founders in our program should be committed to their startup full-time. 

You should have an MVP or advanced prototype that is testable and can be used by the first pilot customers.

Scalability

Relevant Topic

Your startup's product, business model, and strategy should be scalable and suitable for high gowth

Your startup should be solving a relevant problem in a new and innovative way. 

Any Questions?

We have answered the most frequent ones for you!

You still have questions?
Shoot: accelerator@startplatz.de

STARTPLATZ Accelerator

Im Mediapark 5

50670 Köln


accelerator@startplatz.de

www.startplatz.de

The STARTPLATZ Accelerator is a program for scaling and developing early-stage startups. Powered by STARTPLATZ.

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