Our startups are now preparing for their international expansion from home and we will make up for the local presence and the corresponding intensive networking in Boston, New York, Silicon Valley, Singapore, or in our Next Step locations in Asia at a later date. We want to continue to support startups as best as we can, which is why we have been putting together workshops, webinars, articles, and more to get you through these uncertain times and to prepare for a post-pandemic economy.
October 20, 2020 | To pivot or not to pivot is a question that many founders will face at some point in their journey of building a company. Sometimes outside forces push startups to reinvent themselves in order to be able to adapt to new environments. COVID-19 altered the landscape for a lot of markets, and it will probably continue to do so. In this article, we highlight some of our alumni companies’ pivots over the past six months to try to shed some light on their decision-making and communication around pivots.
October 13, 2020 | How to Navigate B2B Sales in Our New Virtual World | As part of the German Accelerator “Pass The Mic” series, we hosted a virtual fireside chat with serial entrepreneurs about adapting B2B go-to-market strategies and the extra adjustments that are required due to COVID-19. Stefan Groschupf (Automation Hero), German Accelerator Mentor Ralf Hirt (8W8 – Global Business Builders), and Andreas Hofmann (Program CEO, German Accelerator Silicon Valley) share their battle scars and advice on virtual networking, tailoring messages, and developing go-to-market strategies internationally.
September 29, 2020 | Especially during COVID-19, Collaboration and Partnerships are More Important Than Ever, Even More so When Expanding Internationally | German Accelerator’s virtual fireside chat, co-organized by the Singapore Embassy in Berlin and SGInnovate, explored the landscape for startups thinking about expanding to the Singapore and German markets during COVID-19 and beyond. After kicking off with an overview of internationalization from Ambassador Laurence Bay, the panel provided insights from a wide range of experiences and cross-cultural knowledge.
September 22, 2020 | Observations on the Impact of COVID-19 on the International Startup Scene | Over the last six months, our world has been turned upside down. It’s safe to say that the pandemic has affected our lives at all levels. And, even though we have somehow adapted to the new normal, it’s still a difficult, uncertain, and challenging situation for both our private and business life. Economies around the globe are suffering, many companies need governmental funding, and even large corporates fear insolvency. We asked our Program CEOs to share their thoughts and observations around the impact of COVID-19 on the startup scene worldwide.
September 17, 2020 | How should business leaders steer their organizations to adapt to the new normal? We’ve summarized the insights from our #GAPassTheMic series on the different scenarios of a post-COVID-19 global economy, and why now is the time to catalyze innovation.
September 15, 2020 | There are many reasons for startups to join our global accelerator programs. One of them is the opportunity to travel to the world’s leading innovation and startup hubs and experience the local hustle and bustle. That was, of course, pre-COVID-19. The global pandemic changed the way we and many other organizations operate, but the wheels didn’t stop spinning and to cater to the unabated interest for international expansion, we are now offering fully virtual programs. We spoke to a few of our startups participating in our global programs to find out why they applied and participated over the past few months and learn from the experiences and growth opportunities they’ve had.
September 10, 2020 | In this episode of “Startup Stereo”, Andy Goldstein shares his personal perception of crises – or as he calls them “breakdowns.” According to him, every breakdown is the opportunity for a breakthrough! We also talk about pitfalls entrepreneurs might face and tips for founders to successfully steer their business through a crisis. Towards the end of the conversation, we look at digital transformations and Andy’s personal experience as an American living in Europe for more than 35 years.
August 10, 2020 | In the race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, #GAStartup Prime Vector Technologies (PVT) from Tübingen has received funding and support for their safe viral vector platform that enables the fast generation of vaccines. Find out why they chose to focus on Southeast Asia and their biggest learnings from this pandemic.
July 28, 2020 | Key Tips on Fundraising, Building a Business Continuity Plan, and Identifying Positive Opportunities | With startups shifting to survival mode as the coronavirus uncertainty grows, German Accelerator mentor Dr. Sian Wee Tan addresses questions from our startups around fundraising, business continuity plans, and key risk mitigation strategies. Dr. Sian is Co-Founder and Executive Director of Finaxar (a Monk’s Hill Ventures portfolio company that is reinventing business financing for small-and-medium enterprises) and Operating Advisor at Monk’s Hill Ventures (a partnership of seasoned entrepreneurs who have built and backed global companies based both in Silicon Valley and Asia).
July 16, 2020 | After witnessing the wave of the pandemic and consequences in Germany, we were curious to find out how startups in the Life Sciences industry are managing through these times. Is expansion into other markets still on the table, or would these companies be forced to rethink their business model and pivot? How does the virus affect their daily business like running clinical trials and so on? Find out what our Life Sciences company scout Edgar learned in his conversations with German Life Sciences startups.
July 14, 2020 | As part of the German Accelerator “Pass The Mic” Series, we hosted a virtual fireside chat with leaders of biotechnology industry organizations from Germany and Massachusetts to speak about the current trends and challenges from a global perspective. Horst Domdey (BioM) from Germany and John Hallinan (MassBio) from Massachusetts were joined by investor Mike Serrano-Wu (Sprout BioVentures) to comment on how the pandemic has lit a fire under the whole healthcare industry in terms of collaboration and virtual adoption.
July 7, 2020 | As the race to fight COVID-19 is underway, the pandemic is profoundly impacting the FDA approval processes and ongoing clinical trials. In an effort to prioritize COVID-19 diagnostics and treatments, the FDA has allowed for changes to ongoing clinical trials and has introduced new procedures, such as Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program (CTAP), to reduce approval waiting periods.
July 2, 2020 | Want to set up your own virtual event or webinar? We have some good tried-and-true tips on how to succeed in today’s “new normal” way of event organization.
June 25, 2020 | In a very short time, COVID-19 has had a dramatic effect on all aspects of our lives, and this certainly extends to include new adoption of promising technologies and a more challenging fundraising environment. As the trend for remote monitoring and virtual care continues, the need for healthcare innovation is only going to increase and the lessons derived from the current crisis will make for a better “new normal”.
June 23, 2020 | As part of German Accelerator’s “Pass The Mic” series, we hosted a virtual fireside chat to provide insight on how to optimize your digital marketing efforts in 2020 while keeping your brand relevant and your audiences engaged. #GAmentor Kevin Indig (VP SEO & Content, G2) share learnings and resources based on previous recessions and #GAalumni Nicolas Leonhardt (CEO & Co-Founder, Wagawin) provided practical observations based on his B2B company’s experiences.
June 16, 2020 | For our “Pass The Mic” series, we hosted a virtual fireside chat with a diverse group of investors to hear how the current health and economic crisis is impacting corporate venture capital’s (CVC) investment strategies. With a global perspective and different types of organizations represented, Meredith Fisher (Mass General Brigham), Rohan Ganesh (Verily), and Joey Mason (M Ventures) provided insight on the current corporate venture capital environment from multiple perspectives.
June 9, 2020 | As part of German Accelerator’s “Pass The Mic” series, we hosted a webinar to address how to manage sales and keep customers for B2B companies during tough times. #GAmentors Joshua Amrani (CEO, The Amrani Group and one of our #GAalumni) and Brandon Atkinson (CEO & Principal Consultant, 46 Summits Consulting) provided actionable insights on how companies can navigate the COVID-19 environment.
June 4, 2020 | As part of our “Pass the Mic” series, we recently hosted a virtual fireside chat to update startups on how COVID-19 is impacting the 2020 investment landscape and highlighted what these changes could mean for young German companies seeking to raise money in the U.S. Angel Investor and our Program CEO Christian Busch and #GAmentors Charlie Cameron (HUB Angels) and Morgan Lai (Foundation Capital) shared their insights on the current investment dynamics.
June 2, 2020 | For entrepreneurs, the coronavirus pandemic is not the time to stay still. Here are the 23 German startups who are taking the bold step forward and preparing for international expansion with German Accelerator’s virtual programs.
May 14, 2020 | Why Startups Should Still Think About Internationalization and How to Best to Make Use of the Current Situation: Given the current crisis, should startups still internationalize or focus on existing markets? Are there ways startups can make the most out of this situation? We post these questions to our #GAmentors, Jordi Castello (Letgo), Dr. Bert Grobben (Budding Innovations), Samer Hamadeh (Zeel), and David Segura (Angel Investor and Serial Entrepreneur) to get their insights.
May 14, 2020 | In the third episode of “Startup Stereo”, Dr. Oliver Uecke of Lipotype and Daniel Mark of Spindiag share how their companies are involved in tackling the #coronacrisis, the impact of the situation on their business, and how they both perceive the “gold rush” in life sciences field at the moment. #ProudSupporter
May 12, 2020 | As we publish this blog post, some countries have initiated a cautious reopening of their economies, while others have extended their lockdowns. The fight against the virus is not yet over, and German Accelerator companies continue to get involved as tech supporters and resource providers.
April 29, 2020 | In German Accelerator’s Startup Stereo Episode #02, we talked to Anna Yona, Co-Founder of Wildling. As a mother of 3 and Co-Founder of Wildling, she shares how to manage a family and a successful business under one roof.
April 22, 2020 | Not only in times of the coronavirus crisis but in general we feel the urge to be available for anyone, anywhere, at any time. We asked Natalie Sennes, business woman, founder, and mindfulness coach, for her advice on how we can cope with the pressure, her essential tips on how to reduce screen time, and how she personally manages to detach.
April 20, 2020 | The coronavirus has definitely turned our lives upside down. Our German Accelerator companies have stepped up and offer special support during this crisis by sharing their expertise, knowledge, and resources to help others get through this new and uncertain situation.
April 15, 2020 | The coronavirus is challenging businesses globally, but German Accelerator companies are not sitting still. Many have joined the fight against the virus with new ideas, technologies, platforms, and medical services.
April 7, 2020 | The very first episode of German Accelerator’s podcast “Startup Stereo” is live! In episode #01, Jenny von Podewils, Co-Founder of Leapsome, a platform for people enablement, shares her insights on the importance of feedback and how meaningful reviews can serve as rocket fuel for both learning and a healthy company culture.
March 31, 2020 | The constant exposure and consumption of news during these uncertain times can be draining and scary. Psychotherapist, business & life coach, author, and entrepreneur, Miriam Junge actively shares her tips on how to cope with stress, be mindful and balance your and your company’s needs.
March 25, 2020 | Navigating the Repercussions Caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Outbreak. Nicolas Keravec, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Internet Holding Group & #GAmentor, shares his experiences and advice to help startups navigate through the current economic uncertainty due to the widespread impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19). Here are his top five risk mitigation strategies for startups around the globe to consider.
You can apply online at any time. German Accelerator is a program funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economics and Energy (BMWi) and is currently managed by German Entrepreneurship GmbH. The current funding period for this program will expire on December 31, 2020. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is currently reviewing proposals in a public procurement procedure for the new funding period starting on January 1, 2021. This could lead to a change of project management effective January 1, 2021. While the procurement procedure is ongoing, startups can apply to and participate in the German Accelerator programs. In the event of a change of the project management provider, German Entrepreneurship GmbH will reach out to all applicants to ask for their consent to share their data with the new provider.
All our programs are active and currently running virtually throughout 2020. Our startups are preparing for their international expansion journey from Germany and we will make up for the local presence and the corresponding intensive networking in Boston, New York, Silicon Valley, or Singapore at a later date, once the situation around the Coronavirus has improved. We will also begin our Discovery Programs, Next Step Asia and Next Step India, remotely and we will carry out the planned ten-day on-site visits as soon as the global situation permits. The last few months have shown even more that you don't have to be physically present to communicate and get in touch with each other. The startups participating in our virtual programs have continued to benefit from digital workshops and mentor sessions to prepare for their international expansion from the comfort of their home. To foster the exchange between startups amongst each other, common happy hours, intros, and pitches are also taking place online and even across locations. We have added special sessions to our offerings that help our startups navigate the current crisis, prepare for a recession, and plan for the future post-corona.
We have launched a new webinar series “Pass The Mic” in which we bring international experts together to cover a wide variety of topics. This way, we provide startups in Germany with expert knowledge, specific information, and support them in coping with the crisis as best as possible. This webinar series is not only offered to our current program participants and alumni, but we also open it to other startups and members of the startup ecosystem. In addition, we have launched “Startup Stereo,” a German Accelerator podcast with and for founders, innovators, and change-makers, covering topics such as expansion, leadership, new work, company culture, and more. See all events here.
We are proud to see our current and alumni companies leverage their knowledge and expertise in the fight against the coronavirus – from 3D printing of medical parts to rapid testing for COVID-19 to satellite images and free education.
If your business is ready to scale, you should continue pursuing this goal! Of course, we take concerns around the coronavirus seriously and understand any hesitation. Market establishment always takes time, and we see this situation as an opportunity to make good use of the time and start building your future now while others might be staying still. Explore new opportunities and consider new potentials for your business for the post-corona economy and define the next steps. A new market can open new doors to new customers and partners – not only in the future but also right now. Starting the expansion process from home will enable you to fully focus on what is key to a successful expansion - the preparation and groundwork. If you feel your startup is ready to scale globally and ready to apply to one of our programs in the U.S. or Southeast Asia, please go ahead and save your spot among the high potential German startups getting ready to expand their business now.
Extensive and thorough preparation is the key to successful internationalization. The situation around COVID-19 allows you to fully focus on solid groundwork while staying home and enables you to position yourself better before you start the market entry on the ground in the local ecosystem. Our international teams and mentors will not only support you in setting up these fundamentals but will also help you get through the crisis, and prepare you for a potential recession. You can rely on their long-year business, management, and leadership experience, connect with other startup founders in our community, and leverage our strong global network virtually. The last few months have shown even more that you don't have to be physically present to communicate and get in touch with each other. The startups participating in our virtual programs have continued to benefit from digital workshops and mentor sessions to prepare for their international expansion from the comfort of their home. This arrangement remains in place until we can resume business as usual on the ground. We at German Accelerator will continue to monitor the developments around the globe very closely, following the local guidelines as well as the recommendations of the Federal Government here in Germany. We will provide you with regular updates as this develops.
Even though you may not have international expansion on your agenda at the moment, it is always important to plan ahead and think about the next chapters. The time is now to explore new opportunities and consider new potentials for your business for the post-corona economy and define the next steps. Preparing your business for a new market will facilitate the expansion and, in fact, might help you overcome a financial shortage by introducing your business to new customers, partners, and investors. Among our mentors are proven experts in multiple industries, serial entrepreneurs, and strong leaders who have managed companies survive the recessions of the last decades. You will have the chance to get their individual advice tailored to your company’s needs – during the crisis but also once the situation has improved when it’s time again for you to #GoFarGrowFast.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to answer this question right now, naming a specific date or timeline. The developments around COVID-19 are still uncertain and changing dynamically. We at German Accelerator take this situation seriously and follow the local guidelines as well as the recommendations of the Federal Government here in Germany. Based on recent developments in the U.S. and Southeast Asia, remote is the new normal for the time being and we can’t go back to business as usual anytime soon. Hence, we have decided to also run our programs in Q3 and Q4 virtually, meaning we will continue to work remotely with our startups throughout 2020. If the situation improves and the circumstances allow us, we will make up for the local presence as soon as we can, depending on the individual needs and circumstances of each company.
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