Build a Scalable, Global Business From Day One
Get the tools, knowledge, and network to build a startup that thrives in international markets.
The Kickstart program helps you develop clear, data-backed hypotheses to identify the right markets for your business.
Go global without costly mistakes
For companies looking to go global, uncertainty is the norm — and it often leads to wasted time, money, and momentum.
That’s where Kickstart comes in. With the support of experienced mentors, practical tools, and strategic guidance, you’ll assess your startup’s readiness for international expansion and identify which market makes the most sense to explore first — all without pressure or cost.
It's free of charge, with no equity taken and in just 2–3 weeks, you'll learn to make smarter decisions about going global and scaling.
What You Get with Kickstart
Avoid Costly Mistakes
Understand common pitfalls in internationalization and learn how to avoid them early.
Learn from the Best
Get guidance from founders and experts who’ve successfully scaled startups globally.
Find the Right Market
Identify which country offers the best fit for your product before you invest time or money.
Build Your Global Network
Get access to mentors, investors, partners globally to propel your business forward
Walk Away With Concrete Deliverables
Gain access to our global network
Construct an effective go-to-market strategy
Know which markets work for your startup
Access to global mentors
No equity is taken and there are no underlying agendas. Simply put, we are committed to your success, no strings attached!
Is This Program Right for You?
You need to be based in Germay + having a German legal entity is beneficial but not required (e.g. EXIST-funded startups that are still in the process of forming a GmbH are welcome to apply).
You are working on finding your product/market fit
Bootstrapped, Pre-seed to all the way to Seed+ startups
You are planning to scale DE, EU and/or globally
What You Will Work On During the Program
These are some of the topics we will cover during the program with the help of workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions. This is just a sneak preview, there’s plenty of other things you will work on!
Networking & Elevator Pitch Practice
Learn how to craft a compelling elevator pitch - no matter what stage your company is in. Being able to clearly and confidently explain your business in just a few seconds is a vital skill. You’ll also discover how to get the best contacts and make the most of your networking efforts.
How to Pitch to Investors & Raise Funding
This hands-on example-loaded session will discuss the key elements of any startup's business plan, and how to represent these elements in your pitch deck, in a way that will spark the attention of investors, and get you to due diligence.
Customer Conversations
Gain a deep dive into the customer discovery preparation process in this hands-on workshop. Learn the importance of customer research and validating your findings in order to find your product / market fit.
Sales Competence
This session will focus on building scalable and repeatable sales. You’ll learn how to define the right processes and tactics to generate a strong pipeline that supports your sales goals, how to build and manage a global sales team, and how to structure a sales process that turns pilot projects into long-term contracts.
Internationalization Essentials
In this session, you will learn about the benefits and opportunities of internationalization, how to assess the right time and approach for going global, and which tools and strategies support successful scaling.
Mastering Your Message
Gain the pitching skills needed to position your company for success and learn how to storytell and deliver a meaningful and unique value proposition in this workshop.
What You'll Experience
2 weeks designed to transform how you approach scaling
Expert-Led Guidance
Learn from former entrepreneurs and industry mentors how to tackle your challenges. Ask questions and overcome your roadblocks in 1:1 and group sessions.
Network with Other Teams
The Kickstart program includes a one-day onsite session with offline networking. Here, you can connect with fellow founders, our team, experts, and speakers.
Scale with Confidence
Kickstart paves your way for international expansion & scaling. You'll be able to navigate new markets, construct an effective go-to-market strategy, and achieve your milestones swiftly.
Continuous Support
You never walk alone. Our team has accompanied 1,600 startups over the years, and we offer continued support, including eligibility for other programs and ongoing mentor connections.
Next Cohort Details
Location:
Munich, Germany (venue via BASED/de:hub Security & Defense)
Online Preperation:
November 17 – December 1, 2025
On-Site Days:
December 2-4, 2025
Application Deadline:
November 7, 2025
Format:
Workshops, Panel Discussions, Networking
Cost:
For Free*
Read our Startup Stories
"When it comes to choosing a startup accelerator for international expansion, Kellermann is clear: “In my opinion, I highly recommend German Accelerator,” he said."
“I would say one of the things that really impressed me was the high profile of the experts that they [German Accelerator] introduced us to.”
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"A ten-minute in-person meeting saved a lot of paperwork. Being physically present in Asia made all the difference."
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How to Get Started
Follow these simple steps and begin your journey with German Accelerator.
Submit Your Application
Submit your pitch deck along with answers to key questions about your business, including your vision, market-fit, and current growth stage. This information will help assess your company’s potential for success and eligibility for the German Accelerator program.
Selection Process
Our team will carefully evaluate your application, reviewing all provided materials including your pitch deck and company details. If your startup is selected and meets the eligibility criteria, you will be notified of the next steps.
Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves
Participate in the program and start working on the basics for international expansion via 1:1 mentor sessions, workshops, and fireside chats with our expert mentors.
Ready, Set, Go!
With a global mindset in place and feedback on your startup’s readiness for international expansion, you can start working on your milestones. If you’re ready to take the next step, check out German Accelerator’s Market Discovery and Market Access offerings.
What Kickstart Participants Say
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