Build and Grow a Scalable, Global Business Right from the Start
The Kickstart program equips early-stage German startups with essential tools and knowledge to build a scalable, global business.
Empowering Early Growth Decisions
Through Kickstart, participants are guided to make early critical decisions on product, market, and business models. The program fosters a global mindset, accelerating the startup’s growth trajectory for long-term success in international markets.
Why German Accelerator?
Companies that have accelerated their business.
Mentors who support startups all across the globe.
Funding raised by program participants.
Continents in which programs are offered.
All-In-One: Maximizing Startup Success.
About the Program
The Kickstart program provides early-stage German startups with the tools and knowledge to build scalable, global businesses.
It supports critical early decisions on product, market, and business models while fostering a global mindset to accelerate growth.
Sneak Preview
Identify Your Product-Market-Fit
How to Identify Your Overseas Market
Product Readiness for Customers in a New Market
Internationalization from a Legal Perspective
Mastering Your Message
Program Dates
Duration & Location:
Program Dates: 25 November - 13 December
On-Site Days in Traunstein, Germany on November 25-26
Format:
Workshops, Panel Discussions, Networking
Application Deadline:
October 20, 2024
Cost:
Free*
01
Kickstart Focus: Life Sciences
Tailored to life sciences startups specifically in the medical device and diagnostics sector, you'll gain key insights and knowledge on global growth opportunities in just two days.
02
Kickstart Focus: Climate Tech
Tailored to climate technology startups, you'll gain key insights and knowledge on global growth opportunities in just two days.
Explore Kickstart Focus
Discover our Kickstart Focus sessions designed to to give you a streamlined experience in addition to our multi-week Kickstart program.
Follow Other Successful Startups
What’s in It for Your Startup
Get the Basics Right
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to successfully set up your business for growth and scale.
Learn from the Best
De-risk and make critical early decisions on product, market, and business models with the help of individualized mentoring.
Setup for Success
Adopt an international perspective and develop a growth strategy that prepares your business for scalable competitiveness and long-term success.
Access A Global Network
Tap into our global ecosystem to expand your business network with mentors, investors, partners to propel your business forward.
Apply Now and Submit Your Application
What Previous Program Participants Say
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.
You Have the Questions We Have the Answers
01
How Can I Apply to the Program?
To apply, simply follow the instructions in the application form. After submission, our team will review your application and get in touch with next steps.
02
Who Is Eligible to Join?
To qualify for any German Accelerator program, your company has to meet our selection criteria:
- Your company must be incorporated in Germany with one of the following legal forms: UG; AG; GmbH; GmbH & Co. KG. We also consider GbRs on a case-by-case basis
- Qualify as a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) based on the EU definition of a SME
- Be under the limit of the official EU De-minimis aid regulation
03
Who Should Join the Kickstart Program?
The Kickstart program is ideal for startups with scalable solutions and global market potential.
Applicants should be planning to scale within the EU and/or globally, have a product in the process of achieving product-market fit, and have completed a seed or series "A" funding round.
At minimum, startups should have a clear understanding of their customer segments and an initial product release (or pilot).
04
What Are the Program Costs?
Participation in the Kickstart program is fully funded, meaning there are no direct costs to startups. This is made possible through funding provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
05
How Can I Apply to the Program?
The German Accelerator Kickstart program lasts approximately 2 weeks, during which you'll also attend an on-site day to attend in-person workshops, panel discussions, and networking events.