Your International Journey Starts Here
Compare market opportunities, develop initial go-to-market hypotheses, and prepare for the next step.
Munich | Germany
Our Global Expansion Strategy program helps you assess potential markets, define early go-to-market assumptions, and align your team around the next step before committing major resources abroad.
Going Global Starts Before Market Entry
For many startups, the first challenge of internationalization is not execution in a foreign market: it is deciding where to focus, why that market makes sense, and what needs to be validated before investing time, budget, and team capacity.
Kickstart Global Expansion Strategy supports startups at this strategic preparation stage. It helps founders take a structured step back before entering a new market. Instead of immediately committing resources to expansion, startups work on understanding which markets may be relevant, how to compare opportunities, what assumptions need to be tested, and how to align the team around the next step.
What You Gain
Go-to-Market Hypotheses
Compare potential target markets, prioritize the most relevant opportunities, and define early GTM hypotheses around customer segments, positioning, adoption barriers, and routes to market.
International Readiness
Reflect on whether your team, product, operations, business model, and current traction are ready for international expansion - and what may need to be clarified first.
Network Access & Mentoring
Receive access to international networks of other foudners, experts, potential partners. Get individual guidance from experienced mentors to challenge assumptions, sharpen your expansion logic, and prepare for the next validation steps.
Stakeholder Alignment
Create a clear basis for internal and external conversations with co-founders, leadership teams, investors, or board members about your internationalization plans.
Your Concrete Takeaways
A structured view of potential target markets
A prioritized shortlist of markets to explore further
Initial go-to-market hypotheses for selected markets
A better understanding of key assumptions that need validation
Clearer international messaging and positioning considerations
A stronger basis for aligning stakeholders
Defined next steps toward deeper market validation or Market Discovery
Is This Program Right for You?
You need to be based in Germany and have a German legal entity
You are post-MVP and have demonstrable market traction
You are preparing for your next phase of scaling and international expansion, but need a structured approach to evaluate and prioritize market opportunities
You want to build an investor-ready internationalization strategy before committing resources to a new market
Program Details
Location:
Start2 Group Office
Balanstraße 73 | Haus 19 B / EG
Munich, Germany
Program Dates:
September 22 - 24, 2026
Application Deadline:
August 31, 2026
Format:
Workshops, Expert Sessions, 1-on-1 Mentoring, Networking
Cost:
Free for eligible startups
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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 stronger pitch, clearer positioning, and a concrete action plan, you can start working on next steps for your global expansion. Check out other Kickstart Programs or the German Accelerator Market Discovery offerings.
What Previous Program Participants Say
Do You Have Any Questions?
