Fast-Track Your Startup’s Scaling Journey
Master the essentials of scaling and build the foundations for global expansion.
Frankfurt | Germany
3 days of hands-on learning to strengthen your founder skills and create trusted relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and scaleup experts.
Your Scaling Essentials Toolbox
For startups with ambitions to scale internationally, the step before global expansion is often the most critical and the most underestimated. Without proper preparation across business development, funding, and leadership, momentum can stall before internationalization even begins.
That’s where Kickstart’s scaling program comes in. This hands-on bootcamp prepares startups for their next growth phase. Over 3 on-site days, you’ll engage in deep dives tailored to your business, guided by high-profile speakers, structured mentoring, and peer-to-peer learning, with plenty of space for discussion and reflection.
Throughout the program, you’ll sharpen your scaling readiness, stress-test growth assumptions, and build trusted peer connections. With mentoring integrated during and after the bootcamp, this scaling program helps you make confident, evidence-based growth decisions, laying the foundation for successful international expansion.
What You Gain
Sales Strategy & Refined Pitch
Hands-on development of core founder skills across sales and pitching, applied directly to your startup’s current challenges.
Fundraising Readiness
Practical guidance on your cap table and fundraising strategy from real VCs and peers.
Leadership & Team Skills
Essential leadership, team-building, and hiring competencies to scale your startup effectively.
Peer & Mentor Network
Trusted access to experienced founders, high-profile industry experts, and hands-on startup mentors.
Your Concrete Takeaways
Gain practical tools and honest feedback on how to sell, pitch, hire, and grow
Feel more confident and credible when approaching investors
Form relationships with mentors, peers, and partners that extend beyond the program
Have a clear sense of what “scalable” means in your business model
Is This Program Right for You?
You need to be based in Germany + 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).
Pre-seed stage or beyond, with first signs of validation
You have ambitions to scale and eventually expand into global markets
Program Details
Location:
Frankfurt, Germany
Program Dates:
April 14 - 16, 2026
Venue:
tba
Application Deadline:
March 22, 2026
Format:
Workshops, Keynotes, 1-on-1 Mentoring, Networking
Cost:
Free for eligible startups
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
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?
