Kickstart

Start Your Global Expansion With the Kickstart Program

The Kickstart program supports early-stage German startups with the knowledge and tools needed to build and grow a scalable, global business right from the start. We empower program participants to make critical early decisions on product, market, and business models while boosting their global mindset to help improve their growth trajectories for success.

In a Nutshell

The Kickstart program will help you understand why and how to build a scalable, global business right from the start.

It is a hybrid program with both virtual and on-site sessions over a time period of 5 days.

The program supports early-stage startups of all stages and industries who have an interest in expansion and growth.

What’s in It For Your Startup

Get the Basics Right

Understand the basics and tools needed to successfully build a scalable business.

Learn From the Best

Receive feedback on your readiness for internationalization to develop a solid base for your growth.

Illustration Hand that creates something

Save Valuable Resources

Make critical early decisions on product, market, and business model and avoid costly mistakes.

Access to Our Global Network

Tap into our global mentor pool to help your startup incorporate program learnings into your overall business approach.

Sneak Preview
of Workshops

How to Identify Your Overseas Market

Product Readiness for Customers in a New Market

Internationalization from a Legal Perspective

Identify Your Product-Market-Fit

Mastering Your Message

How to Get Started

Submit Your Application

Provide your pitch deck and answer questions about your company.

Selection Process

Our Selection Committee will review your application and eligible startups will be notified.

Time to Roll Up Your Sleeves

Participate in our virtual program over 2 weeks 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, start working on your milestones and next steps. If you’re ready to take the next step, check out German Accelerator’s Market Discovery and Market Access offerings.

Additional Program Elements for AI Companies

Startups from the artificial intelligence (AI) sector can participate in the Kickstart program to prepare for growth early and receive in-depth support from AI experts.

Gain Expert Insights on AI Topics To Address Your Specific Challenges: The program covers topics such as ethical AI, potential collaborations with other companies (e.g data sharing), and regulation to help you tackle specific challenges within the AI field.

Mentoring from AI Experts: Through 1:1 mentoring with AI experts from our global mentor pool, you will have access to specialty expertise to address key issues of your business and validate your business models and value proposition.

Application Deadlines
& Program Dates

Kickstart International Class 2022-5:

Application Deadline: September 26, 2022
Program Dates: October 10 – 19, 2022
Location: 1.5 on-site days (11 October evening & 12 October) at Halle in conjunction with Born Global Startup Festival
Focused Life Sciences sessions on 17 October

Kickstart International Class 2022-6:

Program Dates: November 8 – 17, 2022
Location of on-site day: Baden-Württemberg region

Additional Kickstart International program cycles will be offered throughout the year and in various cities across Germany. If you’re interested in learning more, contact our scouting team at startingup@germanaccelerator.com.

Apply NOW

Is Your Startup Ready for New Markets?

If you’re not sure if you’re ready to scale your business to new markets or simply don’t know where to start, German Accelerator can help you take the first steps needed to venture beyond the borders of your home market. Download German Accelerator’s free ‘Internationalization Readiness Checklist’ to assess whether your business is fit for new markets.

→ Download Here

Kickstart

Start Your Global Expansion With the Kickstart Program

In a Nutshell