Kickstart Program

Build and Grow a Scalable, Global Business Right from the Start

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

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.

Illustration Hand that creates something

Setup for Success

Broaden your mindset to include internationalization to be set up for global success and competitiveness.

Access Our Global Network

Tap into our global ecosystem to expand your business network with mentors, investors, partners, and other relevant contacts.

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

The Kickstart Program was an exciting opportunity for us as an early-stage startup. We had the chance to learn about and get insights on growth, internationalization, and building an organization from various experts. Furthermore, German Accelerator helped us broaden our business network and meet investors, one of which led our most recent seed funding round.

Miloš Djurdjević, Co-Founder of heyData

This program is one of my top recommendations for early-stage companies who want high quality mentorship and broad networking.

Suhas Patel, Co-Founder of Tvarit

We were able to sharpen our value proposition, get feedback on our business model, and define a clearer path to successfully extend our product portfolio into overseas markets.

Julian-Christoph Huss, Co-Founder of Rehmus

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.

Application Deadlines
& Program Dates

Kickstart Class 2023-5:

Application Deadline: June 5, 2023
Program Dates: June 26 – July 7, 2023
On-site Date(s): June 27, 2023, in Karlsruhe, Germany

Kickstart 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 advisory@german-entrepreneurship.de.

Apply NOW

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.

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 Program

Build and Grow a Scalable, Global Business Right from the Start

In a Nutshell