Built through a partnership between Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark and Transformation Lighthouse, Hummelnest Accelerator in Graz believes in creating a startup hive where everyone with drive can thrive. It specializes in B2B connections and VC attractiveness, thanks to the support from Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark. Applications are now open!
After successfully running 2 startup batches, Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark leveled up its startup efforts – and launched its own accelerator Hummelnest Accelerator in 2023 by partnering with the Transformation Lighthouse team. The accelerator benefits from years of experience building and running globally connected accelerators and communities. It also boasts first-hand experience creating startups, creating new businesses, and bridging the gap between startups and corporates.
With a combined network of businesses, SMEs, and experts from around the world, this accelerator will provide you with the best tools to rank up amongst startup elites.
Hummelnest Accelerator is dedicated to empowering startups and cultivating a supportive ecosystem for their growth. Specializing in accelerating early-stage tech startups and offer investment opportunities of up to 50.000€ for the most promising startups.
Hummelnest Accelerator serves as a gateway into the dynamic DACH market, offering investment opportunities and potential additional investment from our in-house RUJ VC. Notably, one of the startups in the #1 Batch achieved a significant milestone by receiving a dual investment totaling 100.000€- on stage on the Demo Day.
The Hummelnest Accelerator offers a completely individualized program – no one size fits all, and this program recognizes that. The organizers take each startup’s pain points and specific challenges and help to solve them.
The main focus is to connect startups with corporate partners to make tests and get clients. It brings each startup onto the radar of Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark with the aim of getting their investment, and, enter the DACH market (and then beyond).
Hummelnest Accelerator works with a long-term philosophy, prepared to do what it takes to help each startup succeed. As participants can gain investment from Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark, it shows the long-term commitment to support the whole startup journey.
Hannes Meixner, founder and initiator of the accelerator program at Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark: At Hummelnest, we were inspired by the founding story of Raiffeisen and the initial vision to help impoverished farming communities. The Raiffeisen idea back then was to decrease the dependency of these early entrepreneurs and help them thrive. The solution was found in the three ‘S’-formula: self-help, self-governance, and self-responsibility (in the original German: Selbsthilfe, Selbstverwaltung, and Selbstverantwortung). We are bringing back those principles in Hummelnest and we took it as our mission to support local and global entrepreneurs and make Graz an international entry point for future innovation and business creation.
The S’formula (self-help, self-governance, and self-responsibility) was developed to decrease the dependency of these early entrepreneurs and help them thrive. Hummelnest Accelerator aims to bring those principles to its startups, helping them achieve long-term, sustainable success.
Hummelnest Accelerator is looking for great innovations and impactful ideas. Most importantly, it’s looking for teams willing to give their best, with the drive to thrive. Passion is paramount to Hummelnest Accelerator.
Urska Jez, program lead and founder of Transformation Lighthouse: Taking on opening a new business is hard. You do not do it because it is easy. The life of an entrepreneur is deeply connected to his vision, passion, and also ambition. That is why I love working with startups so much, they are my kind of people. Giving their all chasing personal growth, creating new things, creating new teams, and be leaders in innovation. What I see in Hummelnest accelerator is a team that understands all the hardships of the entrepreneurial path and the value of good support when you need it the most. Let us be your support and together maximize your impact while having fun in the process.
Hummelnest Accelerator wants to push forward future development. It’s keeping a close eye on which technologies will dominate the market in years to come, which business models will prove best, and which organizations will successfully transition.
Hummelnest Accelerator is the platform for startups to turn their ideas into reality and thrive in the competitive market. By providing tailored support, access to networks, and investment opportunities, Hummelnest Accelerator empowers startups to take their ventures to new heights.
If you have a groundbreaking idea and the drive to succeed, apply now for the Hummelnest Accelerator batch #2! This is your chance to join a supportive ecosystem of like-minded entrepreneurs and make a lasting impact. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to unlock your startup’s full potential.
For more information and to apply, visit the Hummelnest Accelerator website. The application deadline is [insert deadline].
