StepFWD Together Launches Applications for Free Tech Startup Accelerator
StepFWD Together, a renowned startup accelerator program, has officially announced that applications are now open for their upcoming cohort of 20 tech startups from the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region. The program aims to provide support and resources to early-stage startups looking to accelerate their growth. It is worth noting that participation in this program is completely free of charge and does not require any equity.
The application period will remain open until October 8, giving interested startups ample time to submit their applications. StepFWD Together is particularly interested in diverse teams that have already developed a product and acquired initial users or customers. These startups should demonstrate a strong desire for rapid growth and a commitment to learning. The final selection of participants will be made based on a thorough evaluation of their applications and interviews with the StepFWD Together team.
Liviu Cadariu, the Program Director of StepFWD Together, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, StepFWD Together is a natural continuation of our work in recent years. We are now looking for those 20 technology startups that show a marker of diversity in their teams and are in search of an accelerator to help them grow rapidly. Cadariu further mentioned that this year, the program has partnered with Startup Norway, leveraging their expertise from a more developed ecosystem to access larger markets and investors in the Scandinavian region. With the support of local mentors, who bring extensive experience and connections, StepFWD Together aims to provide excellent guidance and assistance to the chosen startups.
The StepFWD Together program will span over seven months, running from October 2023 to April 2024. During this time, the selected startups will receive continuous support and mentorship from industry professionals and experienced entrepreneurs. They will also gain access to various resources, local and international investors, as well as other funding opportunities. Workshops focusing on essential aspects such as team building, product management, growth strategies, smart founding, and pitching will be provided to enhance the startups’ overall development.
The program is divided into two phases. The initial two-month phase, called Learn and connect, will enable participants to engage in workshops tailored to their needs. They will also have the opportunity to connect with investors and industry experts, culminating in a Demo Day event where they can showcase their progress to a wide audience of investors, journalists, and members of the startup ecosystem.
At the end of the first phase, the most promising six startups will be selected to proceed to the second phase, known as the Grow phase, which will take place from January to April 2024. During this period, the program’s content will be specifically tailored to the unique requirements and challenges faced by each of the remaining six teams. Dedicated mentorship teams, including successful entrepreneurs and industry experts, will guide and support the startups in achieving rapid growth.
StepFWD Together is a program developed in partnership with Startup Norway, funded by Innovation Norway, and supported by Bitdefender and Google for Startups. It offers a remarkable opportunity for early-stage tech startups to access valuable resources without the need for equity investment. The program aims to foster diversity and growth in the CEE startup ecosystem, providing startups with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
In summary, StepFWD Together has opened applications for their free tech startup accelerator program targeting early-stage startups from the CEE region. The selected startups will receive extensive support, mentorship, and access to a vast network of investors and resources. With the backing of key industry partners, StepFWD Together aims to help these startups achieve rapid growth and success in their respective industries.
