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Startup accelerators has been one of the significant components in the process of creating thousands of startups. Joining any established accelerator can give startups a big boost right from funding, mentorship, networking, inspiring coworking spaces and educational resources. In fact, it is one of the popular ways at present to get a business up and running.
Having said that, accelerators have become increasingly popular elements of the regional growth infrastructure and a critical factor in scaling up growth-oriented entrepreneurial ventures. Since there are so many accelerators out there, it can sometimes be an overwhelming process to really know which is the one for you.
To make your life easier, we’ve put together a list of top 10 startup accelerators in Europe at present.
H-FARM (Italy)
Founders: Maurizio Rossi, Riccardo Donadon
H-FARM is an innovative platform set up in 2005 to help entrepreneurs launch new initiatives and support the digitalisation of Corporates. Every year, the company runs industry-focused accelerators with the aim to select, support and invest in emerging early-stage and market-ready startups. Furthermore, the selected startups experience an immersive 4-month program, surrounded by ventures at different stages, corporations, business leaders, mentors and investors.
The company provides an all-inclusive investment package of seed investment, room&board, working facilities, acceleration services: mentorship, workshops & seminars, deals from tech partners, business network, Demo Day.
Founders Factory (UK)
Founders: Brent Hoberman, George Northcott, Henry Lane Fox
The company was established to help early-stage companies rapidly become viable and sustainable businesses. Founders Factory has developed a unique accelerator and studio model that can help startups find product/market fit in the shortest amount of time, solve strategic and operational challenges and find scale with multinational corporates. It has built an operating team of 70 digital specialists in London who provide hands-on support to our startups – essentially becoming additions to their team. They receive £30k cash for 4-7% equity along with a dedicated team providing intense support.
High Tech XL (The Netherlands)
Founders: Guus Frericks, Patrick Gabriels
High Tech XL is considered as Europe’s prime hub for high-tech startups. This accelerator support hardware startup founders all the way from idea to prototype to scale-up by connecting them to a top-tier community of entrepreneurs, corporates, and investors.
Startupbootcamp (UK)
Founders: Aldo de Jong, Alex Farcet, Carsten Kolbek, Patrick Zeeuw, Ruud Hendriks
Startupbootcamp is a startup accelerator that facilitates the mentorship-driven model by providing startups with essential tools during a 3-month accelerator program. The company provides €15,000 towards living expenses for the team during the program, 6 months co-working space, over €450,000 in sponsored services. For each program, the accelerator selects 10 companies to take part in a tailored and intense 3-month acceleration program.
Sting (Sweden)
Founders: Pär Hedberg
Sting, a.k.a Stockholm Innovation & Growth lets talented people turn their ideas into sustainable businesses. They offer qualified coaching in business development, a business angel network, a venture capital fund, a recruitment service, and an international network of investors, business contacts and experts. Moreover, they also play an important role in helping startups to grow and compete internationally, and by generating export revenues for Stockholm.
Station F (France)
It is as a startup campus with a central hub building that dedicates services to the French tech ecosystem. The startup joins the program needs to stay a minimum of 3 months and can send up to 15 employees. Unlike other programs, it does not provide investment for equity and startups need to pay for their desks. Part of the building is managed by Station F’s partners, such as Facebook, Zendesk, Vente-Privée, HEC, Microsoft, etc.
Maria 01 (Finland)
Based out of Helsinki, Maria 01 lets tech startups work side by side with venture capitalists, established companies and extended ecosystem to help each other succeed. The hub is located at a former 130-year-old hospital campus in central Helsinki, Finland. Notably, the company is on a mission to provide the best growing environment for young technology companies. The total campus provides a place of work for over 5000 professionals.
Startup Lab (Norway)
Co-founder: Alexander Woxen
This accelerator offers a 3-month program and investment of up to 3M Norwegian kroner (around €310,000) for 6% to 8% equity. Since its inception, the accelerator has supported over 250 tech startups and works with over 82 active members. They have engaged industry experts, serial entrepreneurs, investors and scientists actively share their network, knowledge and experience that benefits the group.
Lisbon Challenge (Portugal)
Founders: Pedro Rocha Vieira, Manuel Tânger, Ricardo Marvão
The Lisbon Challenge is an ambitious 4-month acceleration program aimed at international tech startups in the prototype or product phase, looking for an innovative and empowering experience. They offer consistent methods and resources for startups acceleration, along with €15,000 for 2% equity, and then a further €55,000 for 5% to the startups that complete the program.
Kickstart (Switzerland)
Delivered through Impact Hub Zurich, Kickstart gives training to 100 entrepreneurs from the science and engineering sectors in Switzerland by collaborating with key players on proof-of-concept work, pilot projects and other innovation partnerships. The program is open to Swiss and international startups that are developing and/or applying deep technologies – science and engineering-driven technologies such as AI, Big Data, Blockchain, Robotics etc. – in and around the areas of EdTech & Learning, FinTech & Digital Assets, Food & Retail Tech, Smart City & Technology, HealthTech and Cybersecurity.
Additionally, Kickstart covers up to CHF 10,000 of business development expenses during the program. Moreover, they take no equity and charges no fees from the participating startups.
Stay tuned to Silicon Canals for more updates in the tech startup world.
5 advantages of joining a world-class accelerator to boost your startup’s growth
Completely missed out THEFAMILY. Their company portfolios are valued over £1bn.
I’m also missing the family in France and Accelerace which are doing some great work in the Nordics!
does this apply to startups I. Africa also
so they qualify to apply
Please check the terms and conditions of the accelerators, but usually, they require you to set up a limited company in the country of origin, or a UK ltd, or a ltd in another EU country.