Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator
AXEL SPRINGER PLUG & PLAY
ACCELERATOR
Launched in 2013, the Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator is a Berlin-based accelerator
looking for trail-blazing digital entrepreneurs.
We’re more than just an accelerator: we provide global opportunities
from day one, through our international network in Europe and Silicon Valley.
Twice a year, we run a three month-long program in which we provide startups with seed funding of 25.000 euros, office space in the heart of Berlin, coaching, workshops, networking events and more. The program ends with the Demo Day, where startups will have the opportunity to pitch in front of an elite audience of local, international investors and venture capital firms for additional seed and Series A funding. Plus, startups have the chance to meet Silicon Valley investors as well as go to Silicon Valley.
Apply now until April 19th for the summer term starting on May 21st
Introduction
The Axel Springer Plug & Play Accelerator
serves as a booster for new ventures and provides immediate access to a sophisticated network and global infrastructure.
Both companies are eager to invest their experience, expert-knowledge and resources by creating and implementing strong synergies between startups and existing networks.
Our support includes a great variety of applied workshops, A-list speakers, intensive coaching
and customized mentoring.
Further, we provide office space in Berlin and usually an individual seed investment of 25.000 euros. We connect people, spaces and spirits to shape
change in the digital age.
About Us
The combined power of Axel Springer and Plug and Play Tech Center means we can work more efficiently and more effectively than other accelerators. We boast a uniquely broad and powerful network.
Backed by an ambitious team, we’re looking for Europe's best and brightest founders. We’re creating an environment that will help them to develop their ideas into impressive, global businesses.
Our focus is working with startups. That’s why we ask the founders of each startup chosen for the program to move to Berlin. During that time, we work intensively with them by providing a comfortable and productive work environment.
Approach
Our pragmatic approach is "Work Hard - Play Hard" - However, we value integrity, ambition and courage. We highlight teamwork as the founding pillar to the program and provide a friendly, respectful and casual work atmosphere. We can run the cables but you have to plug in yourself.
Therefore we expect your sincere commitment and dedication to our program: ambition, motivation, positivity, enthusiasm and courage. In return our staff and team will offer their greatest possible support. Join the creation of a new innovative force and help to establish Berlin as the leading, innovative and technological capital of Europe and the world.
Crystalize and focus your innovative ideas and business models and get ready for the big move. Experiences have shown that even settled founders with proven business models, which are already active in the market, could benefit of our network. We want you to think big and be connected with the Silicon Valley.
Berlin
Palo Alto
Berlin
Palo Alto
Network
Our network is our core value.
It is enormous and valuable and will help your company succeed with a tremendous and unparalleled network of serial entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, digital pioneers and renowned investment professionals from both Europe and the US. Once you are chosen, you don't simply 'join' a program. You become part of a global family.
Partner network of Plug and Play Tech Center and Axel Springer AG
PROGRAM
Here’s what you can expect from our
three-month program:
- Initial funding of 25.000 euros for 5% equity
- Office space located in Berlin, with its existing and fully equipped startup infrastructure
- Onboarding week including introduction of the team, daily events, geo-catching etc.
- Choose from a great variety of workshops like Online Marketing, Business Intelligence, First VC Contract and many more
- Access to intensive coaching by highly experienced internal experts
- Mentoring days and weekly sessions by highly-renowned speakers
- Events including pitch practicing, social events and lunches
- Grow your own network and build lasting business relationships
- Expose yourself to the fast moving Berlin and Silicon Valley venture ecosystems,
broaden your mind and end up thinking bolder and bigger - Increase your chances for follow-up funding on our Demo Day pitching to prestigious local and international investors
The program doesn’t end after the demo day: our team and our network will continue to help founders and their company. Further, selected startups will have the opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley for further acceleration, demoing and pitching to VCs.
Apply
In principle, we are open for any kind of digital business model.
But we’re open to innovative ideas in related areas.
We are looking for balanced teams who understand their product and the technology needed to bring it to market. Two weeks after the application deadline, we will invite startups that pass initial screening for Pitching Days in Berlin. After that, we’ll announce the final participants.
SCHEDULE
We will have two three-month program cycles per year in Berlin. After that, appropriate startups will have the opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley for further acceleration, demoing and pitching to VC’s.