START Fellowship Accelerator

History and Founding Story

START Fellowship Accelerator is an initiative by START Global, an organization with a mission to empower young founders. While the specific founding story of the accelerator isn't detailed, its existence is rooted in a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, particularly in underrepresented regions. The program leverages the vibrant European startup ecosystem and academic rigor of the University of St. Gallen to provide a unique growth platform.

Mission and Values

The core mission of the START Fellowship Accelerator is to empower young founders from Latin America and Africa. It values immersion, academic engagement, mentorship, and networking as key pillars for startup growth. The program aims to bridge geographical gaps, providing founders from these regions with access to European markets, expertise, and investment opportunities, thereby fostering a diverse and interconnected global entrepreneurial community.

Program Structure and Timeline

The START Fellowship Accelerator is an intensive 4-month program based in Switzerland. Participants embark on an entrepreneurial journey that includes a variety of structured activities. These include input sessions led by experienced investors and entrepreneurs, academic classes at the prestigious University of St. Gallen, and dedicated mentoring and coaching sessions with industry experts. The program culminates in a Demo Day, providing founders with a platform to showcase their progress and connect with potential investors. Throughout the program, founders also benefit from access to co-working spaces and numerous networking opportunities.

Mentorship and Network

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the START Fellowship Accelerator. Founders receive guidance and coaching from a diverse group of experts, including seasoned entrepreneurs and investors. The program emphasizes building a strong network of like-minded entrepreneurs, fostering a tight-knit community among participants. Beyond the immediate cohort, founders gain access to a broader network within the European startup ecosystem, facilitated through conferences, workshops, and direct engagement with key players. Notable individuals associated with the program as mentors or speakers include Michael Cassau (SKROL, Grover), Bettina Hein (juli), Petter Made (EWOR, SumUp), Damaris Mendoza Loera (500 Global), Mariano Otero (Fever), Dr. Jan Brinckmann (ESADE), Sebastian Kreis (Xepelin), Daniel Gutenberg (Hookipa), Boris Manhart (Innosuisse), Felipe Delago (Merama), Borja Martel (Roxom), and Mariano Mayer (Newtopia).

Investment Terms

The program offers equity-free funding, a significant advantage for early-stage startups. While specific investment amounts are not detailed, the program highlights "funding opportunities" and the potential for "potential investments to make your Startup grow exponentially" through an Investment Committee. This suggests that while direct program funding is equity-free, further investment rounds may be facilitated through program connections.

What Makes It Unique

What sets the START Fellowship Accelerator apart is its specific focus on young founders from Latin America and Africa, providing them with a unique gateway to the European startup ecosystem. The combination of practical input from entrepreneurs and investors, academic rigor from the University of St. Gallen, and equity-free funding makes it a distinctive offering. The emphasis on community building and a strong network, coupled with the opportunity for potential follow-on investments, creates a comprehensive support system for international founders.

Notable Outcomes

While specific company success stories are not explicitly listed as alumni, the program aims to help startups grow exponentially through its resources and connections. The involvement of prominent figures from successful companies and investment firms as mentors and advisors indicates a strong network capable of fostering significant outcomes.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Participants can expect a dynamic and immersive experience. A typical day might involve attending input sessions with experienced entrepreneurs, engaging in classes at the University of St. Gallen, or participating in one-on-one mentoring sessions. There will be ample time for working on their startups in a dedicated co-working space, collaborating with fellow founders, and attending networking events or workshops. The program is designed to be hands-on, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical application, all within the vibrant Swiss entrepreneurial environment.