Global Startup Ecosystem (GSE) returns with the 3rd annual digital startup accelerator program to be hosted in 7 global regions. The program has scaled rapidly as the world first and largest digital online accelerator program with 500 companies across 63 countries completing the program in 2016 and 700 companies across 91 countries completing the program in 2017. With 140 global partners, GSE seeks 1000 innovators for the 2018 series which will be facilitated by over 50 global speakers.
GSE digital accelerator programs are open to all small businesses, startups, and freelancers. Each application round is rolling admission until the top 100 are selected to complete the program. From the finalist pool, 10 will be selected to pitch investors and influencers on demo day. The top 3 are announced at the conclusion of the program to receive partner prizes, media features, and potential investment.
Startups can apply for admission to a digital accelerator via our partner platform F6S by October 15th. The program is free. No equity ask. No obligation. The 2018 accelerator dates are:
Who Can Apply:
Our program targets entrepreneurs, creatives, industry innovators and academics who seek to
- Join a regional or city accelerator program to learn how to build and scale initiatives and businesses within that geographic area. Partners and speakers for this program are international influencers but have localized expertise. Apply now to a regional program.
- Join a frontier tech, impact or industry accelerator program if you are interested in accessing specialized experts for these topic areas. These programs are usually customized by our digital lab partners. These verticals are extremely competitive and are announced throughout the year. You can apply to a program directly or sign up for alerts on program offering dates.
- Join an institutional accelerator program if you are affiliated with that institutional network. Institutional programs are usually targeted towards the company’s employees, customers, students and/or affiliates. You can apply to a program directly or sign up for alerts on program offering dates.
Benefits
- Convenience- login from anywhere in the world for an online accelerator program
- Diversity-Network with an international cohort. Many of our regional programs features participants from over 20-40+ countries
- Mentors-Access expertise from both local and international speakers
- Validation- selection into our program gives brand prestige to individuals/teams that need to apply to future accelerators, funding programs, and competitions
- Alumni network-Continuous mentorship and feedback for life. Once you graduate- you have access to our network database forever.
- Investment- Pitch for investment capital from angels, VCs, foundations, and other sources to help your company grow
- Travel- top graduate are offered sponsored access to global summits and local events
About the program
The accelerator program grants access to GSE’s network which consists of the following:
- Part 1 Startup Development: Our digital accelerator program covers GSE blueprint materials on ideation, product development, customer acquisition, fundraising, press hacking and more. These workshop topics are complemented with guest workshops and keynotes from local experts and international influencers. While only 10% of each cohort is selected for demo day, all participants are given the opportunity to participate in a Q/A forum with the judges.
- Part 2 Mentorship Development: Once founders complete the program- they are given access to ongoing startup development training from or mentor network throughout the year. This private forum also grants graduates the opportunity to network with founders from other GSE programs.
- Part 3 Progress & Investment: Companies are given the opportunity to submit updates on their companies 2x per year to receive access to investment and media opportunities.
Each regional program features 10-15 global experts, 10 workshop sessions and 100 free resources and links to propel your company. The program agenda includes the following topics:
- Ideation & Product Hacking- How to create a website and app in 30 days
- Customer Acquisition- How to get your first 10,000 users
- Marketing – How to scale with press and media hacks
- Business Development- How to build a sustainable business model
The 2018 accelerator dates for Africa are November 13, 14, 15 @6pm-9pm Ghana Time.
Click here to apply.
