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We are no ordinary
startup accelerator.
We focus on female founders and mixed teams. For us, our mission centers on sustainably empowering female entrepreneurs on their startup journey and giving them a decisive advantage with Grace to overcome the challenges along the way.
We value founder-centricity. For us, this means that we meet our female founders exactly where they are with their company and where they are as a person. With us, you don't have to pretend, you can be who you are: With all the struggles and vulnerabilities of being a founder and a human being.
We support every female founder with a monthly grant of €2,200, without taking shares. In addition, you will receive access to our coworking space, a tailored program, childcare support (if needed) and a network for your entrepreneurial future.
We connect you with world-class mentors. With out mentors, you get tailored answers to your exact challenges, and access to years of experience in start-ups, scale-ups, consultancies, big tech or their own companies.
We focus not only on financial success, but also on impact. We believe in the positive impact of entrepreneurship. That's why we also talk about sustainability and social impact.
For us, it's not just about the development of your company, but also your personal development as a founder. This means not only being accompanied by coaches throughout the program or exchanging with mentors in 1:1s on your exact challenges, but also that we focus on founders’ health & well-being.
We give today’s founders the visibility to be tomorrow’s role models. Our alumnae have not only become founders, but also Forbes 30 Under 30 and future makers. They have stood in Germany’s shark tank version “Die Höhle der Löwen”, received awards for their companies, expanded in retail and raised financing rounds. Above all, however, they have become role models for the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
What can you expect from the Grace Berlin Accelerator?
Startup Know-How
Experienced experts will accompany you on your entrepreneurial journey with a focus on market and investment readiness. From turning your prototype into a polished MVP to exploring a range of funding options. Experts from our network will address your individual challenges, enabling you to put what you've learned into practice.
Coaching
Your development as a founder and your business take center stage. Our experienced coaches will support you in unlocking your full potential. On a monthly basis, you will be guided to define your goals and create an individual roadmap for your business idea as well as your personal development as a founder.
Mentoring
A network of over 200 mentors share their knowledge and experience with you. They bring in new perspectives, ask the right questions, and offer you assistance through their networks. Your individual challenges and entrepreneurial inquiries will be matched with suitable mentors who can provide guidance and support.
Peer Group
You will begin the program alongside 17 fellow founders, as well as being part of the flourishing community of successful female founders. Embarking on this journey full steam ahead. This peer group provides a space for exchange and co-creation, fostering mutual learning and growth. Peer-group learning is a vital factor in the program and extends beyond its duration.
Visibility
At Grace, participants take the spotlight. We create visibility for the next generation of founders. Learn how to make yourself visible as a founder and create a powerful brand that resonates with your audience, users, and future clients. Through our program, you’ll level up your brand and storytelling skills, crafting a compelling story that leaves a lasting impression.
Empowerment
Our team has already supported over 100 founders. We are familiar with the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and will be by your side throughout the journey. Through our program we create a safe and brave space where diversity is embraced, and innovations can flourish. This is your opportunity to grow as a leader, embrace your unique strengths, and steer your startup towards success.
Follow in footsteps of Grace Alumnae such as:
Who can apply?
✓ You are an aspiring female founder or part of a mixed-gender team ready to participate full-time in the program, and you can apply either individually or as a team.
✓ You live in Berlin or are willing to relocate to Berlin before the start of the program.
✓ If your business is already registered, it has not yet generated any revenues.
✓ Your are (planning on building) a commercial business or a non-profit organization.
✓ You have not received any public funding like "GründungsBONUS" or EXIST before.
The Schedule
We will review the applications on a rolling basis. Make sure to apply as early as possible to get an interview slot!
Application Phase
December 2nd - January 19th 2025
Virtual Interviews
Ongoing & on a rolling bases
Selection day
February 4th 2025
Program start
March 1st 2025
Demo day
October 2025
Program closing & Wrap Up
October 31st 2025
FAQ's
How is it funded?
With the Grace Berlin Accelerator, the participating founders receive funding in the form of a monthly stipend. The stipend amounts to €2,200 gross and is paid at the end of each month. The program is full-time and includes workshops, coaching, mentoring, and much more (see above). You will allocate the remaining time to implement your startup project.
I have participated in another program that offers the Berlin Startup Scholarship program before, Can I still apply for the Grace Berlin Accelerator program?
If you already received Berlin Start-up Stipendium, EXIST (not EXIST woman) or GründungsBONUS you can not take part in the programme.
Does Grace take an equity interest in my startup once I've incorporated?
The program is funded through the European Social Fund Plus from resources of the European Union and the state of Berlin. That's why you will not be asked to give away any company shares.
In which phase does my idea have to be?
To participate in the Grace Berlin Acceleration, your company cannot have generated any revenue yet. Ideally, we are looking for female founders and mixed teams who have already developed a prototype or MVP and are already in touch with potential customers. At a minimum, you should have a strong concrete idea or specific approach ready for further development in the program.
Can mixed teams also apply?
Yes, mixed teams can also apply. However, a quota of 51% female founding members must be met if all founding members want to be part of the program. For teams with a 50% quota, only the female founding members can be part of the program.
In what language is the program held?
We tailor our program to the needs of our participants and can accommodate both German and English languages.
Is the Grace Berlin Accelerator a full-time program?
The participation in our program requires you to be working full time on your startup. However, our program is built to be flexible, e.g. you will have the opportunity to boost the development of your startup as needed by joining regular expert sessions, coachings, networking events as well as mentoring on demand.
I am still studying, can I participate in the programme?
If you are in your last semester and you are about to graduate, you can participate in the program if you have already finished all courses besides your thesis.
Where does the program take place?
The Grace Berlin Accelerator is designed as an onsite program. You will have access to a co-working space in Berlin-Charlottenburg. Additional live-workshops, coaching sessions and events will take place in our founders' loft in Berlin-Kreuzberg. To give you flexibility, we combine in-person and remote work for some program elements.
I don't live in Berlin, can I still take part in the program?
As the program is locally funded, one of the requirements is that your official place of residence is in Berlin. If you do not currently reside in Berlin but are flexible enough to relocate to Berlin before the program starts, you can still apply and participate in the program.
Can participants from non-EU countries also receive a scholarship?
Yes, they must be registered with their primary residence in Berlin. Additionally, their residence permit must be valid for the entire duration of the scholarship and must not have any restrictions on employment or starting a business. We provide assistance in this matter, and work closely with Berlin Partner.
In case of incorporation does the company need to be registered in Berlin?
During the program period, the company must be registered in Berlin
I have already registered my company, can I still participate in the program?
Yes, generally, that is possible. The crucial factor is that you are not economically active in the market yet. The company can not generate any revenues until the start of the programme or have paid partnerships or pilot projects.
I already was part of another start-up programme or have already received funding, can I still participate in the program?
Please give us detailed information about previous programs or fundings in your application. We will individually check your case after receiving all information with your application.
If you already received Berlin Start-up Stipendium, EXIST (not EXIST woman) or GründungsBONUS you can not take part in the programme.
Can I receive funding for the startup during the program?
Financing is generally allowed. In line with the funding program's objectives, it is desirable to secure follow-up financing through means such as investments or crowdfunding. During the program, we will explore potential financing sources and strategies that align with your startup.
Do all founding members have to participate in the program?
No, if your co-founder(s) do not meet all the requirements or have other reasons to not join the program you can still be part of the program. We recommend having the whole team involved. Please be aware you must have a minimum of 51% ownership of the company in case of incorporation during the program.
What information is requested when applying for the Grace Berlin Accelerator?
You submit your application via the F6S form. If you would like to prepare your application, you can find the questions of the form in the PDF below to download.
Application questions PDF
When can I expect final feedback after submitting my application and how does the application process work?
After the application phase ends, we will invite selected founders to a virtual interview. As a next step we will invite about 20 founders to our selection day February 4. The final decision will be made after selection day and we will inform the participants by mid February.
The project is funded by the European Social Fund Plus with funds from the European Union and the State of Berlin:
