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Startupbootcamp

The world's largest network of multi-corporate backed accelerators helping startups scale internationally.
Startupbootcamp
Leadership team

Alex Farcet, (co-founder )

Carsten Kolbeck (co-founder)

Patrick de Zeeuw (co-founder)

Ruud Hendriks (co-founder)

Type
Accelerator programmes
Number of Employees
50 - 100
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Established
2010
Social Media
Summary

Startupbootcamp is a network of startup accelerators based in London, United Kingdom. The network supports early-stage tech founders to help them scale their companies by providing direct access to an international network of relevant mentors, partners, and investors in their industry.

Founded in 2010, Startupbootcamp now operates globally with 20+ industry-focused programs in key locations including San Francisco, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Chengdu, Berlin, Dubai, Hartford, Istanbul, Rome, London, Melbourne, Miami, Mumbai, Mexico City, New York, and Singapore. The co-founders are Alex Farcet, Carsten Kolbeck, Patrick de Zeeuw, and Ruud Hendriks.

Since it was set up, Startupbootcamp has accelerated over 800 startups of which 78% went on to receive funding. The network has attracted and/or provided more than €650 million in funding and created 3,500+ jobs.

History

Startupbootcamp is a global network of industry-focused startup accelerators, that provide startups with mentorship, resources, and access to industry connections. It was officially launched in Copenhagen in 2010 by Alex Farcet, who had a vision of supporting and nurturing innovative startups across Europe.

The program quickly gained momentum and more entrepreneurs joined the movement to expand its mission across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. In 2012, Startupbootcamp expanded to Amsterdam, Berlin, Madrid, and Dublin. The following year, it added Tel Aviv in Israel and Eindhoven. In 2014, it opened an accelerator program in London and Istanbul, and in 2016 it opened another program in Rome.

In 2017, Startupbootcamp launched six new programs, expanding its reach from Europe to Asia, Africa, the USA, Latin America, and Australia. Today, Startupbootcamp has more industry-focused accelerator programs than any other organization.

The program provides startups with a global reach and industry focus through events held in over 100 cities each year. These events allow startups to connect with mentors, industry experts, investors, and potential partners. Each Startupbootcamp accelerator program selects ten startups from more than 500 global applicants to receive mentorship from 150 entrepreneurs, investors, and partners. The program also provides €15,000 for living expenses, free co-working space, and over €450,000 worth of partner deals. In return, Startupbootcamp takes a 6-8% equity stake.

Mentorship is a key component of Startupbootcamp's accelerator programs. The program relies on volunteer mentors who drive startup acceleration over three months and often for months or years afterwards. Most of the volunteering mentors drop off, creating a high turnover of mentors, which gives startups direct access to an international network of relevant partners, investors, and mentors in their industry.

Startupbootcamp has partnerships with major industry players like Amazon, Intel, Rabobank, Allianz, Vodafone, Airbus, Cisco, Google, Mastercard, and Deutsche Bank. These partners act as mentors and pilot customers, providing startups with industry connections and resources to accelerate their growth.

Today, Startupbootcamp has accelerator programs in major startup hubs including London, New York, Singapore, Berlin, Amsterdam, and many others, with a focus on various industries such as blockchain, digital health, fintech, and fashion tech.

Investment criteria

Startupbootcamp is a global network of startup accelerators that invest in and support early-stage companies. The organization has developed a set of investment criteria that it uses to evaluate potential investments. These criteria help to ensure that Startupbootcamp selects the most promising startups for its programs, providing them with the support they need to grow and succeed. Here are the primary investment criteria used by Startupbootcamp:

  • Team: Startupbootcamp looks for passionate and dedicated teams with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. The team should have a good mix of skills and expertise and should be able to work well together.
  • Market potential: The startup should be targeting a large, growing, and untapped market. The market should have a clear need for the product or service being offered.
  • Business model: The business model should be innovative and scalable, with the potential for rapid growth. The startup should have a clear path to profitability.
  • Traction: The startup should have already gained some traction, with a proven track record of customer acquisition and revenue generation.
  • Technology: The startup should have developed a unique and defensible technology that provides a competitive advantage.
  • Potential for impact: Startupbootcamp is interested in startups that have the potential to make a positive impact on society and the environment.
  • Coachability: The startup should be open to feedback and willing to work closely with Startupbootcamp mentors and advisors to refine their product and strategy.

By evaluating startups based on these criteria, Startupbootcamp can identify the most promising early-stage companies and provide them with the resources, support, and connections they need to succeed.

Values

The organization has a set of core values that underpin its operations and guide its interactions with entrepreneurs, investors, and the broader community. These values include:

  • Entrepreneur first: Startupbootcamp is committed to putting the needs of entrepreneurs at the centre of its operations. The organization is dedicated to providing the resources and support that entrepreneurs need to succeed, including mentorship, funding, and access to networks.
  • Diversity and inclusion: Startupbootcamp believes that diversity and inclusion are essential for building strong, innovative, and sustainable startups. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity in all its forms and provides equal opportunities to all.
  • Collaboration: Startupbootcamp recognizes that collaboration is key to achieving success in the startup world. The organization fosters a culture of collaboration, where entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and partners work together to achieve common goals.
  • Innovation: Startupbootcamp is passionate about innovation and believes that startups have the power to transform industries and create positive change. The organization is committed to supporting startups that are working on innovative solutions to complex problems.
  • Impact-driven: Startupbootcamp is committed to supporting startups that are focused on creating a positive impact in the world. The organization is dedicated to supporting startups that are working on solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change, healthcare, and education.
Mission

The mission statement of Startupbootcamp is to empower and accelerate startups worldwide by providing them with access to the resources, mentorship, and network they need to succeed. Their goal is to help entrepreneurs turn their innovative ideas into successful businesses that can make a positive impact on society.

Startupbootcamp is committed to supporting startups that are focused on creating innovative solutions to complex problems. They believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, openness, and diversity, where entrepreneurs from all backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas and build meaningful relationships.

Their mission is reflected in their various startup accelerator programs, which are designed to help startups grow and scale quickly. Through these programs, they provide entrepreneurs with access to experienced mentors, industry experts, and investors who can provide the guidance and resources needed to succeed.

Portfolio

Startupbootcamp has an extensive portfolio of startups that have gone through its various accelerator programs around the world. As of 2021, Startupbootcamp has accelerated over 900 startups across its 20 global programs, covering a variety of industries including fintech, health tech, and smart city solutions.

Some notable companies in the Startupbootcamp portfolio include:

  • VibePay - A UK-based fintech startup that provides a mobile payment platform for peer-to-peer payments and online transactions.
  • Bitrefill - A Swedish-based startup that enables users to purchase gift cards, vouchers, and mobile phone refills using cryptocurrencies.
  • Nextail - A Spanish-based startup that uses artificial intelligence to optimize retail inventory management and supply chain operations.
  • Hipla - An Indian-based startup that offers an all-in-one platform for contactless access control, attendance management, and visitor management.
  • SmartClean - A German-based startup that provides an autonomous cleaning solution for commercial spaces using robotics and artificial intelligence.
  • QPinch - A Dutch-based startup that has developed a heat recovery technology that can recover up to 90% of waste heat from industrial processes.
  • Hoxton Analytics - A UK-based startup that uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze foot traffic and consumer behaviour in retail spaces.
  • Startupbootcamp's portfolio is constantly evolving as it continues to support innovative startups from around the world.
References
Startupbootcamp
Leadership team

Alex Farcet, (co-founder )

Carsten Kolbeck (co-founder)

Patrick de Zeeuw (co-founder)

Ruud Hendriks (co-founder)

Type
Accelerator programmes
Number of Employees
50 - 100
Headquarters
London, United Kingdom
Established
2010
Social Media