StepFWD is a pre-accelerator for early-stage tech startups that aims to encourage diversity in the startup ecosystem. StepFWD is created by Codette together with TechHub Bucharest and is a pre-accelerator organized by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Applications are opened by September 29 on the program’s website www.stepfwd.today.
Organized in partnership with Google for Startups and supported by the US Embassy in Romania, StepFWD aims to support early-stage tech startups that have at least 1 female co-founder. Throughout the 6 weeks of the program, founders will participate for 2 days per week at workshops and mentoring sessions, and they will have access to a network of mentors and professionals from the local startup ecosystem.
Program organized by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs
StepFWD has a network of over 40 mentors with diverse backgrounds who are keen to share their years of experience with the community. During the 6 weeks, the 10 finalist teams will participate in hands-on workshops and mentoring sessions with entrepreneurs and experts from the local startup ecosystem, they will have access to an extensive network of professionals that also includes investors and VC funds. The pre-accelerator is a complete experience that teaches early-stage startups and first-time founders the basics of founding a startup, from incorporating and legal mechanics to product development, customer development, sales, and investments.
At the end of the 6-week program, the 10 finalist teams will celebrate their achievements during the program by showcasing their startup in front of an audience of investors, corporates, mentors and press attendees during Demo Day.
Eligibility criteria
StepFWD is dedicated to first-time founders and early-stage tech startups that want to develop their idea / prototype and take it to the next stage. Applications are opened and eligible teams must have at least 1 female co-founder. Teams can apply with a prototype (a first version of the product) or even a business idea.
Applications are evaluated by a jury of startup experts and they will look at the global potential of the idea, the technology used in developing the product and the co-founders’ history of working together.
Apply to StepFWD by September 29
Applications are opened by September 29 and registration can be made here.