The BwB Accelerator programme is designed to help impact driven, pre-Series A, European start-ups achieve commercial traction and build investment cases, supporting them to raise finance and scale their business. The programme will support the commercial growth of these companies by developing tailored support plans that cover topics like business development, commercial strategy, financing, and governance. BwB will also facilitate fundraising and financing through introductions to relevant investor groups and structuring support. Start-ups selected will have a strong ethos and their business operations must have a strong positive effect on the environment and/or society.
The EU has registered 50% more patents in green technology than the United States and is a recognised leader in climate research.[1] However, American clean tech start-ups received four times more VC investment, with over $29B versus Europe’s $7B[2]. BwB’s experience and networks in this space, bringing together a team that has successfully launched acceleration and innovation programs across the region, makes it particularly well suited to bridge this gap.
The domestic value pool in Europe is fragmented and 76% of start-ups plan to expand within the EU and 37% outside of it within the first 12 months[3] as shown in figure 1. BwB’s global networks and experience, and familiarity with global funding sources, means that it can also support European start-ups need for earlier internationalisation. This is a highly sought-after skillset and increases the program’s likelihood of attracting high quality entrepreneurs.
The sectors that the BwB Accelerator will focus on are aligned with the current pipeline of projects and expertise of the company. There will be a specialised focus on sustainability driven start-ups including cleantech, e-mobility, renewable energy, nature-based products and services and potentially more based on innovations in various sectors by start-ups.
Over 12 weeks, you will be fully supported by our team of experienced founder coaches to develop your skills, evolve your business and expand your network through:
Dedicated mentoring with recognised specialists in core business skills, sustainability, and sustainable finance
Introductions to hard-to-reach enterprise customers, tapping into executive networks across sustainability-focused industries
Investment case development, business model optimisation, revenue diversification, new market opportunities
Highly experienced fundraising support and access to impact investors dedicated to sustainability and biodiversity
Key finance network access
Access to foundations, cities, governments, supranational organisations
Importantly all of this input will be at no cost to the start-up company
Start-ups will need to agree to at least one founder/executive team member participating at least 4 hours per week as a minimum commitment.
Start-ups will be officially registered as a business and have at least one active and full time working founder with at least 20% equity in the company
The company is either at a pre-seed or seed stage
Their business operations must actively have a strong positive effect on the environment and/or society
1st month – Company Health Check / Capacity / General business advice / Scalability
In depth kick-off full day session between start-up and mentor, understanding their business, current position and needs
Identify how we can assist in satisfying these needs
Create a one-pager of key challenges and key objectives – setting KPIs for the programme
Networking with the rest of the cohort through pitching
Expert led workshops on essential business skills i.e., marketing, BD, finance, fundraising
Coach tailors on the back of this week, development over the following 3 weeks
2nd month – Revenue Focus / Industry specific networks / learning by doing - coaching and execution / implementation
Adjacent market implementation
Expansion plans within the sector
Provide context of different geographies, different markets, different government incentives
Focus on Revenue growth
Identify key clients
Access & networks
Coach tailors on the back of this week, development over the following 3 weeks
3rd month – Fundraising, Goal Setting, and preparing for life after the accelerator
Pitch prep
Investor terminology and connection
Revenue growth
Investor outreach
Expansion strategy
Go to market strategy
Industry specific meet and greet