Call for Applications — 5starts Incubator

Apply for the second batch of sektor5’s startup incubator 5starts

Attention, startups! The call for the batch #2 of the 5starts incubator is now open. You have until May 4, 2016 to apply with your startup. Here are all the things you need to know, if you want to apply.

Who we are looking for

• Startups in all stages, yet a legal entity is required
• Startups from all industries and sectors
• Startups ready to commit to the programme for 5 months

We’re open for applications from startups in all phases of their development. Industry will not be a deciding factor either. Rather, our choice will be strongly based on the viability and sustainability of your idea, as well as your team.

“A great idea is one thing, but being able to execute that great idea is quite another. That’s why we look at the team first and foremost. Diversity is a big factor as well because more diverse teams accomplish more.” — Floor Drees, managing director sektor5 / program manager 5starts

All of your team members must be ready to commit to the incubator programme for a period of 5 consecutive months.

What you can expect from 5starts

• A programme tailored to your needs
• One-on-one mentoring
• Access to the sektor5 alumni network and coworking space community
• Revenue & fund share

As a 5starts startup you’ll experience an invaluable incubator programme that will be tailored to you and your startup’s specific needs, lending support in areas where you most need it. You’ll receive bi-weekly mentoring in one-on-one sessions, as well as attend solutions-focused workshops led by expert coaches.

5starts startups also get access to sektor5’s alumni network of successful startups and coworking space where they can make valuable connections and exchange experiences.

In order to refinance 5starts we have created a revenue & fund share model. We ask startups joining the program for a fund share return (= investment share return) of 2,5% for all private investments received within 5 years from the start of the program. Public grants are excluded from this. Further, a 1% share of the revenue made during this time will be due as well.

The application timeline

• May 4, 2016: call closes
• May 6, 2016: results call
• May 9–May 13, 2016: interview round
• May 14, 2016: final decision
• June 13, 2016: Start of batch #2
• November 14, 2016: End of batch #2

The call for applications closes on May 4, 2016. You’ll receive the results on May 6. Startups who make it through the first round will be interviewed on-site in the week of May 9 to May 13. Acceptance notices will go out on May 14.

The batch runs from June 13 to November 14. Please, plan accordingly and make sure all members of your team are going to be available throughout this time period.

When you’re ready start by filling out the 5starts application form.

Is 5starts right for you?

Here’s what one of the startups from batch #1, which will run until June 2, has to say about their experience so far:

“After just 3 months in the program, we can say that joining 5starts was one of the best decisions we made during the start of ExtraSauber. People with several successful ventures and exits under their belt have been providing us with hands-on support in the areas where we need help the most. There couldn’t be a better way to prepare ExtraSauber for rapid scaling. The 5starts team really goes the extra mile to support us wherever possible.” — Christian Pauls (CEO) and Sebastian Schneider (CTO), ExtraSauber

Still not sure if 5starts is the right thing for your startup? Reach out to floor@5starts.io now to schedule a talk with program manager Floor Drees.