Accelerator of the Week: Metavallon, Greece

Greece continues to face a challenging economic climate. Startup accelerator Metavallon is poised to help through the healing power of entrepreneurship.

From the Classic Greek language, Metavallon means “transforming” or “bringing change.” Change is happening in Greece, championed by the Metavallon Accelerator.

inside Metavallon startup accelerator

For the past four years Metavallon has been striving to grow the Greek startup ecosystem, and to connect it internationally. I spoke with Phyllis Nikolaou, the head of Marketing and Communications at Metvallon about their program.

In just one sentence, what is your accelerator called and what do you do?

The Accelerator by Metavallon is a rigorous 4-month business acceleration program looking to gear up passionate founders to build a powerful market presence, create a scalable business, secure follow-on funding, and get the right results, fast! Applications are now open and final submissions running until April 27.

What makes your program different or unique? And related, what’s your primary value-add?

We employ a recipe that we think is really unique in the acceleration universe. First, we think and act globally. So our startups may be based in Europe, yet they get to explore another major ecosystem through our one-month US mission. Also, we work with an amazing network of international experts, investors, and allies to ensure our startups get the best possible mentoring and coaching. Finally, we go beyond training, to empower our founders to build inspiring businesses.

Bottom line: We work with our startups on what makes a great company and a killer investment.

What is your secret recipe?

The Accelerator 2016 offers the participating teams a powerful setup, which includes:

a) €22.000 in pre-seed funding.

b) Growth training and 1:1 execution coaching through our global network of experts and investors.

c) Targeted networking internationally, plus a one-month startup mission to San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

d) Over $220K in perks and services- courtesy of our remarkable Innovation Allies (Foundersuite included!)

What do you love the most about working with startups?

Over the past few years, we have had the chance to work with extremely talented and passionate founders; people who were very focused on growing their businesses and working relentlessly to realize their dream.

So, what we love most about working with startups is their sheer and powerful energy, which is a mix of creativity, dedication, and eagerness to make things happen.

What is the hardest or most surprising part of working with startups?

The hardest part of working with startups is helping them maintain focus on what is really important about building a business. For this, funding is the means. It can be pivotal, yet it is market traction and validation that build value, enable a startup to grow, and eventually pave the way to bolder investments and achievements.

Ultimately, the essence of a startup is to build disruptive value in the market through its products and services, to change the way people live and do business.

Do you have a success story to share? Who are the most notable or interesting companies to go through your program?

Most of our startups started small and they have been growing. So far, our alumni have raised more than €3 Million in investments! A few of our success stories that we take pride in are:
• Roadcube, an app that helps users find the best services for their vehicle from all the local companies get the best price and pay with their smartphone. Roadcube recently sealed partnerships with ParkWhiz and Ford and we are really proud of their success.
• myiArts, an innovative online art exhibition marketplace that matches rising artists to Art enthusiasts. Myiarts has recently secured follow-up investment and we are super excited for them.
• liateR, a cutting-edge interactive sales solution for retailers and brands in the apparel market that uses augmented reality technologies to create an environment where consumers can digitally try on and buy clothing.

How, if in any way, has Foundersuite helped your companies?

Foundersuite is a powerful tool for startups. The feedback we have received from past participants of The Accelerator has been extremely positive. According to our case studies, it has enabled our founders to work smarter and get better results. And this is precisely why we continue working with the amazing team at Foundersuite, especially Nathan Beckord who is our champion!

Finally, what is your best tip for running a startup?

The road from startup to growth and success is inevitably rocky so be prepared. Be fearless, be ready to work hard on your product and adapt to new conditions, and keep challenging yourself!

Thank you, and have a great day!