Announcing the Polkadot x ERA Global Program Pilot Cohort
We’re delighted to unveil the Polkadot x ERA Global Program — a dynamic 12-week initiative designed to help Polkadot startups scale up and break into the U.S. market. In partnership with ERA (Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator), the program delivers hands-on mentorship, go-to-market support, and impactful networking opportunities for the select group of Web3 founders.
Our inaugural pilot cohort marks a new chapter in Polkadot’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Historically, we’ve worked with accelerators that specialize in Web3 expertise. Now with ERA Global, we’re partnering with strategic experts to ensure successful business launches in the U.S. If teams would benefit from additional technical or Web3 guidance, the Web3 Foundation and other ecosystem partners are ready to support. The program’s single focus is to provide the operational support, mentorship, network opportunity, and leadership training essential for successful international expansion.
In collaboration with ERA Global, we’ve handpicked a select group of companies for this first iteration of the program. If this pilot proves successful, we’ll consider expanding the partnership into a broader, application-based initiative.
About ERA
ERA Global was launched in 2015 to support promising and fast-growth startups and scaleups from around the world entering the US market through intensive US market entry acceleration programs, run at ERA’s offices in New York City. ERA Global companies take full advantage of Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator’s deep expertise and a large network of 500+ mentors and corporate partners, in helping talented founders change the trajectory of their businesses.
What to Expect
The program runs from February 17 to mid-May 2025 in New York City, where participants will engage in:
- High-impact mentorship from vertical-specific go-to-market experts, investors, and seasoned founders
- A structured curriculum covering fundraising, U.S. go-to-market strategies, and customer acquisition
- Weekly KPI check-ins and pitch refinement sessions
- A capstone Final Showcase with investors and industry leaders
Each participant will receive a stipend to help offset travel and accommodation costs, ensuring they can fully maximize their NYC experience.
Meet the First Beta Cohort
We’re excited to welcome our pilot cohort of four innovative teams working across a variety of verticals. These founders are developing meaningful solutions that align with Polkadot’s vision for an interoperable, decentralized future. Stay tuned for details on their progress over the coming weeks!
The Road Ahead
This is just the beginning. The Polkadot x ERA Global Accelerator Program underscores our commitment to supporting builders in our ecosystem — not only through grants and technical resources but also with practical business acceleration. We can’t wait to see how this first cohort evolves, and to leverage our experience to develop future iterations of the program.
If you’re interested in learning more or applying to future cohorts, be sure to follow our updates!
