FAQ

If you have a question that’s not listed below please contact us at accelerator[at]rockstart.com

01. Why should we join Rockstart Accelerator?

If your team is dedicated to turn your startup into a high-growth company, Rockstart Accelerator is a radical opportunity to push your startup forward. In our 100-day pressure-cooker Spring Program we connect you to 99 of the brightest entrepreneurial minds and provide you with: seed funding (see question 2), inspiring office space in central Amsterdam, access to experts and corporates, conference visits, investor dinners, and all necessary tools to grow your startup.

After that, we offer you an additional Summer Program: another three months supporting you in fundraising, PR, and communication matters. Rockstart Accelerator ends with a 3-week co-working experience in Silicon Valley, where we work in the best co-working spaces and give you the chance to pitch to renowned VCs, angels, and interesting (media) partners depending on your startup needs. Although we strongly encourage you to participate in the Summer Program this is on a voluntary basis.

02. How much funding do Rockstart Accelerator startups receive?

Our startups will receive up to €15,000 for which we will receive an equity stake of 8% per startup (not per founder). We are willing to give our all alongside your other co-founders to make your startup work. You can call on us as a co-founder; before, during and after the program.

03. What type of startups are you looking for?

We’re here to support all startups. That is why, unlike most other accelerator programs, we do not solely focus on technology startups. We recognize potential in all types of startups, from tech to e-commerce to sustainability. The only requirement we set ourselves is that we should be able to add significant value to your startup during our program. If your product will take over 100 days to develop, then we may not be the program for you. However, reach out to us if you are in doubt – after all, we’re here to help!

04. What does it take to get accepted to Rockstart Accelerator?

We believe in the power of a great team. Since our program is extremely intense requires our teams to give everything, it’s important that you have a strong team (track record, motivation, potential). Inherent to the program, business concepts and models will most likely change.

We’re also looking for innovation. It doesn’t mean that you have to come up with a totally original idea, but your execution of that idea has to be unique. We’re looking to change the world with the startups we work with.

05. We have a cool idea on the back of a piece of paper. Is my company too early stage to apply for Rockstart Accelerator?

In order for us to us to give you the most out of the program, we’re looking for startups that have developed at least a mvp (minimal viable product). If your idea is still on the back of a napkin at the moment, we suggest you go to your next Startup Weekend and test it out. Just as long as you have a business vision by the end of our application process in December, we will love to hear your idea!

06. We already received (some) funding for our startup. Are we too late to apply for Rockstart Accelerator?

Its never too late to apply. We’re here to help accelerate your startup. As you know already, we’re not your usual accelerator program. With 100 days of creation (Spring Program), three months of continued support (Summer Program), and 25 days of co-working in Silicon Valley, we’re here to take you to the next level, no matter where you start.

One of the few rules we do have is that we will be offering the same funding for the same percentage from all our startups.

07. Where is Rockstart Accelerator based and what’s it like?

Rockstart Accelerator is based in the heart of the startup hub Amsterdam. Known for its entrepreneurial climate, open lifestyle, and central location, it is the place for any startup to grow internationally.

08. Are there geographical restrictions in applying for Rockstart Accelerator?

No. We welcome all startups from within the EU and beyond, as long as they can legally work in Amsterdam for the full duration of the 100-day Spring Program. If you are outside of the EU, we will work with you in order to get the right paperwork.

09. Where will we live for the duration of the program?

In order for startups to benefit the most from all program elements, we require all founders to live and work in / around Amsterdam for the full duration of the 100-day Spring Program. Our team will facilitate your search to find housing in Amsterdam.

10. Will you accept single founder teams?

Very unlikely. Our program is extremely intense and demands more than one entrepreneur could give. We encourage you to find one or two rock star co-founders with complementary skills (e.g. tech/product developer/business/UX).

11. Will you accept teams with more than three founders?

Yes. We will only provide a maximum amount of seed funding of 15,000 EUR (three founders), but that does not stop you from applying with more founders. In saying this, we don’t recommend teams of more than 5 founders.

12. How can we get funded after the program ends?

As much as we believe in lean startup principles, your startup may need additional funding in order to grow. During the program we host our initial Demo Day. This gives the public the first real taste of what you have been working on.

On Demo Day, we will be inviting over 150 investors (VCs and angels), mentors, and press for you to pitch your startup to. In addition, we take our teams on a 3-week co-working trip to Silicon Valley. Here, our teams will have the chance to pitch to U.S. VCs and angels.

We will be doing as much as we possibly can to get you further funding. Not all teams of course need funding, and we will always work in the interest of the startups.

13. By giving away equity in my startup, what control will we have still?

We believe in getting the best out of every situation. You have to realize that all the decisions made for your company from start to finish will be yours and yours alone. We’ll help guide you through the pitfalls and hurdles of entrepreneur life, but we’re not here to run your startup.

14. What will you do with our idea if we apply? How will you protect intellectual property?

We’re big fans of the quote “execution is everything”. In saying that, we are not in the business of stealing ideas. We can assure you that any idea that gets sent through our application process is only for the purpose of evaluating your startup. That means we won’t show anyone your idea, even if they ask really nicely.

15. My team outsources things outside our core competencies, like design or development. Are we still qualified to apply?

Yes. As long as you’re not outsourcing unique business elements that add value at the heart of your startup, we will accept minor outsourcing. Do keep in mind that the team plays an essential role in the selection process.

16. How do we apply? Do we need to submit a business plan?

Applying for Rockstart Accelerator is easy. Just complete and submit our online application form. We don’t require you to hand in a business plan. We do ask you to submit a short founder video to let us see who we are talking to. Please see our ‘Apply‘ page for more details.

17. What is the deadline for submitting our application?

Applications for the Spring 2012 program (start March 23, 2012) are open until January 31, 2012. Please see our ‘Apply‘ page for more details.

18. How will you handle our application?

We will process each and every application with great care. Even if you did not make it in, expect to see a personal response including proper reasoning why we had to decline your startup. Also, you can ask us questions at any time via the application system.

19. How is the selection process structured?

The selection process consists of 3 rounds. We will timely inform all startups on their advancement to the next round. On February 15, 2012 we will notify the startups who have been selected into the program. This gives you another 5 weeks to pack, say goodbye, and move to Amsterdam. Please see our ‘Apply‘ page for more details.