SPORTS ACCELERATOR TO DEVELOP AND SCALE GAME CHANGING STARTUPS
HOW IT WORKS
The KICKUP Sports Accelerator is an international acceleration program that aims to scout, accelerate and invest in early stage sports business startups, focused on Sports Performance & Lifestyle Activity; Fan Engagement & Entertainment; Facility Management & Operations.
It is a 12 week full-service program that gives the opportunity to 10 selected startups to build, execute and validate their business model, find the best international product & market fit, and get funding.
WHAT YOU GET
ROADMAP
APPLICATIONS OPEN
Submit your application on F6S. All Applications must be in English.
APPLICATIONS DEADLINE
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SELECTION NOTIFICATION
20 Selected startups invited to go to the Bootcamp where they pitch in front of the Selection Committe.
BOOTCAMP
4 Intensive days! The 10 best startups get access to the acceleration program.
KICKOFF
Program begins. Work hard, play hard!
DEMO DAY
Pitch your startup and secure follow-on investment from angels and venture capitalists.
MENTORS
Our mentor network are sports business founders, experts, and investors engaged to accelerate business growth.
FAQ
As long as you have an idea or are developing a solution related to the sports area, you are welcome to apply. However, KICKUP’ s greatest strength is to bring startups from MVP and early prototypes to market.
In addition to working daily with the best sports startups in Europe, the selected startups will have the opportunity to benefit from the extensive international network of mentors, executives, investors and companies linked to KICKUP as well as the partners that provide the unique opportunity to test and pilot the products.
From all the submitted applications, only 20 companies are selected to come to Lisbon for the bootcamp/selection days. From those 20 companies, only 10 will be selected to attend the full acceleration program for the duration of 12 weeks.
Given that KICKUP Sports Accelerator is an immersive acceleration program, we require that the founders are in Lisbon for the duration of the program. Only in this way, can startups fully benefit from the acceleration program, its network, events, training, mentoring and support from partners.
The recommended number is ideally two founders.
Besides the access to our network of mentors, advisors and corporate partners, KICKUP Sports Accelerator invests €10K in cash in each business for 8% equity.
Workspace for your team in one of the leading Lisbon sports facility – the Sport Lisboa e Benfica stadium.
Training program supported by one of the leading business schools in Europe, Nova SBE.
Clubs, corporate and public contacts and networking to validate, test and leverage your project.
Access to accredited investors and industry corporate venture capital firms to take startups to the next level.
Full-access (according to rules and regulation) to the SLB facilities and possibility to use them for testing purposes.
Access to experienced mentors and industry experts to help your startup in every stage of its development.
Support team in-residence to mentor, connect and develop your project in everything you might need.
Co-development with the founding sponsors in order to enlarge capabilities and leverage R&D.
Access to a bundle of free perks, on-demand services and network partners.
PARTNERS
Our partners are several industry leaders across the value chain. Each one brings to the startups a unique access to technology, market insights and distribution. And our supporters network introduces you to significant international scaling opportunities.