For startups, there are numerous paths for getting their name out there. One way, which Vator has been covering recently, are startup competitions, but another popular method to get a foot in the door, as well as some funding and traction, are accelerators. These are programs that provide companies advice, guidance and various forms of support for startups in their early stages. They also often invest in the companies, for a certain equity stake.
Need a list of startup competitions, challenges, accelerators, etc. from around the world? Check out VatorX. You can find them, or list yours!
There are some very well-known accelerators out there, including Y Combinator and 500 Startups, which have made their names through various successful alumni. Those programs fairly general, accepting companies from a variety of different spaces.
For some companies, it may help to join an accelerator that only focuses on their specific area. That’s especially true for those in more specialized spaces, which will have their own unique challenges and regulations.
One of those areas that requires some additional expertise is artificial intelligence.
Here are some of the accelerators that are focused specifically on mentoring companies in that space:
“We are looking to help disruptive startups with innovative technologies, products, solutions and/or approaches in big data, data science, and artificial intelligence by providing them access to funding, mentors, subject matter experts, and data to help startups succeed.”
Investment amount: We have a big network of wealthy individuals, seed funders, micro VCs, corporate ventures, and venture capital firms looking to provide funding to disruptive DS / AI startups.
Program benefits: In order to get your data sicence or artificial intelligence technology, data model, and algorithms strategy correct, you will need access to brilliant minds who have been there and done that.
Startups need to have industry partners that will help them develop, test and validate their data science and artificial intelligence product. Eonify have access to midsize to large organizations across major industries willing to prove your concept.
Mentor makeup: Our seasoned mentors and advisors comes from many different industries and professions and can advise founders regarding their company, product, business model, technology, service model, go-to-market strategy and other areas of interests.
“We support startups in becoming scalable by providing access to capital, market, community, and expertise”
Investment amount: The startups selected for the AI accelerator by Rockstart will receive €20,000 cash.
In addition to this, one of the lead investors of its acceleration programs has committed to invest at least €200,000 in an AI Startup of their choosing after the Demo Day.
Program benefits: €80,000 of in-kind funding, office space in Den Bosch for the duration of the program, and support from mentors from…