European Initiative Starts Unprecedented Accelerator for Startup Ecosystems

This article was written by Thomas Koesters, Managing Director at DEEP Ecosystems, and edited by Jonathan Finlay.

The DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator initiative is up and running. They selected the first generation of ecosystem projects for the coming from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America.

To solve global challenges and connect startup ecosystems globally, the organisation DEEP Ecosystems created an accelerator for ecosystem builders, who are often behind the scenes, guiding the development of innovation hubs for countries, cities, companies, and entrepreneurs. “It is the ecosystem builder who creates the conditions for the growth of unicorns, more quality jobs and the sustainability of our economies and countries, with a more innovative culture”, says Sebastián Díaz, new Head of Acceleration of DEEP Ecosystems and former Executive Director of Start-Up Chile.

6-Week Initiative Incorporates 12 Projects

The DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator initiative is a structured 6-week program to turn regions into innovation hot beds. The first generation started the program on 7 June 2021 and the 12 participating projects are ready to receive coaching from experienced trainers and be matched with internationally connected mentors to build impactful partnerships and to increase their chances of getting funding for their plans.

The goal is to connect ecosystems globally through people. This first generation will have a diverse representation to make that happen. Projects are coming from Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador), Asia (Pakistan), Africa (Nigeria) and Europe (Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, and Switzerland).

DEEP will provide not only a 6-week program, but also access to a global ecosystem builder community, funding opportunities, global visibility of local initiatives, data to build strategies, and partners to connect and keep growing. “More than 180 ecosystem builders went through our programs, more than 400 leaders from more than 30 countries are part of our community, representing networks with hundreds of corporate and government partners”, says Thomas Koesters, CEO of the company.

At the end of the program, on 20 July 2021, the participants will present their projects during the Ecosystem Demo Day, where only the best ones will pitch in front of potential investors, partners, and peer ecosystem builders. To sign up for the online event, you can register here.