Capitalizing on our proven methodology, ACEin acceleration program “Compass Cycle” provides a rapid (time-limited) development support service for creative people with startup projects, comprising intensive coaching and mentoring. Over a 7-month timeline, each entrepreneurial team aims to achieve a significant development goal, supported by the coaches of ACEin and specialized industry mentors and experts with proven corporate, startup and venture capital experience and successful track record.
The submissions of the annual acceleration program open in September and the cycle starts in late October.
We invite the most promising entrepreneurial teams and startups to apply for the “Compass Cycle”. In order to be selected, teams are recommended to have a minimum viable product (MVP), a highly scalable business model and a passionate team (more than 2 people) to execute it effectively and quickly.
Benefits of joining
Coaching & Consulting
The 7-month acceleration program includes an intensive coaching & consulting program. You will have intensive sessions with your assigned coach, aiming to help you reach your full potential, develop your own strengths and address weaknesses, build a business growth mindset and elevate team engagement. In the meantime, you will receive guidance, regarding the short and long term goals you have set, and what steps need to follow to get there.
Mentoring
Expert mentors and qualified professionals with proven corporate or venture capital experience will guide you and share with you industry-level expertise and knowledge in one-to-one meetings. You will have your own "Board of Mentors", which will consist of three experts with different backgrounds, so that you can refer to them according to the need and the expertise you are searching for, at any time.
Workshops
Along the acceleration program you will have the chance to attend specialized seminars on subjects such as business model creation, business validation, and market research. In addition to these seminars, tailor-made and hands-on trainings will also be carried out, based on your needs, in order for you to be educated and get to know in depth the field you want. Indicatively, sessions in the thematic areas of Branding, UI/UX, No Code, Sales, ESG, storytelling & pitching will be organized.
Investor Training
The main goal of the "Compass Cycle" is for all teams to learn about funding sources and to be trained in the effective presentation of their proposal to the investment community. You will attend workshops such as investor pitching, financial sustainability, and impact thinking, while you will have the opportunity to take part in the Investor Day of the Athenian Nexus Summit, an international entrepreneurship event, where you will be able to present your idea in front of the investment community in Greece and abroad!
Network
Join a community of start-ups and entrepreneurial teams in Greece and abroad and get in touch with stakeholders in the start-up ecosystem (such as VCs, angel investors, entrepreneurs) to gain knowledge and connections in your path forward.
Workspace
An open workspace in the AUEB premises is available for your team to work and also contact and share insights with other entrepreneurial teams in the program.
Services
The entrepreneurial teams of the program will have the opportunity to receive support through services such as accounting and legal advice in order to accelerate the development of their idea.
Who is eligible?
Already formed entrepreneurial or research teams with innovative business ideas in any industry and a well-defined scalable business model. Passion, creativity and a clear sense of purpose are highly required!
How to apply?
What you need:
Name, Surname, E-mail, Contact Number
Team Name, short description of the idea, industry vertical, maturity level, whether it is a legal entity or not, team experience and commitment of the team.
- Business Title/Name,
- Short Description,
- Website (if applicable),
- Problem and Solution, Market (total available market, target market segment),
- Competition (identify your primary competitors, what is your key competitive advantage),
- Revenue Streams,
- In your Own Words (describe your biggest accomplishments to date),
- Objectives (provide details on what your top milestones are for the next 6 months)
We do not expect professional – quality videos. The video can be an elevator pitch or simply a description in your own words of your business idea.
Program timeline*
Applications open
Submissions end
Teams’ auditions
Announcement of qualified teams
Kick-Off Event & Bootcamp
Workshops: Business Model Development, Business Validation, Market Research
1st Progress Presentation - Evaluation of Teams - “Selection of Finalists”
Tailor-made Workshops: Marketing, Branding, No Code, UI / UX, Sales Strategy, ESG, storytelling & pitching, etc.
2nd Progress Presentation
Investment Trainings
Investor Day - Athenian Nexus Summit
*tentative timeline / dates might change