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Accelerators
Join an Accelerator
From aspiring founders to early-stage entrepreneurs, The Design Fund can scale your vision into a thriving business. Each year, we choose more than 50 early-stage companies to join one of our 6-day, mentorship-driven accelerators, providing hands-on mentorship and access to The Design Fund investor network, for life.
Key Information
Design Fund accelerators are hosted by our partners and investors, at showrooms and offices, throughout the United States. Each accelerator is 6 days long. During a typical accelerator, we will provide pre-negotiated room blocks at hotels nearby. Often, a light breakfast, lunch and/or dinner will be provided. Cohort members are responsible for all other travel requirements (Please ask about grants and special needs funding). Please see each accelerator for specific information.
What your week will typically involve:
Day 1 - Introductions and Overview - On day one, we will review the schedule for the week, key concepts about business formation and fund raising, fundamentals of a pitch deck, and what to expect from an investor. Day will end in a "dry pitch", where each member of the cohort will attempt a pitch. Afterward, each member will receive feedback on their pitch.
Day 2 - Mentor Assignments - based on your pitch, each cohort member will be assigned in-person and virtual mentors. These mentors will be your sounding board for feedback and insights. On day two, we will focus on building a pitch deck, business fundamentals, value proposition, competitive analysis, business modeling, and the importance of building a team.
Cohorts will receive their first homework assignment.
Day 3 - Guest Speakers - On day 3, we will hear lectures and breakout sessions from experts on the topics of building cap tables, distribution of equity, scaling a concept, pitching an investor, and seeking market validation. Day 3 will end in a pitch review, where each cohort will have 5 minutes to pitch, with 20 minutes of feedback.
Cohorts will receive homework.
Day 4 - Product Development - On day 4, we will review your concept for changes based on pitch feedback, competitive analysis, and minimal viable product goals. Cohorts will work with both in-person and remote experts to help critically analyze their concept for areas of improvement, adaptations and pivots. Day 4 will end with feedback roundtables.
Cohorts will receive homework.
Day 5 - Final Pitch Preparation - On day 5, we will open with rapid feedback roundtables. We will spend the middle part of the day working with in-person and remote experts to finalize your pitch deck. The last part of the day will end in private pitch practices.
No homework assignments tonight.
Day 6 - Final Pitch Presentations - On day 6, we will open with a light breakfast and break into your mentor groups for final pitch preparation. The second part of the day will be the Final Pitch Presentations. Each cohort will have 5 minutes to present their pitch deck to a special guest panel of investors from The Design Fund's Active Investor Pool. Investors will listen to your pitch, then ask clarifying questions. Much like the TV show, "Shark Tank", investors may choose to negotiate equity, and state a "verbal interest" in your concept (This will initiate due diligence and further discovery between you and your potential investor). Day 6 will end with a mixer, or after party.
What happens next?
Your partnership with The Design Fund is just getting started!
Now that we have accelerated your concept, our team has a much better understanding of you and your concept. The 6-Day Rapid Accelerator is designed to help you get organized and prepared. Now it's time to take your concept to the next level and ultimately seek funding.
Following the 6-Day accelerator, we will host virtual follow-ups, to gather feedback, discover additional pivots, and make a plan for further development of your concept.
If your concept needs further development or resources, your Design Fund Mentors will assist you over the course of a year, to align you with web development, technical, marketing, and further support referrals. Throughout the year, we will host events and pitch competitions, giving you the ability to further hone in your pitch and product development. Based on your mentor's feedback, we will set up and arrange for group and one-on-one investor presentations, either in-person, or remote.
If an investor took interest in your concept at the Final Pitch Event, we will help to facilitate further exploration and due diligence. During this process, you will work with both The Design Fund Mentors, and directly with your investor(s). We will also reach into our greater investor network to facilitate more investor introductions.
How much does this cost?
All services provided by The Design Fund are free. We do not take a fee for our services. Although, each member of any Design Fund Cohort, will need to assign a 5% equity share to The Design Fund, upon being accepted into the accelerator program.
This equity share will be based on your initial "pre-money" valuation. The Design Fund will have one year, from the date of the agreement, to find you an investor. If The Design Fund, or yourself, find an investor within that one-year term, the 5% equity fee will apply to the life of your business. If The Design Fund, or yourself, are unable to align with an investor within that period, at the 366th day, the 5% equity will dilute to 1%. Should your business fail at anytime, The Design Fund will hold no interest in the equity.
Upcoming Accelerators
The Design Fund is coming to a city near you:
Thank you for your interest in applying to The Design Fund. Applications are open year-round and will be considered on a rolling basis. Your application will be valid for 12 months from the date of application.
Our accelerators and events are held at partner locations throughout the United States. Some travel maybe required to attend events. When possible, we partner with major events as "public event". Subscribe to stay up-to-date on our latest events.
Check back for upcoming accelerators...
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