Application

APPLICATION CRITERIA

Startups that meet the following criteria are encouraged to submit an application for the program. Applicants…

• are startups incorporated in Germany.
• are active in the IT and Communication space, including software, hardware, Internet, mobile, wireless.
• are independent and not corporate subsidiaries or spin-offs.
• have a business plan demonstrating potential for significant growth and international expansion.
• are in a stage of their life cycle that allows them to benefit from participating in the program.

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SELECTION CRITERIA

Startups will be selected by a Steering Committee based on an evaluation of the following criteria:

• Overall concept: Does  the  company  address  a  clear  and  large  market  need  with  an  innovative  solution?
• Market opportunity: Is  the  market  size  and  opportunity  large  enough  to  make  this  a  compelling  business?
• Competitive Landscape: Are  there  significant  or  dominant  competitors.  Has  the  company  constructed  strong  differentiation  and/or  barriers  to  entry?
• Product execution: How  much  work  from  concept  to  current  status?  Smart  engineering,  good  use  of  technology.  Degree  of  product/market  fit.
• Business execution: Partner  deals.  Customers.  Distribution.  Go  to  market  strategy  clear,  being  executed  and  demonstrating  traction.
• Team: Right  people,  with  the  right  experience  and/or  talent  to  make  the  business  successful.  Do  they  know  what  they  don’t  know?
• Business model: Revenue model or customer acquisition model determined. Will  it  work  in  today’s  market?
• Entrepreneurial mindset: Will the company be able to develop a Silicon Valley like mindset and entrepreneurial culture?
• Program relevance: Does the company have a clear perspective on how it will benefit from the GSVA program, i.e. does it have specific U.S. customers or a U.S. customer group identified?

Application Process and Schedule 2012

GSVA calls all qualifying startups to submit an application for the program. Company applications need to be received by the deadlines listed below.

Based on the selection criteria mentioned above, the Steering Committee selects the most promising Finalists from the pool of all qualifying applicants. These Finalists are invited to present their venture to the Committee in person – either in Berlin or in Munich.

The best of the Finalists are then crowned the Winners and receive an invitation to participate in the three month acceleration program in Silicon Valley within a matter of days.

Programs start at the beginning of each quarter. Application deadline for Q1-2013 and Q2-2013 is August 31, 2012.

Participating startups have the option to apply for a three month program extension. The Steering Committee then decides on such an extension, based on company performance in the program and future outlook.

Next Steps:

1. Clicking the “Apply Here” button below takes you to our application software site at gust.com
2. Create an account and fill in your company profile
3. Fill in all required fields marked with an asterix (*) to the best of your ability
4. Fill in a “0” (zero) if field is not applicable to your company or you don’t know the answer
5. Upload additional documents if desired and available
6. Complete the form and submit application
7. You will receive a confirmation email that your application has been received

GSVA looks forward to receiving your application.

Apply Here