Accelerate Programme Structure
Here at BetaDen, based in Worcestershire, we strive to deliver the highest quality accelerator content for tech entrepreneurs and tech scale-ups, with the aim to supercharge their route to market and develop innovative products or solutions. The programme is divided into 6 stages:
1. Join BetaDen
Our commercial technology accelerator programme runs for 9 months. An online application process is the first step in applying to BetaDen, should this be successful, you will then be invited to interview by our advisory board panel. Following this spaces on the next cohort will be offered subject to T&Cs.
2. Framing Stage
The first 5-6 weeks of the programme consist of intense series of group workshops delivered by our expert mentors to ensure every cohort founder has the same level of understanding of all topics covered during the programme. This is the time to (re) assess our Cohort's product and potential market(s).
3. Group Sessions and 1:1s
Once the initial framing stage is completed, cohort founders have access to individual 1:1 sessions with each mentor to discuss matters that are related specifically to their product or solution. There will also be further fireside chats, workshops, and networking opportunitites. The first pitch practise session also takes place during this stage.
4. Proof Of Concept
Financial support is offered in the form of a £10,000 grant to projects that aim to investigate, advance and protect early-stage innovative business ideas and to commercialise new innovations. Marketing fund worth £2,000 is also offered to support each cohort business. Second pitch practise session takes place during this stage.
5. Route To Market
The final stage of our accelerator programme is all about Route to Market. Our Cohort founders use all the help and knowledge they've gained during the programme to reach market readiness, forge partnerships, obtain new clients, or raise further funds. BetaDen will also identify industry awards and nominate cohort founders where appropriate to boost their public profiles. The final pitch practise session takes place during this stage.
6. Cohort Showcase
The programme culminates in a 'demo day' type Showcase event, where cohort founders deliver a live pitch of their products to a large audience of industry experts, potential customers and investors.
However, this isn't where the BetaDen journey ends! We are committed to supporting our cohort alumni for years to come in various different ways.
Programme Details
Funding
One of the most important benefits of participating in our technology accelerator programme is access to equity-free funding. We offer a £10,000 Proof Of Concept (POC) grant* to our cohort founders that aim to investigate, advance and protect early-stage innovative business ideas and to commercialise new innovations, and a £2,000 Marketing fund to support their brand development. This funding can be crucial in helping startups to develop and launch their products, expand their teams, and grow their businesses.
Examples of eligible POC expenditure:
Product testing and certification
IP/Trademark
Product launch (exhibitions/events)
New marketing material
Cloud based services
Outsourcing costs for technology development
External market research
Mentorship and Support
A significant benefit of participating in BetaDen's accelerator programme is access to subject-specific mentorship and support. We provide our cohorts with access to experienced mentors who can provide guidance and advice on everything from product development to fundraising. This support can be invaluable for early-stage startups that may not have the experience or resources to navigate the challenges of building and growing a business.
Networking and connections
We provide cohort founders with the opportunity to network and make connections within their industry. These connections can be critical in helping startups to secure partnerships, customers, and investors. We have established relationships with industry experts, investors, and other stakeholders, providing cohort founders and alumni with access to a broad network of potential collaborators and supporters. The programme is concluded with a 'demo day' type Showcase event, where our cohort founders pitch their products and solutions to an audience formed of industry experts, potential customers and partners, and investors.
Programme Overview
| Programme features | BetaDen Technology Accelerator |
| Access to proof of concept funding* | |
| Dedicated marketing funding | |
| Dedicated PR Support | |
| Access to 5G Support | |
| No equity stake | |
| Free dedicated office space | |
| Group Mentorship | |
| Individual 1:1 mentoring | |
| Access to an extensive industry network | |
| Tech events, workshops, firesides | |
| Speaking Opportunities | |
| 'Demo day' type investment event at the end of the programme | |
*Eligibility Criteria Applies: POC grant application must be submitted no later than the deadline stated at the start of the programme. All project costs must be external to the company. All purchases and purchase commitments may only commence after the grant has been agreed; any invoices issued/paid before the grant agreement has been signed will not be eligible. 100% of the project costs must be covered upfront by the business, these costs may then be claimed retrospectively. Evidence of costs must be supplied as instructed. VAT cannot be included or claimed as part of the grant, all costs must be given NET. All costs must be claimed within the timeframe outlined in the grant agreement. This will usually be based on the purchase dates indicated by you in your grant application. Applicants must comply with the eligibility criteria. Costs must comply with the eligibility criteria. Any changes made to the spend profile or preferred supplier(s) must first be agreed by the Proof of Concept programme manager. A place in the BetaDen cohort does not guarantee access to Proof of Concept funding. The cohort member must submit a successful grant application to obtain the grant funding.
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