The Kiuas Accelerator Spring 2023 application period is currently open until the 15th of February. But what goes on behind the curtains? Ultimately, the purpose of the application is to get information about you and your startup in three areas:

• The viability of your startup idea
• The capability and commitment of you and the team to work on the idea
• The ability of us to help you

It may seem simple to begin with, but assessing all these areas objectively is not easy. For example, objectivity can be easily hampered by personal biases. We have taken many steps to combat that.

To begin with, the application process is divided into different phases. First is an online form that you have to fill out to apply for the program. After that, the next step is that we invite around 40 best applicants for an interview. Finally, based on the application and the interview, roughly 20 best teams are selected for the Accelerator program. We have used this method successfully for years.

What’s new this time is that we have worked on ensuring that our assessment is fair and free of any biases whatsoever. Thus, we have made significant changes to our application review process. When we rate your application, we do not know your or the company name, the location or nationality, nor your gender or personal profile. While we do ask for those things in the application, they remain hidden during the review process.

The application stage contains questions related to your startup business. For example, the problem you’re working to solve, your solution, and the business model. The purpose is to evaluate the business idea and your plans for the startup. Then, at the interview, we focus on you and your team, and assess the capabilities and motivation to run the startup. Finally, once we are familiar with your business idea, and the team working on it, we assess whether or not we have the resources (like the right coaches or industry experts in our network) to support and add value to your startup.

On top of all this we will also provide you with feedback and ideas about how to improve. So, applying to the Kiuas Accelerator can easily be the best decision for your startup career so far. The application period closes on the 15th of February. Be sure to submit your application by then at www.kiuas.com/accelerator!

If you are looking to find out more about the program, Kiuas is hosting an information session on Wednesday the 8th of February at Startup Sauna. Join us to get some insights about the program, tips for applying, and get your questions answered by the Kiuas team. Please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kiuas-accelerator-spring-23-program-info-tickets-516953992307

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