Technology startups invited to apply for EUR 100,000 in growth capital at 360 Lab

Romanian technology startups are invited to apply for a chance to receive EUR 100,000 of growth capital, access to global test customers and markets, coaching from top mentors, and workspaces in Graz or San Francisco. “360 ° in 360 Days” is the newest international acceleration program to be launched to support the growth of tech startups in Europe and Romania.

The participants will receive EUR 100,000 in capital and will be supported by experienced mentors and investors, thus having a strong support point for developing Europe and the US and attracting venture capital. The program will be held in Graz and San Francisco, consists of three stages and will begin in January 2019. It is a novelty that the accelerator gives startups the opportunity to move to Silicon Valley CoLab44 in the immediate vicinity of Facebook and Google, among others.

“Throughout Europe, including in Romania, there are many startups that are successfully developing new technologies or business models, but who lack the knowledge and infrastructure needed to grow internationally,” says Christian Vancea, CEO of 360 Lab. “Our goal was to develop a 360 Lab Accelerator program to fill existing gaps in the market by providing these start-up businesses with support for the transition from market entry to growth. The 360 Lab Accelerator opens the gateways to international markets and investors for the selected startups, providing not only the capital needed for additional investment but also an international network.”

The program is open to any startup of technology in Romania, such as FinTech, blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, SaaS, e-commerce or marketplace solutions. The selection process will take place in several phases, and applications can be submitted by November 18th. Five high-potential launches will be selected and announced at an event on December 12th, starting in Graz in January 2019.

In the first four months of the program, the products and services participating in the startup will be tailored to meet market requirements, and the most effective selling method is chosen. Towards the end of this stage, the startups will showcase their progress to investors during a Demo Day, with the chance of winning new funding, but also moving to Silicon Valley to demonstrate what they can. At the “CoLab44” in San Francisco, startups will have three months to prepare for the international launch.

“We offer technology startups in Europe and Romania a structured program that will enable them to develop their business on the continent, find investors for international expansion, enter the US market, replicate success in Europe and is getting financing from the world’s most renowned investors – all in one year, “says Martin Trink, Head of 360 Lab Accelerator. “We look forward to applications from the most innovative young businesses that we can guide and support on their way to success.”

360 Lab is a myWorld think tank and innovation hub. Founded in 2018, 360 Lab is an independent company headquartered in Graz and will be officially launched on October 16th.

CoLab44 was set up in San Francisco to enable businesses and startups in Europe to meet with Silicon Valley investors. It offers the ideal environment for the second 360 Lab accelerator.