Sprout Accelerator Key Dates
Spring24 Cohort
Applications close 9 July 2024
Selection Pitches 8 & 9 Aug
Cohort announcement 28 Aug
Commencement date 2 Sept
Underground One 20 & 21 Sept
Underground Two 18 & 19 Oct
Sprout Showcase 13 Nov
Accelerator concludes 15 Nov
How the Sprout Accelerator works
Build your business with us
Are you hungry for growth? Sick of having people who don't 'get it' rain on your parade? If you're an Agritech and Foodtech entrepreneur or company, or a scientist wishing to turn your IP into a scalable business then our Sprout Accelerator is for you.
WARNING: We are not a course or a programme! Our offering is a fast-paced, dynamic, educational Accelerator designed to help you strengthen your value proposition so your product becomes a no-brainer for customers and investors a like.
Here's our eligibility criteria. It's pretty straight-forward:
Entrepreneurs & scientists developing new businesses and/or ideas that have a prototype or proof of concept of their product
Existing start-ups that are in early stages of growth ~ revenue <$1m
A team of at least two is recommended to help pollinate your idea
You can apply from anywhere in the world (but International companies must have a value proposition for the NZ market to be considered.)
Traits we're looking for:
Willing to learn and take advice
Good communication skills
Great listeners
Ability to work at speed
Strong team work skills
Want to understand if your business or idea fits our definition of AgTech and/or FoodTech? You can view the sectors and technology categories we consider eligible here.
Have we wet your appetite enough? Then register here.
Still have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our team.
Our commitment to you
A true partnership
The Sprout Accelerator is not a course or a programme and the content is far from that delivered in a stuffy lecture room when your body would rather be taking a nap. You're expected to adapt, be dynamic, get into the groove of a real-work business environment and take up the challenge our experts and mentors lay down for you.
During the Sprout Accelerator, your company will be involved in the following:
A one-hour call per week with your Sprout mentors or advisors, to track progress against your milestones
Attendance at two fast-paced Sprout Underground Events to workshop key areas of your business with experts and mentors
Refine your pitch and story to customers, investors and partners, so you win support for your value proposition
Expect to have high expectations placed on you by people who have successfully started, run and exited businesses. We accept nothing less.
Key Benefits
What will you get out of the SPROUT Accelerator?
The key benefits of our Sprout Accelerator over other business growth services are:
No requirement to relocate your business - we know you've perfected this remote working thing!
A tonne of support to prioritise activities which is going to maximise the valuation of your company, so you're even more attractive to investors.
Advice from a global network of inspirational people who understand the Agritech and Foodtech sectors.
You'll learn and be supported on how to scale your product for global markets.
Help identifying ‘A’ players for your business - team is everything.
A network of customers around NZ and internationally who can validate your ideas and products.
A chance to network with Sprout alumni so you can share lessons, ask questions and challenge them on their value proposition.
Leave your footprints on the future health of the planet and its people.
Are you up for the challenge?
