The program will be structured around the strategic business needs of both the corporate partners and the startup companies selected for the program. Startups will be selected based on the current business needs of the corporate partners involved. These corporate partners will then provide mentorship, connections and resources to accelerate the growth of their selected startups. The program will be 90 days. However, 30 days prior to the start of the program, the selected startups and corporate partners will develop 3-5 key goals that each startup will work to accomplish during the program.
The Sprint Accelerator is looking for startups from around the world with an innovative business that aligns with the strategic goals set forth by the corporate sponsors assigned to each program.
Yes, applications are currently open and can be found here
The more detailed your application, the more we can learn about your startup. The videos are important because sometimes they’re the best way for us to get to know your team and product. Videos don’t have to have professional production quality – using an iPhone or MacBook to create your video is perfectly fine. Be creative, have fun and let your personalities shine through!
After applications close, each application will be reviewed by the selection committee and narrowed down to a group of 25-30 finalists. The selection committee will be made up of Sprint Accelerator staff and several representatives from each corporate sponsor. Each finalist team will be contacted for full team interviews with the selection committee . The committee will be looking for strong teams with products and services that can help each corporate sponsor achieve their strategic goals, create potential partnerships and scale.
The corporate sponsors associated with each accelerator class as well as the Accelerator management team will select the mentors for the program. The mentors will be experts from each vertical represented in each class. The mentors will also be investors, general business experts and members of the Kansas City entrepreneurial community.
Startups of any stage will be considered. We welcome growth-stage startups that have achieved initial product-market-fit, are generating revenue and ready for their second stage of growth..
Busy! However, ever activity planned will be targeted to help you reach the goals for the program we establish before you arrive. Your day may be filled with group educational sessions, one-on-one mentor meetings, one-on-one meetings with your corporate sponsors, Accelerator services team meetings, presentation building sessions or pitch rehearsals. Even with focused meetings and sessions you will still need to find time to achieve your program goals.
The Sprint Accelerator does not provide housing for the companies selected. However, we will assist you in finding available housing by providing locations, etc. that are reasonably priced and close to the Accelerator location.
The Sprint Accelerator is located in the Crossroads Arts District of Kansas City, MO. Our award winning facility features great open spaces, whiteboard surfaces and several conference rooms helping to foster innovation and collaboration. The address of our facility is 210 W. 19th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108
It is not a requirement of getting accepted in the program to re-locate your company to Kansas City after the program. However, we will give you access to resources and information about re-locating to Kansas City. We’ve had several companies that went through previous programs re-locate to the KC area to continue growing their businesses.
The 2017 program will run from April 3 through July 1.
All companies are expected to be professional, honest, work hard, be coachable and make quick decisions.
Being on-site for the entire duration of the program is not required. However, there will be certain points during the program when on-site participation will be required. All companies selected are welcome to be on-site for the entire duration of the program.
The corporate sponsors will support with facilities, mentors, visibility, and proactive engagement around business opportunities that emerge from this program. The corporate sponsors have no obligation or restrictions with regard to the companies they may contract with and the products and services that it develops or offers.
Yes, but the odds of being accepted are lower. It’s difficult to benefit from all aspects of the program with just one person.
Sprint signed a three-year contract with Techstars. After the 2016 Sprint Mobile Accelerator program, the contract expired. Due to many factors, Sprint has decided not to host another program with Techstars.
Sprint and the Sprint Accelerator are excited for the upcoming program and the new format which will include multiple corporations collaborating to bring more resources to help your companies scale.