The new Axel Springer Plug and Play accelerator program is staying close to home – with its location now confirmed as being just a short walking distance from the media giant’s Berlin HQ. But to add a bit more startup panache, it has also followed the well-trodden path of teaming up with co-working and event space betahaus.
Applications for the first program are due by this Friday, April 19. The project was launched recently as a 50/50 collaboration between Springer and existing Silicon Valley accelerator Plug and Play
The deal with betahaus will see the participants in the program enjoy access to all the events at the venue, which is just a short bus ride from ASPAP’s new home on Markgrafenstrasse close to Axel Springer Haus. They will also be in with a chance of qualifying for the Betapitch Global competition on July 6 bringing together startups from the six betahaus locations in Europe to compete against each other.
During the three-month program, the participants will be working alongside more established figures from the startup media scene including Tech Open Air’s Nikolas Woischnik and Milo Yiannopoulos, formerly of The Kernel. The space itself has been decorated by Clemens von Wendel, the “artist in residence”.
Participating companies will benefit from coaching, workshops and seed investment totalling €25,000. The program ends with the traditional demo day – and there will be the opportunity to extend the programme at the Plug and Play Tech Centre in Silicon Valley.