Our goal is simple: Invest in the very best companies and help them reach the next level. We do that by providing capital, connections, community, and delivering on our promises

Community

We accept 10 companies into the program, out of hundreds of great companies that apply from around the globe each year. The companies that are selected will be working with the best new startup teams around, and they will form valuable bonds with their peers that will help for years to come.

Mentorship

We believe in mentorship. We believe in it so much, that last year we brought in over 145 mentors throughout the summer. Sam Yagan and Troy Henikoff lead company mentorship, but you’ll also meet entrepreneurs like Chuck Templeton (Opentable), Brad Keywell (Groupon, Lightbank), Jeff Hoffman (Priceline), Mike Evans (Grubhub), Tim Krauskopf (Spyglass), and Zach Kaplan (Inventables), as well as venture and angel investors like Nick Rosa (Sandbox Industries), Adam Koopersmith (New World Ventures), Lon Chow (Apex Venture Partners), Jim Dugan (OCA Ventures), Blair Garrou (DFJ Mercury), Ron Conway (SV Angel), Brad Feld (Foundry Group), David Cohen (TechStars, Bullet Time) and Kevin Efrusy (Accel Capital Partners).

Connections

You see that friends tab at the top? That’s just a small part of the extensive network we can help you connect with. Our friends are standing by to help our companies find customers, attract users, or meet investors. If accepted, you’ll get access to them as well.

Capital

We invest $25,000 in each company in exchange for 6% common stock. Our shares look just like yours, and you should think of us as your newest co-founder. When we invest in companies, we help them for life, not just for the summer. At the end of the summer, we host a Demo Day at the historic House Of Blues Chicago, and invite all of our mentors, friends, investors, and partners. Last year we had over 500 mentors and investors attend! All of August is spent preparing you for Demo Day and beyond, so you’ll be in the ideal position to meet investors and secure future investment.

In 2011, New World Ventures committed an additional $50,000 to each Excelerate company in the form of Convertible Debt.  At Demo Day 2011, Adam Koopersmith announced that they were so pleased with the program that they are going to do it again in 2012!

Performance

In 2010, our first year, 8 of 10 graduates raised outside funding after the program ended, and 9 of 10 are still running strong and growing.  Still not sure? Here’s what some of our companies had to say about Excelerate.

Have questions? First, check out the FAQ. If the answer isn’t there, contact us.