FAQs

What are you looking for in companies?

We aim to work with for-profit and not-for-profit companies and founders solving problems for learners, educators, or administrators in Early Childhood, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce Learning, and Lifelong/Adult Education. We support those with up to $5 million in funding or revenue.

Our criteria for selecting companies in descending order of importance are as follows:

Diverse-minded teams or solo founders with passion for education
Problem sets/markets with the opportunity to build companies $100 million+ in value
Evidence that you’re solving a real problem (e.g., users, revenue, partnerships, LOIs, RCT research, efficacy studies)
A scalable, eventually defensible tech-based product that the world needs

Do you need to be located in a specific location or country to apply?

No, we accept applications from companies from around the world that need access to the capital, markets, and mentorship represented by the StartEd network. Our programs are offered both in-person and virtually to support companies around the world. Visit StartEd Events to learn more as we are releasing programs every month. About 40% of StartEd alumni are founded and continue to operate internationally.

Are StartEd programs and events hosted in-person, or virtually?

StartEd offers programming both in-person and virtually. StartEd Events displays upcoming programs. Apply to indicate your interest, you’ll be offered options to participate in-person or virtually.

Our annual EDTECH WEEK festival is hosted in-person in New York City this Fall. Check the EDTECH WEEK website for updates.

Is there a cost to attend a StartEd program?

Tuition ranges from $1,000 - $10,000 per year depending on the program you are initially accepted into. Programs are equity-free ― we want to give founders the option of accelerating their organizations without ‘paying’ a percentage of company ownership. Program costs can be viewed at StartEd Programs.

Which program should I apply for?

You don’t need to pick between programs before you apply because we have a common application. We offer two intro programs: a virtual or in-person 5-day intensive (StartEd Immersion) and a virtual 5-week part-time (StartEd Bootcamp) for earlier-stage companies - both involve up to 40 hours of participartion. Other programs outside of Immersion or Bootcamp program are highlighted at StartEd Events. After taking 10 minutes to complete our common application, StartEd does the heavy lifting of figuring out fit and timing. In your interview, you will be able to decide which program best suits your needs.

In case you are curious, here’s how to compare StartEd’s core programs:

Is there any in-person participation requirement?

No, but we host optional in-person events where you can meet our team, our mentors, and showcase companies we work with. Check the StartEd Events page to sign up.

What are StartEd’s goals?

To introduce and build relationships between companies at all stages and the StartEd network of mentors

To accelerate innovation at mature companies and to aid the growth of the EdTech industry at large

To create and sustain a community of founders and cohort mentorship in the EdTech ecosystem

Where can I find StartEd program dates?

In general, programs are offered at least once per quarter and we start working with you to customize your experience when you accept an offer. To find out specific program dates, take 10-minutes to complete your no-obligation program application and schedule an interview.

When do you make a decision on acceptance?

StartEd program decisions are made on a rolling basis. We aim to make a decision within 1 week of receiving an application in the majority of cases.

Apply now at started.com/programs. See upcoming application deadlines at started.com/events.

How much experience does the StartEd team have supporting edtech startups?

We believe that the best signal of being able to help other EdTech founders is having fundraised, built EdTech companies, and invested in EdTech companies. Our team has built companies, invested in dozens of EdTech companies, and sits on the boards of many other EdTech companies. Furthermore, our team has managed multiple EdTech accelerators and worked with 10,000+ EdTech founders. Meet the team here.

Beyond the programs available for application, what does StartEd offer companies?

StartEd Immersion and StartEd Bootcamp are programs designed to solve key challenges for EdTech companies at varying points in the entrepreneurial journey. Graduating from Immersion or Bootcamp allows immediate access to StartEd’s resources, including:

EDTECH WEEK ― StartEd’s innovation festival for global EdTech entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and policymakers
EdTech Shark Tanks ― Visibility within K-12, HigherEd, and Adult Learning networks
Masterclasses ― On-demand live and asynchronous training for your team led by practitioners and specialists in customer development, product development, growth hacking, and pitching
The StartEd Network ― The most seasoned and supportive mentor network of EdTech founders, investors, and educators
Sales Support – Masterclasses led by K-12, Higher Ed and Workforce Learning (Enterprise B2B) sales experts and facilitated discussions strengthen your sales strategy along every step of the sales cycle
StartEd Circles ― ‘YPO-style’ small group discussions with EdTech CEOs by stage/vertical
Custom Advisory ― Specialized support in Fundraising Advisory, B2B Sales, and Talent Recruitment

Does the entire team have to be present in person and throughout the programs?

If you are taking part virtually, the optimal number of participating team members is 2. This allows for switching in and out of the program, and if both team members participate in the full program, it allows for more effective mentor management in meetings and follow-up. Each additional team member may participate at a significantly reduced tuition rate.

At what stage is it appropriate for a company to apply?

StartEd Immersion: This program supports companies that are post-beta with their product but pre-Series C in funding ― and any nonprofit. This program accepts companies with up to $5 million in funding or revenue.

Immersion supports companies that are seed to growth stage. Given that the program is equity-free and involves a 5-day intensive, companies often use the opportunity to get to know the US education and workforce market and the StartEd network without incurring the costs associated with longer programs.

StartEd Bootcamp: Bootcamp is appropriate for early-stage companies, distributed teams and solo founders, and any education innovator ― including educators, students, and working professionals ― who aims to explore and build a foundation within the industry. Founders who value a supportive, industry-savvy community of EdTech founders and mentors would benefit from Bootcamp. Here’s a look at what the Bootcamp program covers:

How many companies are accepted into each cohort?

We accept cohorts of ~10 companies for the StartEd Immersion program.

We accept cohorts of ~20 founders for the StartEd Bootcamp program.

Will co-working space be provided?

No, but we provide ‘virtual coworking’ communities for participating companies and our alumni ― including Slack and a dedicated virtual portal. The one exception is Immersion @ EDTECH WEEK, where we offer access to a world-class facility in New York City where we host the in-person aspects of the program at our global innovation festival.

What approach do mentors take, and what is their time commitment like?

All mentors have committed to an initial meeting with the cohort, but it’s their prerogative (and yours) to further the relationship. We enable relationship building within the context of the program, but it’s up to you to drive it. Get to know some of the mentors here.

Do you provide assistance around visas or immigration?

If you are participating in an in-person StartEd program and require a temporary visa to spend up to 3 months in the US, we recommend applying for a temporary tourist visa for the duration of your stay. For more complex visa requirements, StartEd can refer you to our immigration legal partners for assistance. Contact us for help.

How much time should we spend on the application?

Applicants generally spend less than 30 minutes ― and often more like 10 minutes ― gathering required info and drafting responses.

A few tips:

Don’t wait to apply ― you can always send us updates via email to staff@startedaccelerator.com.
We look for succinct responses to application questions, so shorter is better. If you are reaching the character limit often, you are likely spending too much time on it.
Do not spend time ‘producing’ your team and product video (if requested). Filming using a mobile phone or recording a group video call in Zoom/Skype/Google Hangout is fine.
Use the application to refine and draft initial thinking about your company. Your responses can be used to answer due diligence questions from potential investors and partners. Keep your responses handy and update them as you evolve your thinking.