RESPOND ACCELERATOR

Built on extraction and exploitation, today’s economy has caused planetary and societal crises that can’t be addressed by short-term fixes.

Getting back on track to hit the 1,5-degree target and regenerating our systems and societies requires systemic impact at speed and scale. It’s time for a new generation of leaders with regeneration as their guiding principle.

RESPOND is the first accelerator that pushes for the transformation towards a regenerative economy and promotes responsible leadership. We work with innovators from around the world to leverage innovation against global warming, biodiversity loss, and growing inequality.

Applications for the RESPOND 2023 Accelerator open on January 9.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Embracing regeneration, inspired by nature itself, results in technological and systemic innovations. It creates an economy that’s in balance with ecology while strengthening social cohesion.

For 2023, we’ve defined three crucial leverage points to move our systems towards a regenerative economy. We’re looking for the leaders behind innovations that:

We’ve hit the limits of planet earth.

Creative, tech-based approaches that support the adaptation and regeneration of ecosystems. These can be, for example, solutions to mitigate climate change impacts and help ecosystems to adapt and regenerate. We see huge potential in emerging technologies that capture carbon, reduce waste, and promote biodiversity while addressing the scarcity of resources.

The industry logic of take-make-waste is failing us.

Solutions that encourage fair and sustainable production processes - whether by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, extending the lifecycle of products, creating local supply chains, or through other innovative approaches. Founders can contribute to this in several ways: from promoting transparent supply chains, to implementing circular resource flows, to designing sustainable processes and materials.

The economy is designed to prioritize profit.

Innovative answers to our systemic crisis that help us rewire business and finance, redesign processes and governance models, and fundamentally align economic activity with planetary and social wellbeing. From decentralization, web3 and A.I. to community-driven ecosystems and democratic participation, we’re on the lookout for technological answers to systemic problems.

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The RESPOND Accelerator is a 5-month startup accelerator program that systematically advances how entrepreneurs lead, grow and scale sustainable businesses. While our team is based in Munich, most of the accelerator operates online and we work with startups from accross the globe.

As a member of the RESPOND 2023 cohort, your journey will include the following elements:

COACHING & MENTORSHIP
- You’ll work with coaches to develop your business with a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership. Throughout the program, our mentors will challenge, advise, and guide you on critical business and leadership decisions.
RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP
- As part of the RESPOND curriculum, you’ll take part in a multi-day leadership program to explore the concept of responsible leadership. We’ll explore what responsible leadership means for entrepreneurs, reflecting and peer-counseling on critical topics such as leadership dilemmas, personal transformation, and entrepreneurial wellbeing.
INTERNATIONAL NETWORK
- You’ll be part of a diverse global network of founders, investors, corporations, and thought leaders. You’ll also be introduced to the international BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network.
VISIBILITY
- Backed by strong brands, RESPOND will promote your startup at international conferences and through pro-active public relations, social media, and our network. You’ll have the opportunity to present your business to an international group of investors, industry representatives, and the press at the RESPOND Demo Night.
NO FEES & FULL COMMITMENT
- We are fully committed to developing your leadership and scaling your impact in line with the UN 2030 Agenda. RESPOND is an equity-free program and free of charge.

TIMELINE 2023

Jan 09

Applications Open

Applications will open on January 9, 2023.

Feb 06

Applications Close

We will close applications on February 06, 2023 at 23.59 CET.

End of April

Anouncement: Cohort #4 participants

Shortly after a final selection meeting, we will announce the final RESPOND Cohort #4 participants.

May 25 - 26

RESPOND Kick-off

We will kick-off the RESPOND program next to the Impact the Future conference in Copenhagen.

May - October

RESPOND Accelerator

RESPOND 2023 will run between May and October 2023 - exact timing tbc.

July 20 - 23

Responsible Leaders Days

One of the core elements of the RESPOND journey: a four-day workshop in nature to explore the concept of Responsible Leadership - in Italy.

October

RESPOND Demo Night

The RESPOND Demo Night marks the final event of the RESPOND Accelerator program - in Berlin.

RESPOND VIDEOS

RESPOND 2022

WHY TO APPLY (2022)

RESPOND 2021

RESPONDAYS 2021

SELECTION CRITERIA

For our 2023 cohort, we’re looking for ten entrepreneurs across the globe with startup solutions that match the following criteria:

SUSTAINABILITY
- We seek sustainable business models that systematically address three areas of areas: Future of Work, Sustainable Urbanization, and Responsible Economy.
INNOVATION
- We’re excited about cutting-edge technology and innovative business models that have the potential to scale up globally.
TRACTION
- We support international startups with a functional prototype in place, first paying customers and revenues.
LEADERSHIP
- We search for entrepreneurs ready to take responsibility, lead a team, and create a positive company culture.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the RESPOND 2023 cohort open on January 09 and close on February 06, 2023. After thoroughly evaluating all applications, finalists will be announced in April.

Please refer to the FAQs if you have questions about the program or your application – or get in touch with us directly via email or during one of our upcoming Q&A Sessions.

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APPLY NOW

Application Form 2023