RESPOND 2023 I REGENERATIVE ECONOMY

Our vision is a regenerative economy.

A fair and inclusive economy within the planetary boundaries. An economy that thrives on regeneration rather than exploitation and prioritizes human wellbeing.

Complicated? Ambitious? Absolutely.

This is why, we are looking for ambitious entrepreneurs across the globe to promote and scale solutions to the most pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges of our time.

Applications for the RESPOND Accelerator 2023 – cohort #4 – open on January 09. We are inviting entrepreneurs from accross the globe to apply to the program – we are excited to hear from you, and look forward to learning more about you and your startup.

AREAS OF ACTION

The transformation towards a regenerative economy spans the entire chain of economic activities, from the extraction and use of resources to the production and consumption of goods and services. It also includes the restoration of degraded ecosystems and their adaptation to changing global conditions. It calls for a redefinition of value and rewiring the fundamentals of our economic system.

We are looking for innovations in the following three areas of action:

We are hitting the limits of planet earth.

We are keen to see innovative, tech-based approaches that support the adaptation and regeneration of ecosystems. These can be, for example, early warning systems for changes in environmental conditions as well as solutions to cope with rising temperatures or rising sea levels.

In our crisis-ridden world, industry configured as a take-make-waste system is failing us.

We want to see solutions that encourage fair and sustainable production patterns - whether that be by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions, extending the lifecycle of products, creating local supply chains, or through other promising solutions.

The economy is designed to prioritize profit.

We are keen to find innovative solutions that help us rewire the operating system of business and finance, redefine value and fundamentally align economic activity with planetary and social wellbeing.

Get in touch

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

09.01

Applications Open

Applications will open on January 9th, 2023.

06.02

Applications Close

We will close applications on February 06, 203 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 - October

RESPOND Accelerator

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

Summer

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. Excact timing tbc.

Fall

RESPOND Demo Night

The RESPOND Demo Night marks the final event of the RESPOND Accelerator program - exact timing tbc.

RESPOND VIDEOS

RESPOND 2022 Image Video

RESPONDAYS 2021 Highlights

RESPOND 2021 - Highlights

RESPOND 2022 - Apply Now - 1

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.

If you would like to take a look at the application form beforehand, you can download the full form below.

APPLY

APPLICATIONS OPEN ON JANUARY 9, 2023

FAQs