Accelerator
Designed to support ambitious entrepreneurs with globally scalable, innovative tech startups. Receive investment and coaching from accomplished mentors and Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Important Dates
H2 Applications Open:
Tue 23 April - Sun 26 May
H2 Programme Starts:
Mon 08 July
Founder-First, Entrepreneur-Led
We offer founder-friendly investment with mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and a whole range of value-adds.
€100k Investment
We’re one of the first European accelerators to offer €100k investment using a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), pioneered by Y Combinator.
Mentors & EIRs
Receive highly personalized mentoring from 40+ successful entrepreneurs as well as access to dedicated Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Value Adds
Tailored supports, investor lunches, international trips, 12 months space, €500k perks, post-accelerator support, and much more.
Entrepreneurs in Residence for the 2023 Cohort
As an entrepreneur-led programme the NDRC Accelerator involves dedicated Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) who coach founders on a weekly basis. Our EIRs have deep knowledge across all stages of a startup, from founding to funding, to scaling, to exit.
Maria McMenamin
Former VP of Sales @ Pitch and Head of Startup Sales @ Stripe
Maria McMenamin was a successful founder before jumping into roles such as Venture Partner at Anamcara Capital, VP Sales at Pitch.io and Head of StartUp and SMB Sales at Stripe. Maria is one of the go-to people in Ireland for go-to -market and sales strategy.
Sean Blanchfield
Founder of Techpreneurs and Former CEO @ Pagefair
Sean Blanchfield is an entrepreneur who co-founded and led successful ventures as CEO/CTO like Phorest, Demonware, PageFair, Front Square and Scale Front. Now, Sean runs an invite-only network of active technology founders in the Dublin Area, Techpreneurs.
€100k
Investment, founder-friendly legals
13
Startups per year, a cohort every 6 months
6
Month accelerator programme split by Demo Day
12
Months free office space at Dogpatch Labs
Recent Cohorts
These tech-enabled startups represent diverse industries across education, health, manufacturing, cybersecurity, finance, automation and more.
…and many more.
€30m+
Capital raised in 2021-2022 cohorts
€400m
In total raised by NDRC portfolio
6
Exits of NDRC alumni since 2020
Some of the Value Adds
There are so many other aspects to the programme including tailored supports, investor dinners/lunches, post-accelerator support, and more.
Membership at
Dogpatch Labs
Enjoy 12 months of free office space and join the vibrant community in Dogpatch Labs, located right in the heart of the Dublin Docklands.
International
Passporting
Join a global network of 50+ startup hubs and access free hot-desking space in major cities around the world. Build international networks through our connections and trips.
Global Demo Day Experience
The programme culminates in an in-person, closed door Demo Day for exposure to investors, VIP entrepreneurs, and potential customers all over the world.
+ much more
How Do We Invest?
The NDRC Accelerator invests €100k per startup using a ‘founder friendly’ SAFE. It’s flexible, simple, transparent and avoids high legal costs.
Our SAFE is uncapped with a 20% discount.
You can learn more about it below.
What to Expect
The support doesn’t end after Demo Day. The Accelerator is designed to help you for the long-term.
Foundation Phase
3 months focusing your 'accelerator goal', activating bespoke supports, customer dev, seed-round readiness.
Demo Day
Pitch to a global audience of angel investors, VCs, entrepreneurs, potential customers and partners.
Development Phase
3 months post-demo day support, helping you raise a smart, strategic seed round and/or winning customers
Post Programme Support
We have a dedicated team to support alumni with scaling, hiring, new customers, and raising follow-on funding.
Is This Accelerator For You?
We’re looking for founders who are building global solutions to global problems.
Industry
We invest in teams and companies, not industries. If you have a globally scalable tech solution, get in touch.
Investment Stage
You’re typically at the pre-seed investment stage and are looking to close a seed round in the next 3-12 months.
Product Stage
You’re developing or testing an early product / MVP and have some early proof-points with customers.
Team
We’re looking for teams with some unique insight or competency in their domain, who are aligned on passion and vision.
Software Perks
NDRC Accelerator companies have access to software perks valued to up to €500k from our partner network.
(That’s enough credits to run most tech stacks for a year!)
FAQ
Do I have to complete the NDRC Pre-Accelerator before applying to the Accelerator?
No, the Pre-Accelerator is not a prerequisite for the NDRC Accelerator, but it does prepare you to have a competitive application.
What is the application process like?
Application and selection for an offer to participate in the NDRC Accelerator is competitive and assessed through your online application and a follow-up video interview for shortlisted applicants.
When will I hear back about my application?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview within 3 weeks of the applications closing; final selection notifications will be sent within four weeks from the application closing date.
Will we get feedback on our application if we’re not selected?
We will notify unsuccessful applicants via email to let them know that they will not be offered a spot in the next Accelerator cohort and will include details, such as application dates, on how to re-apply for a later cohort. These emails will not include personalised feedback on your application, but in the event that your application is not successful because we feel you are too early in your journey, we may refer you to take part in the next NDRC Pre-Accelerator programme.
Do we get the full €100k at the start of the programme?
The €100k will be divided into two installments of €50k. You will receive the first €50k at the beginning of the programme, and the second €50k upon completion of your accelerator goal (set at the outset of the programme). It is the full intention of NDRC to invest €100k in each accelerator startup.
How is the Accelerator delivered?
Our accelerator operates in a hybrid fashion.
We ask startups to be on-site at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin for 3 “core” weeks throughout the programme.
The rest of the programme is facilitated fully virtually allowing founders to be anywhere they wish.
Can/should non-Irish startups apply?
Yes, we do work with international startups that have a strong intent to relocate to or incorporate in Ireland. We also consider companies that are not Irish but headquartered and controlled in Ireland. This generally means that one or more of the founders live in (or are moving to) Ireland and that key business functions have their worldwide HQ here.
Have a question that isn’t answered here?
No problem, reach out to us at programmes@ndrc.ie.