Logo Garage cu descriptor

Equity-free and No-fee
Accelerator for
Early-Stage Startups
in Central & South-East Europe

September 17 – November 28, 2024

 

Logo Garage cu descriptor

Equity-free and No-fee
Accelerator for Early-Stage Startups in Central & South-East Europe

September 17 – November 28, 2024

RHADR NE

Are you working on an early-stage startup in Central or Southeast Europe and looking to grow your MRR, scale into a new European market, or raise investment?

Rubik Garage is the acceleration program that will provide you with the tools, connections, and knowledge necessary to drive your startup’s success.

Are you working on an early-stage startup in Central or Southeast Europe and looking to grow your MRR, scale into a new European market, or raise investment?

Rubik Garage is the acceleration program that will provide you with the tools, connections, and knowledge necessary to drive your startup’s success.

Equity-Free and No-Fee Accelerator

Together with top-tier mentors and a leading network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni founders, we embarked on a mission to support and accelerate startups with highly innovative ideas and business models to unlock their growth potential.

Our acceleration program Rubik Garage is tailored to each startup’s needs, providing founders with crucial connections to the most relevant experts in their field, including mentors, partners, investors, and more. As founders, you will gain elite network access that goes beyond what money can buy.

For this edition, we seek early-stage tech startups based in Central and Southeast Europe that leverage technology to solve real problems with innovative and scalable solutions. Ideal candidates will have an MVP ready, a team of at least two members, and need to enhance or accelerate their sales process.

While we are sector-agnostic, preference will be given to B2B startups developing deep tech concepts in verticals such as Cybersecurity, MedTech, GreenTech, EdTech, and other impact solutions.

We will support you in growing your Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR), raising an investment round, or launching into a new market within the next 6-9 months.

Equity-Free and No-Free Accelerator

Together with top-tier mentors and a leading network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni founders, we embarked on a mission to support and accelerate startups with highly innovative ideas and business models to unlock their growth potential.

Our acceleration program Rubik Garage is tailored to each startup’s needs, providing founders with crucial connections to the most relevant experts in their field, including mentors, partners, investors, and more. As founders, you will gain elite network access that goes beyond what money can buy.

For this edition, we seek early-stage tech startups based in Central and Southeast Europe that leverage technology to solve real problems with innovative and scalable solutions. Ideal candidates will have an MVP ready, a team of at least two members, and need to enhance or accelerate their sales process.

While we are sector-agnostic, preference will be given to B2B startups developing deep tech concepts in verticals such as Cybersecurity, MedTech, GreenTech, EdTech, and other impact solutions.

Accelerator Structure

 Founders Bootcamp

September 25-27, in Piatra Neamt

We are not a one-size-fits-all program. We collaborate closely with our experts to tailor workshops and office hours to your specific needs. 

Our journey begins with a hands-on, three-day experience at Rubik Hub in Piatra Neamt, Romania. This exclusive in-person bootcamp is designed specifically for the founders of this cohort.

It offers you the opportunity to expand your network, engage with mentors and investors, participate in practical workshops, and get to know our team and community.

 Online Program

October – November

Over the next two and a half months, prepare to embark on an immersive and intensive learning journey.

You will actively participate in a comprehensive mix of:

  • Over 60 hours of practical workshops and one-on-one feedback sessions covering a wide range of topics.
  • Group sessions for peer-to-peer learning.
  • Meet the Investors sessions.
  • Ask Me Anything sessions.
  • Coaching sessions.
  • Networking and community-building opportunities.

Additionally, you have the option to move into our hub to build your startup on-site.

 Demo Day

End of November

The acceleration phase will culminate in a Demo Day, where you will have the opportunity to pitch your startup to our community of investors, VCs, partners, and mentors.

After Demo Day, a select group of founders will be chosen for our Ready to Raise follow-on program.

Our only expectation from you during this period is full commitment, as the program is entirely free for startups. Despite this, the value of the support, resources, perks, and services provided exceeds 200,000 euros.

Plan to commit 4-8 hours weekly for online engagement, covering workshops, meetings, office hours, and more.

Accelerator Structure

Plan to commit 4-8 hours weekly for online engagement, covering workshops, meetings, office hours, and more.

 Founders Bootcamp

September 25-27, in Piatra Neamt

We are not a one-size-fits-all program. We collaborate closely with our experts to tailor workshops and office hours to your specific needs. 

Our journey begins with a hands-on, three-day experience at Rubik Hub in Piatra Neamt, Romania. This exclusive in-person bootcamp is designed specifically for the founders of this cohort.

It offers you the opportunity to expand your network, engage with mentors and investors, participate in practical workshops, and get to know our team and community.

 Online Program

October – November

Over the next two and a half months, prepare to embark on an immersive and intensive learning journey.

You will actively participate in a comprehensive mix of:

  • Over 60 hours of practical workshops and one-on-one feedback sessions covering a wide range of topics.
  • Group sessions for peer-to-peer learning.
  • Meet the Investors sessions.
  • Ask Me Anything sessions.
  • Coaching sessions.
  • Networking and community-building opportunities.

Additionally, you have the option to move into our hub to build your startup on-site.

 Demo Day

End of November

The acceleration phase will culminate in a Demo Day, where you will have the opportunity to pitch your startup to our community of investors, VCs, partners, and mentors.

After Demo Day, a select group of founders will be chosen for our Ready to Raise follow-on program.

Our only expectation from you during this period is full commitment, as the program is entirely free for startups. Despite this, the value of the support, resources, perks, and services provided exceeds 200,000 euros.

Mentors & Coaches

Sales & Growth Mentors

Nino Subotic
Co-founder at Mashup, Co-lead at Fast Track Malmo

Cristian Patachia
Development & Innovation Manager Orange Romania

Nell Watson
President EURAIO, Funding Advisor US investment fund, Apple Executive Consultant, Tech Advisor Silicon Valley

Vlad Andriescu
Editor-in-chief start-up.ro

Stanislav Birov
Client Partner, Tech, Games & Ventures | Apps | CEE Meta

Andrei Vacut
EMEA Sales Engineerin Chief of Staff UiPath

Adriana Virlan
Growth Marketer at SESSIONS

Eoin McGuinness
Head of Africa, CEE, & Middle East HubSpot for Startups

Elena Hurjui
Founder at Heraldist

Emanuel Martonca
Price Strategist, Founder of
Soft Fight

Ana Ciobanu
Startup Programs Manager Orange Fab

Tudor Stanciu
Technology Lawyer, Founder of Venture’n’Law

Cristian Turcin
Cloud Services Product Manager Orange

Daniel Andor
Product design and strategy specialist, Founder of
Durran

Andrei Dorobantu
Legal Expert WHO

Radu Grigore
Business Analyst at Anais Digital by JEMS

Daniil Turturoiu
Law Student at Université Paris Nanterre

Liviu Cadariu
Co-Founder at WeForReal | Program Director at StepFWD

Catalin Briciu
Co-founder & Co-CEO at Linnify

Tudor Goicea

Tudor Goicea
Co-founder Aqurate

Alex Gavril
Head of Growth Promocrat

Cristina Baghiu
Coordinator of DIZ, the European DIH in North East Romania

Andrei Pavel
Technology Lawyer Ventures’n’Law

Răzvan Suta
Business Development Lead CEE Startup Wise Guys

Nicoleta Cherciu
Tech & Investment Lawyer, Managing Partner Cherciu & Co 

Oana Manea
Operating Partner in Venture Capital

Mircea Serediuc
Startup Consultant Launch

Adriana Dabija
Manager Financiar Autonom Group

Olti Volovat
Senior Marketing Specialist NNC Services

Cristian Popescu
Country Lead AWS

Mihaela Bourceanu
Client Service & Strategy Director MERCURY 360

Claudiu Petria
Co-founder & COO Questo

Ruxandra David
Project Manager NNC Services

Alexia Skrypnyk
Startup Consultant and Mentor

Șerban Vornicu
Communication & Employer Branding Specialist at Amazon

Catalina Nicola
Director of Giving Back at Autonom Foundation

Radu Galan
Lead ML Engineer Voyas Solutions

Alumni as Mentors

Sebastian Gabor
Co-founder & CEO
Digitail

Emil Chichioi
Co-founder & CEO Bloomcoding

Irina Constantin
Co-founder & CEO of
Vaunt

Tori Master
Co-founder & CEO Revital

Ioana Văcărașu
Co-Founder & CMO Dyver

Stefan Iarca
Co-founder & CEO Rayscape

Ragu Negulescu
Founder & CEO SESSIONS

Mihai Guran
Co-founder & CEO SalesOMMO

Ovidiu Tuduruta
Founder & CEO
Beesers

Julia Sisu

Julia Sisu
 Co-founder & CMO
iflows

Nino Karas
Co-founder & CEO
CodeWell

Vukasin Pejovic
Co-founder & CEO Atfield

Gabriela Constantinescu
Co-founder & CPO Chambr

Mihai Cepoi
Founder & CEO Jobful

Radu Negulescu
Founder & CEO Sessions

Roxana Sabau
Co-funder & CAO Synaptiq.io

Investment Mentors

Marius Istrate
Chairman of the Board at TechAngels Romania

Robert Herscovici
Investment Director at Gap Minder VC

Vasile Tiple
Investor at United Angels Network, Member of Tech Angels

Gabriela Dia
Senior Associate GapMinder VC

Manuel Damian
Chief Customer Officer SmartDreamers

Gautam Kumar
Investment Director The Players Impact

Alina Georgescu
Investment Manager at Catalyst Romania

Alex Burciu
Tech Venture Partner at Fortech Investments

 

Sonia Damian
Head of Platform & Community Crew Capital

Bogdan Stoian
Professional Services Lead SeedBlink

Professional Coaches

Cristina Scutaru
Professional coach, reliable partner for startups and guide for achieving goals

Radu Mindru
Coach, Expert in scaling from “I” to “We”

Roxana Axini
Leadership Coach & Mindset Enabler for Startups & Tech Leaders

Topics We Will Tackle

→ Business Model Innovation: Pricing Strategies, Business Model, Value Proposition

→ Growth Hacking & Sales Mastery: Sales Strategy, Sales & Marketing on Low Budget, Go to Market

→ Customer-Centric Design: Customer Development, Product Market Fit, Customer Experience

→ Pitching & Investor Relations: How to Pitch, Approaching Investors, First Investment Round

→ Media & Brand Building: How to Handle Media and Leverage Its Power 

→ Scaling & Team Leadership: Team Dynamics when Scaling

→ Market-related topics: Customer Development, Product Market Fit, Go to Market

→ Legal & Governance for Startups: Legal Basics for Startups

→ Ethical Tech & AI Workshop: Building Ethical AI Startups

→ Bootstrapping & Resource Optimization: Sales & Marketing on Low Budget, Pricing Strategies

→ Use Cases from Startup Founders

Topics We Will Tackle

  • → Business Model Innovation: Pricing Strategies, Business Model, Value Proposition
  • → Growth Hacking & Sales Mastery: Sales Strategy, Sales & Marketing on Low Budget, Go to Market
  • → Customer-Centric Design: Customer Development, Product Market Fit, Customer Experience
  • → Pitching & Investor Relations: How to Pitch, Approaching Investors, First Investment Round
  • → Media & Brand Building: How to Handle Media and Leverage Its Power 
  • → Scaling & Team Leadership: Team Dynamics when Scaling
  • → Market-related topics: Customer Development, Product Market Fit, Go to Market
  • → Legal & Governance for Startups: Legal Basics for Startups
  • → Ethical Tech & AI Workshop: Building Ethical AI Startups
  • → Bootstrapping & Resource Optimization: Sales & Marketing on Low Budget, Pricing Strategies
  • → Use Cases from Startup Founders

Develop Your MVP with Fortech Products:
Tech for Equity Investment Opportunity

Fortech Products, our tech partner, is offering a great opportunity to help one startup develop its MVP. This service will be awarded to the startup that demonstrates the highest potential and aligns with Fortech Products’ investment thesis.

A term sheet for the dev-for-equity investment may be presented at the end of the program or afterwards, depending on several factors: the fit within Fortech Products’ portfolio, the performance of the founders during the accelerator, the founder-market fit, and the startup’s potential for successful scaling and growth.

Develop Your MVP with Fortech Products: Tech for Equity Investment Opportunity

Fortech Products, our tech partner, is offering a great opportunity to help one startup develop its MVP. This service will be awarded to the startup that demonstrates the highest potential and aligns with Fortech Products’ investment thesis.

A term sheet for the dev-for-equity investment may be presented at the end of the program or afterwards, depending on several factors: the fit within Fortech Products’ portfolio, the performance of the founders during the accelerator, the founder-market fit, and the startup’s potential for successful scaling and growth.

Follow-on Program – Ready to Raise

Top alumni from our accelerator get the chance to be selected in our follow-on program, tailored for startups seeking to secure investment in the next 3-6 months. The program consists of:

  • Tailored support for your startup: feedback sessions with the Rubik Hub team, peer-to-peer learning groups, and access to data room.
  • Match-making, warm intros and exclusive sessions of private pitching to investors.

Follow-on Program – Ready to Raise

Top alumni from our accelerator get the chance to be selected in our follow-on program, tailored for startups seeking to secure investment in the next 3-6 months. The program consists of:

  • Tailored support for your startup: feedback sessions with the Rubik Hub team, peer-to-peer learning groups, and access to data room.
  • Match-making, warm intros and exclusive sessions of private pitching to investors.

300+

startup founders received support from our community

200+

mentors from over 40 growth startups & scaleups

120+

startup events and programs & 5 acceleration editions

€55M+

raised by startups during our programs

300+

startup founders received support from our community

200+

mentors from over 40 growth startups & scaleups

120+

startup events and programs & 5 acceleration editions

€55M+

raised by startups during our programs

Unlock a $50,000+ Support Package

Once you join our accelerator, you become part of our Rubikorns community, granting you access to:

  • Visibility in the European startup ecosystem: Media appearances, blog articles, introductions to media outlets.
  • Access to over 200+ mentors: Connect with industry leaders and experts.
  • Discounts and perks from our partners, including Notion, SeedBlink, ZenDesk, GoGlobal World, WeReload, Twilio SegmentHubspotMiro, and SMSO.
  • Continuous support from our team of experts: One-on-one feedback sessions and warm introductions to mentors and investors.
  • House of Startups: Accommodation and free co-working space in our hub in Piatra Neamt, Romania.
  • Annual community retreat: Join fellow founders and mentors for networking and growth opportunities.

Unlock a $50,000+ Support Package

Once you join our accelerator, you become part of our Rubikorns community, granting you access to:

  • Visibility in the European startup ecosystem: Media appearances, blog articles, introductions to media outlets.
  • Access to over 200+ mentors: Connect with industry leaders and experts.
  • Discounts and perks from our partners, including Notion, SeedBlink, ZenDesk, GoGlobal World, WeReload, Twilio SegmentHubspotMiro, and SMSO.
  • Continuous support from our team of experts: One-on-one feedback sessions and warm introductions to mentors and investors.
  • House of Startups: Accommodation and free co-working space in our hub in Piatra Neamt, Romania.
  • Annual community retreat: Join fellow founders and mentors for networking and growth opportunities.

Our Team

Valentin Toc
Rubik Garage Program Manager

Simona Popa
Accelerator Expert

Robert Cotuna
Investment Manager

Ela Asaftei
Programs Manager

Ionut Amariei
Pre-accelerator Program Manager

Elisabeta Năstase
Accelerator Startup Support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

You can apply until the 3rd of September, 2024. In case you miss this opportunity, keep an eye on our website – here we announce the registration period for the next edition.

Do I have to be part of a team to apply?

Yes. This year, we focus on teams of 2+ members, but you don’t necessarily need to have an established company to apply.

Can I apply if I don’t have an established company at this moment?

Yes! When applying to our program, is important to have a team of at least 2 members working at the MVP and, more importantly, to have an MVP ready to be validated or even launched on the market.

Can I apply if I have an SME?

It depends. During the program we are focusing on startups, and by startup, we understand any initiative with innovative potential and an advanced technological component that can discover a scalable business model and achieve exponential growth. This type of entrepreneurship differs from “classic” entrepreneurship (SMEs) in at least two essential aspects:

  1. The targeted geographical area – must be as large as possible, not reduced to a single city for example
  2. The business model should allow rapid scaling on as many markets as possible

If your SME does meet the criteria mentioned above, then YES, we encourage you to apply to our program.

Can I apply if I don’t have a tech background?

Yes, about 30% of the participants in each series are people without tech expertise.

Even if you don’t have a tech background, but you are confident in the potential of your startup, we invite you to apply to the program!

What do you mean by Central & Southeast Europe?

Southeast Europe or Southeastern Europe (SEE) is a geographical sub-region of Europe, consisting primarily of the cultural region of the Balkans, as well as adjacent regions and archipelagos.

Sovereign states and territories that may be included in the region are AlbaniaBosnia and HerzegovinaBulgariaCroatia (alternatively placed in Central Europe), Greece (alternatively placed in the broader region of Southern Europe), KosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaRomania (alternatively placed in Eastern Europe), Serbia, and the European part of Turkey (alternatively placed in the broader region of Southern Europe, also in Western Asia with the rest of the country). Sometimes, Cyprus (most often placed in West Asia), Hungary (most often placed in Central Europe), Moldova (most often placed in Eastern Europe) and Slovenia (most often placed in Central Europe) are also included due to cultural or historical factors and affiliation despite their geography.

Central Europe is a geographical region of Europe between EasternSouthernWestern and Northern Europe. Central Europe is known for its cultural diversity; however, countries in this region also share historical and cultural similarities. Whilst the region is variously defined, it often includes AustriaCroatia, the Czech RepublicGermanyHungaryLithuaniaPolandSlovakiaSlovenia and Switzerland.

Is there a cost to participate in the accelerator program?

The program is entirely free (NO fee, NO equity). However, while the accelerator program is free for startups, the value of the support, resources, perks, and services is worth over 150,000 euros. So the least we expect from our participants is full commitment during the period of the program.

Does the program require physical attendance?

The program has a hybrid format, with two offline moments when physical presence is required from participants:

  • The Founders Bootcamp (25-27 September) in Piatra Neamt, Romania
  • Demo Day (end of November – the location will be announced).

How much time will I need to commit to the program?

Throughout the program, we will meet online 2 or 3 times a week for specific workshops/office hours. In addition, each participant will benefit from one-to-one mentoring sessions, according to their specific needs and available time. We encourage participants to spend as much time as possible connecting with mentors to solve their needs and find answers or guidelines to their questions.  During the program, we can help you achieve incredible results through our tailored program, BUT WE CAN’T DO YOUR JOB FOR YOU.

Also, there will be two offline moments when physical presence is required from participants: The Founders Bootcamp (25-27 September) in Piatra Neamt and Demo Day (end of November – the location will be announced).

Is funding or investment provided at the end of the program?

No – providing funding to participants isn’t the goal of this program. However, you will gain knowledge about various funding sources available for startups. During the acceleration period, you will have the opportunity to interact with mentors who are investors and will be provided access to angel investor networks.

Furthermore, at Demo Day, you will be pitching your startup in front of a wide community of investors (VCs, business angels, etc.). If your primary goal is to raise investment, we will tailor our focus to support you in achieving that objective.

What happens after the demo day and the end of the program?

Once you are accepted into the Rubik Garage accelerator, you become part of a community dedicated to supporting startups as long as you wish or need us. Moreover, the top startups from the acceleration program will be selected to take part in the Ready to Raise Program, meant to help the startups navigate the most important aspects of fundraising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

You can apply until the 3rd of September, 2024. In case you miss this opportunity, keep an eye on our website – here we announce the registration period for the next edition.

Do I have to be part of a team to apply?

Yes. This year, we focus on teams of 2+ members, but you don’t necessarily need to have an established company to apply.

Can I apply if I don’t have an established company at this moment?

Yes! When applying to our program, is important to have a team of at least 2 members working at the MVP and, more importantly, to have an MVP ready to be validated or even launched on the market.

Can I apply if I don’t have an established company at this moment?

It depends. During the program we are focusing on startups, and by startup, we understand any initiative with innovative potential and an advanced technological component that can discover a scalable business model and achieve exponential growth. This type of entrepreneurship differs from “classic” entrepreneurship (SMEs) in at least two essential aspects:

  1. The targeted geographical area – must be as large as possible, not reduced to a single city for example
  2. The business model should allow rapid scaling on as many markets as possible

If your SME does meet the criteria mentioned above, then YES, we encourage you to apply to our program.

Can I apply if I don’t have a tech background?

Yes, about 30% of the participants in each series are people without tech expertise.

Even if you don’t have a tech background, but you are confident in the potential of your startup, we invite you to apply to the program!

What do you mean by Central & Southeast Europe?

Southeast Europe or Southeastern Europe (SEE) is a geographical sub-region of Europe, consisting primarily of the cultural region of the Balkans, as well as adjacent regions and archipelagos.

Sovereign states and territories that may be included in the region are AlbaniaBosnia and HerzegovinaBulgariaCroatia (alternatively placed in Central Europe), Greece (alternatively placed in the broader region of Southern Europe), KosovoMontenegroNorth MacedoniaRomania (alternatively placed in Eastern Europe), Serbia, and the European part of Turkey (alternatively placed in the broader region of Southern Europe, also in Western Asia with the rest of the country). Sometimes, Cyprus (most often placed in West Asia), Hungary (most often placed in Central Europe), Moldova (most often placed in Eastern Europe) and Slovenia (most often placed in Central Europe) are also included due to cultural or historical factors and affiliation despite their geography.

Central Europe is a geographical region of Europe between EasternSouthernWestern and Northern Europe. Central Europe is known for its cultural diversity; however, countries in this region also share historical and cultural similarities. Whilst the region is variously defined, it often includes AustriaCroatia, the Czech RepublicGermanyHungaryLithuaniaPolandSlovakiaSlovenia and Switzerland.

Is there a cost to participate in the accelerator program?

The program is entirely free (NO fee, NO equity). However, while the accelerator program is free for startups, the value of the support, resources, perks, and services is worth over 150,000 euros. So the least we expect from our participants is full commitment during the period of the program.

Does the program require physical attendance?

The program has a hybrid format, with two offline moments when physical presence is required from participants:

  • The Founders Bootcamp (25-27 September) in Piatra Neamt, Romania
  • Demo Day (end of November – the location will be announced).

How much time will I need to commit to the program?

Throughout the program, we will meet online 2 or 3 times a week for specific workshops/office hours. In addition, each participant will benefit from one-to-one mentoring sessions, according to their specific needs and available time. We encourage participants to spend as much time as possible connecting with mentors to solve their needs and find answers or guidelines to their questions.  During the program, we can help you achieve incredible results through our tailored program, BUT WE CAN’T DO YOUR JOB FOR YOU.

Also, there will be two offline moments when physical presence is required from participants: The Founders Bootcamp (25-27 September) in Piatra Neamt and Demo Day (end of November – the location will be announced).

Is funding or investment provided at the end of the program?

No – providing funding to participants isn’t the goal of this program. However, you will gain knowledge about various funding sources available for startups. During the acceleration period, you will have the opportunity to interact with mentors who are investors and will be provided access to angel investor networks.

Furthermore, at Demo Day, you will be pitching your startup in front of a wide community of investors (VCs, business angels, etc.). If your primary goal is to raise investment, we will tailor our focus to support you in achieving that objective.

What happens after the demo day and the end of the program?

Once you are accepted into the Rubik Garage accelerator, you become part of a community dedicated to supporting startups as long as you wish or need us. Moreover, the top startups from the acceleration program will be selected to take part in the Ready to Raise Program, meant to help the startups navigate the most important aspects of fundraising.

Media Partner

Tech Partner

Media Partner

Tech Partner

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Investment Community Partners

Investment Community Partners

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Community Partners

Community Partners


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    get international fast?

    Join the successful startups that started in a garage!

    Subscribe to newsletter