1. Funding

Each team receives up to 30,000 euro in financial support during the 9-month program period. And the best thing: At GATEWAY49 you keep 100% of the equity. We do not take any equity so as to give you the greatest possible freedom. Participation in the program is of course free of charge for all participants.

2. Know-how

The selected teams go through a 9-month structured workshop and training program. The majority of our mentors and coaches that support you intensively during that time are experienced founders themselves or managers of large corporations.

3. Infrastructure

Your team will have access to an attractive office space with modern office infrastructure on the Campus Lübeck. You will have 24/7 access to your desk, super-fast internet and - of course - a coffee flat for long nights.

4. Network

We offer access to our large pool of companies and clusters to gain first pilot customers. We work closely with industry leaders in various areas, including Dräger AG, VisiConsult, Spedition Bode, Mach AG and Stadtwerke Holding Lübeck.

5. Employee- and team development

Our program includes much more than simple financial and legal advice. We support you in all questions related to the topic of entrepreneurship and help you find new team members in our flirt camps.

6. Prototyping

The GATEWAY49 program gives teams access to great prototyping opportunities. For example, you can benefit from e. g. support in the areas of 3d printing, laser cutting, milling or circuit board production by dedicated makers and a supportive FabLab community.

• Why should I apply to GATEWAY49?
• At GATEWAY49, you can expect a structured 9-month workshop- and training program with the goal of getting your start-up as close to market maturity as possible. So, if you are thinking about starting a business or advancing your start-up, this is the right place for you. Our coaches and mentors include well-known companies who will support you in this process. Our teams receive up to € 30,000 in financial support and best of all: they don't have to give up equity.
• Who can apply?
• Anyone with an innovative idea can apply - from solo entrepreneurs to early-stage start-ups and talents. However, you should consider a few criteria: First, your idea should not be older than three years. Have you already founded a corporation? Then it should not be older than one year.
  Furthermore, you shouldn’t have participated in any other accelerator program.
• We do not live in Lübeck. Can we still apply?
• With our accelerator program, we want to promote the regional economy in Lübeck and Schleswig-Holstein. Convince us why you would like to settle here with your business idea and plausibly explain your connection to Lübeck!
• We have already received funding and / or are not an early startup. Can we still apply?
• Yes. Your seed investors will probably also like it, if you participate in the GATEWAY49 program because you will receive great support from the mentoring network and individual coaching for your business idea. However, a prerequisite is that your investors have not invested more than € 100,000. Participation in other funding programs such as start-up grants and EXIST programs is possible by prior arrangement. Since the financial support to you is a so-called de-minimis aid, you may have already been granted a maximum of 170,000 euros of such de minimis aid in the current and the last two calendar years.
• I have an idea but no team - can I still apply?
• Yes, in our so-called "flirt camps" we match entrepreneurs with teams.
• I have a talent but no idea - can I still apply?
• Yes, even if you don't have an idea but you want to work for a start-up and have outstanding knowledge, such as marketing or accounting expertise, you can still apply as a talent and we will try to match you.
• What kind of support do startups receive?
• In order for you to fully focus on your start-up, participating teams will not only receive systematic coaching and mentoring by our accelerator partners, but also up to € 30,000 financial support per team, WITHOUT giving up equity, as well as access to the accelerator’s start-up HUB at the Technology Center Lübeck (Technikzentrum Lübeck, MFC-VIII). In addition, you will have the opportunity to participate in a structured workshop- and training program as well as pitch sessions on various topics such as business-, product- and team development. For prototyping, our start-ups will have access to our high-tech FabLab at the site as well as to our TZL Academy that supports our teams in all questions related to 3d printing. Together with our partners, we offer start-ups access to valuable contacts to university institutes, companies, focus industries, other start-ups and potential customers as well as a comprehensive infrastructure for the development of innovative products and services.
• How does the program work?
• You can find more information on the program schedule in our timeline.

• Where does the program take place?
• The program takes place in Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein. You do not have to live in Lübeck, but presence at the events, workshops and pitches is mandatory.
• Do I have to give up equity?
• No, unlike most other accelerators, you don't have to give up equity in your start-up. That way you remain completely independent.
• What are a flirt camp and a boot camp?
• Both the flirt camp and the boot camp are unique events to get you fit for an application to us. At our flirt camps, you can meet start-ups, find team members and get to know mentors and coaches. In our boot camps, we support you and your team in getting your idea fit for the application process at GATEWAY49. We also answer any questions you might have concerning our program and application process.
• Is participation in the flirt camp and the boot camp mandatory?
• No. However, the flirt camp is a great way to get to know mentors, coaches and possible team members. At the boot camp, the teams are coached intensively for writing their proposal. However, you can also apply directly to us with your proposal.
• How does the application process work?
• In general, the application process consists of two phases: proposal and pitch. After we have received your proposal, we will check it and make a pre-selection. The best teams will then be invited to a pitch day and on the same day, the decision will be made as to which teams will be able to take part in the program.
• How do I apply?
• Application is only possible via our application form on www.gateway49.com
  
  1. Register on our website
  2. You will receive an email with a link to the proposal form, which you must fill out and return to us by the respective application deadline.
  
  Please note that we can only consider complete applications. Registration alone is not sufficient!
• When does the new application phase start?
• The next round of applications will start early 2022.
• I have further questions. Whom can I contact?
• Feel free to send us an email or just give us a call. 😉