FTFNRW Fast Track Funding NRW

Why should you apply?

We are proud to announce that for the second year we are searching for the most promising clean technology and ICT companies from the North Rhine-Westphalia region which show potential for expansion. We invite you to take the opportunity to be a part of the new Fast-Track Funding programme.

Are you:

  • Looking to raise funding, speed growth or expansion internationally?
     
  • Seek to increase the perceived value of your company through the eyes of investors?
     
  • Wish to sharpen the speed with which investors and customers get what it is you do in 120 seconds or less?
     
  • Want to go international but have questions on how to best prepare the resources for this?
     
  • Have questions to ask those with expertise but just do not know who to go to?

These are just some of the areas that the Fast Track Funding programme will address with the selected entrepreneurs.

The Fast-Track Funding NRW  programme offers an accelerated path for the selected entrepreneurs who are seeking capital for their innovative companies which they have not yet achieved on their own. Our goal is to help these companies to sharpen their business proposition and in the process to increase their chances of obtaining funding in as of short of a time as possible.

If you are selected you will have the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive 5 month project together with some of Europe’s top entrepreneur coaches, entrepreneurs who have already achieved success and CEOs of the other specially selected cleantech and ICT start-up companies from NRW. This is an excellent opportunity for your company to gain exposure, receive out-side-in feedback, and learn a few things that could save you time and money. The value of this programme is € 6,900. The good news is that the NRW government and the participating partners will pay your way. So, don’t miss this valuable opportunity to accelerate the success of your business.

Here are the highlights of the programme:

  • Attend a one-day kickoff workshop with leading European start-ups and funding experts where you will receive direct and personal feedback on your business, your likelihood to get funding and recommendations on how to improve your chances to achieve growth.
     
  • Fine-tune your company’s executive summary, presentation & video pitch with help from experts.
     
  • Expose your company to VCs and investors who are looking for regional and global champions with 2 Investor Forums where you will present your investor proposition (one of which is the European Venture Summit on 28 & 29 November 2011) with an audience of qualified investors.
     
  • Participate in 3 live “webinars” (online webex-based seminars) on different topics related to building and communicating a compelling business proposition excite both investors and customers. Different experts will participate in each webinar and lively interactive discussion will be encouraged between you and the other entrepreneurs in the program.
     
  • Participate in 3 coaching webinar sessions of 60 minutes (once every 2 months) in groups of 3 companies and 2 coaches, moderated by the Fast Track Leader. During the coaching webinar the focus will be on your company and how to help you improve your chances of success.
     
  • Publish your presentations and pitches on the Europe Unlimited Online Community where they will be promoted broadly by the programme partners.
     
  • Attend 4 special one2one meetings with selected investors at the European Venture Summit.
     
  • Participate in the presentation dry-run (alongside other invited companies) as part of the European Venture Summit programme and a dedicated “how to network” session.
     
  • Inclusion in the Online Review Rating of the Top Quartile of the 2011 Venture Contest Programme.

A number of experts will actively support your company during this programme. These coaches include industry specialists from international background and investors and corporates who will share their expertise to your company.

Note: The Fast-Track Funding will be conducted in English!