FF+ Acceleration Program

The FF+ Acceleration Program is a transformative 10-week journey, crafted to prepare female-founded startups for investment. Here’s what you can expect:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: A blend of practical workshops, coaching, and networking opportunities designed to address key challenges in the startup ecosystem.
• Investment Proposition Mastery: Begin with sharpening your investment appeal to stand out in a competitive landscape.
• Advanced Financial Insights: Delve into the nuances of financial setups that speak the language of investors.
• Pitch Perfection: Refine your pitch to communicate your vision with compelling clarity.
• Legal and Due Diligence Readiness: Ensure your startup meets all legal standards and due diligence requirements for a seamless investment process.
• Investor Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with potential investors, a cornerstone for your startup’s future.
• Strategic Consolidation: Equip yourself with a forward-looking strategy that ensures long-term growth and success.
• Tailored Coaching: Receive 4+ hours of individual coaching, focusing on your unique challenges.
• Demo Day: Present your refined pitch to investors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Convertible Loan Opportunity: Selected startups will be offered a convertible loan of minimum CHF 10,000 (at a predefined valuation) after the Demo Day.

To ensure we work with startups that align with the program’s goals and values, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum of 2 Co-Founders: Your startup must have at least two co-founders to foster collaboration and shared leadership.
• Diverse Teams: At least one co-founder must be female, emphasizing our commitment to empowering women in leadership roles.
• Science-Based or Impact-Focused: Your startup should have a strong foundation in science, technology, or focus on creating meaningful social or environmental impact.
• Incorporated in the Last 3 Years: The program is designed for early-stage startups that are still within their formative growth years.
• Located in Switzerland: Your team should be based in Switzerland to fully benefit from the program’s local resources and in-person events.

We encourage you to apply even if your startup doesn't meet all the criteria. We will look at all applications case by case and decide if you’re a perfect fit for the FF+ Acceleration Program!

We understand that startups operate with limited resources, so we’ve structured the program to deliver maximum value as follows:

• Program Fee: The program is free of charge.
• Commitment: Expect weekly sessions of 2 hours, complemented by flexible coaching opportunities tailored to your team’s specific needs.
• Hybrid Format: Benefit from a mix of online sessions for convenience and in-person workshops in Zurich for hands-on collaboration and networking.
• Dropout Fee: In the event of a premature withdrawal or a no-show at the demo day, we reserve the right to charge an expense allowance of CHF 3,000.

The FF+ Acceleration Program spans ten weeks of targeted learning, expert guidance, and practical application. Each week focuses on a key area of startup success:

• Week 1 (07.04): Kick-Off & Business Model – Start strong with a streamlined business model workshop followed by a networking Apéro in Zurich.
• Week 2 (14.04): Go-To-Market Strategy & Marketing/Communications – Dive into strategies to position your product effectively in the market.
• Week 3 (21.04): Financials – Gain advanced financial insights to align your business with investor expectations.
• Week 4 (28.04): Legal – Prepare your startup for due diligence and ensure legal compliance for investment readiness.
• Week 5 (05.05): Investor Relationships – Learn how to build and sustain relationships with investors to secure funding opportunities.
• Week 6 (12.05): Pitch Training Workshop – Perfect your pitch in an intensive workshop focused on refining delivery and content.
• Week 7 (19.05): Strategy Forward Coaching – Participate in one-on-one coaching to consolidate your strategic direction.
• Weeks 8 & 9 (02.06 & 09.06): Coaching & Preparation – Use this time to work closely with mentors and refine your business plan, pitch, and strategies.
• Week 10 (16.06): Demo Day – Showcase your progress and pitch to investors, partners, and stakeholders in Zurich.

The curriculum combines interactive sessions, individual coaching, and networking opportunities, ensuring you’re fully equipped to achieve investment readiness.

This program is organized by the Female Founders Initiative, powered by STARTUP CAMPUS and Impact Hub Zurich, and is dedicated to empowering women in entrepreneurship. Our mission is to close the gender gap in the startup ecosystem by equipping female founders with the resources, networks, and skills to succeed.

We envision a world where diverse teams drive innovation and female entrepreneurs thrive. Through tailored programs like the FF+ Acceleration Program, we provide specialized training, foster community connections, and advocate for systemic change to create equal opportunities for women in business.

Since its launch, the initiative has supported numerous startups in achieving funding, scalability, and lasting impact. Join us in building a more inclusive entrepreneurial future.

Contact us at info@female-founders.com