Build where you're at home.
Founders Bay is the accelerator for rural Germany. Great ideas can come from anywhere — so building a company shouldn't depend on a zip code. We open access to know-how, networks and capital. Remote-first, nationwide, from entrepreneurial practice for entrepreneurial practice.
Trusted by 60+ startups
supported startups
sectors covered
EUR funding raised
mentors & experts
Founders Bay redraws the map of where founding happens.
Entrepreneurial potential doesn't stay hidden for lack of ideas — it stays hidden for lack of access. Access to capital, know-how, networks, role models. We shift the starting line: away from who already belongs, toward what becomes possible when everyone is allowed to belong.
Building a startup is faster than ever — AI takes over much of what used to take weeks. What it doesn't replace: a tailored program, warm intros to investors, real pilot projects with the German Mittelstand, and a mentor network that knows your market. 60+ impact startups from 9 batches already show what happens when potential meets access — and Founders Bay was awarded the RKW Award for it. We create access where founding is not a given.
From idea to scalable impact startup
Our structured process supports founders step by step — with clear milestones and personal guidance.
Application & selection
Startups apply with their impact idea. Our team reviews the level of innovation, societal relevance, and the strength of the founding team.
Onboarding & kick-off
Intensive start phase with status-quo analysis, goal setting, and assignment of personal mentors from our network.
6-month program
Weekly coaching sessions, masterclasses, access to office space, and network events with investors and SME partners.
Demo Day & alumni
Pitch in front of investors and partners. Afterwards, lifelong access to the alumni network with continued support.
Individual support for sustainable success
No fees, no equity
Full program support — we charge neither participation fees nor take equity in your startup.
1:1 mentoring
Individual guidance from experienced mentors with weekly coaching sessions.
Masterclasses
Hands-on workshops on fundraising, product-market fit, go-to-market, and impact measurement.
Office space
Access to coworking spaces and an active community of founders and experts.
Impact strategy
Development of an impact-oriented business strategy with measurable ecological or social value.
Investor readiness
Preparation for funding rounds with pitch training, financial planning, and investor access.
Network & events
Connections to 150+ mentors, investors, and innovative SME partners through exclusive events.
Do you have an impact idea? Pitch us.
Apply now for our next accelerator batch and take your startup to the next level.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about our accelerator program — at a glance.
What is Founders Bay?
Founders Bay is the independent accelerator for rural Germany and impact. We believe entrepreneurial potential doesn't stay hidden for lack of ideas — but for lack of access. So we open access to know-how, networks and capital, and redraw the map of where founding happens. Across 9 batches so far, more than 60 startups have gone through a 6-month program. We work with federal ministries and are funded by the BMWE. From founders, for founders — hands-on and on eye level.
Why build a startup in rural Germany at all?
90% of Germany's surface is rural. 57% of the population lives there and 46% of the country's value creation is generated there. At the same time, attention, networks and capital tend to concentrate in the big metros. Many of the defining challenges of our time — energy, mobility, food, circular economy — play out exactly where people actually live and work. Great ideas emerge everywhere, so founding shouldn't depend on a zip code.
What kind of startups is the Founders Bay accelerator for?
The accelerator is built for climate and social impact startups based in Germany with relevance to rural regions or SME-driven industries such as industry, energy, mobility, agriculture, health, or education. Teams can be in pre-seed, seed, or early growth stages.
Do startups need to be based in Germany?
Yes. We support startups with a registered company in Germany because the program is designed to strengthen the German ecosystem, SMEs, and rural regions. Partner organizations such as corporates, investors, and service providers can come from across Europe.
Which countries can partners come from?
Our partners — corporates, SMEs, investors, service providers, and enablers — can come from all across Europe. While we support startups based in Germany, the partner ecosystem is intentionally European, bringing relevant partners, pilot projects, and capital to German impact startups.
Which accelerator programs exist for rural regions in Germany?
Founders Bay is one of the few impact accelerators in Germany with an explicit focus on rural regions. The 6-month program connects startups with SMEs, federal ministries, and a mentor network — beyond the usual metro areas like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg.
What does Founders Bay offer SME partners?
SME companies gain structured access to curated impact startups, corporate-startup matchmaking, and innovation sparring. The goal is to create concrete innovation impulses for established companies in rural regions through pilot projects and partnerships.
How does the application process work at Founders Bay?
Startups apply through the online form at founders-bay.io/en/apply with company details, a short description, the pitch deck, and their program needs. Applications are reviewed continuously, and feedback usually follows within a few days.
What does the Founders Bay accelerator program cost?
Participation in the accelerator is free for selected startups. Founders Bay takes no equity. The program is financed through partnerships with federal ministries, SMEs, and funding institutions.
Who is behind Founders Bay?
Founders Bay is run by a team of founders and innovation managers together with a network of more than 150 mentors from SMEs, industry, tech, and policy. Strategic partners include federal ministries and SME associations.
What results has Founders Bay achieved so far?
Founders Bay has completed 9 batches and supported more than 60 startups. The program received the RKW Award and works continuously with federal ministries, funded by the BMWE. Several portfolio startups have secured follow-on funding, pilot projects, or corporate partnerships.
How long does the Founders Bay program last?
The Founders Bay accelerator lasts 6 months per batch and combines mentoring sessions, corporate matchmaking, workshops, and visibility formats.
In which regions of Germany is Founders Bay active?
Founders Bay operates across Germany with a focus on rural regions and SME-heavy areas outside the major metro centers. Applications from all federal states are welcome.
Our partners & supporters
