Summer School for Diverse Startups

FAQ

• Who can apply?

  When we talk about diversity, we are referring to a range of characteristics that make individuals unique. While gender is certainly an important aspect of diversity, it is not the only one. Other characteristics that we value include ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and socio-economic background.
  
  

  • You have at least one team member that has a diverse background, for example: women, inter, non-binary, transgender, people of color, international background, person with disability, age diversity etc.
  • The topic of your business idea does not matter as long as you have the potential to grow.
  • A legally founded startup is not mandatory, but your business idea should already be very concrete, for example in form of a business plan.
  • You are available to be onsite in Leipzig for the duration of the program (22.-26. July 2024).
  • The program will be in English, so someone from your team should understand and speak English well. If only German-speaking teams are selected, the program can also be held in German.

• How can I apply?

  You can apply until 6th May 2024 with a application on F6s. The form contains a short questionnaire. In this questionnaire, you are asked to upload a pitch deck or a short pitch video (max. 120 seconds).

  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us summerschool@spinlab.co

   

• What is F6s?

  Submit your application on F6s.com, a popular international startup platform that is used by many accelerators worldwide, before the above-stated deadline. You have to register on F6s to submit your application. Upload your pitch deck and answer the short questionnaire.

• Do I have to pay for the program?

  No! The program is completely free for you. We do not take any shares or fees. You only have to pay for your accommodation if you don't live in Leipzig. However, we have special deals with different accommodations offering a discount.

• We are not from Leipzig. Can we still participate?

  The Summer School will take place onsite in Leipzig. We accept applications from all over Europe. The only condition for the program is that at least one person from the team is in Leipzig during the one-week program. You can also split the days with your team members. For the pitch event, it would be great if you could come with the whole team.

   

• Which topic area should my startup be in?

  We do not place any requirements on a specific topic area. Nevertheless, factors such as sustainability, problem-solving-potential, scalability and innovation, and an existing product-market fit play a key role in our selection process.

• Which stage has my startup have to be in?

  You can apply if at least one of the following criteria applies to you:
  

  • have already founded your company
  • are in the early-stage, pre-startup phase or growth phase
  • have a complete and substantial business plan
  • a Proof Of Concept
  • have a Minimal Valuable Product
  • have customers

• What can I expect during the Summer School for Diverse Startups?

  It will be an intensive week! Our startup program provides valuable resources and experiences to support your business idea. Throughout the one- week program, you will engage in a series of workshops led by our mentors and coaches, covering essential topics such as financing, marketing, sales, product-market fit. You will also receive expert training in pitching your idea to potential investors and customers.

  Moreover, you will have the opportunity to discuss your individual challenges and receive personalized guidance in 1:1 sessions. Networking with other innovative founders and experts from the SpinLab and HHL Digital Space ecosystem will allow you to build relationships and gain valuable insights.

  The highlight of the program is the public pitch event. By participating in our program, you will gain feedback, skills, and connections that can help take your startup to the next level.

   

   

• What information has to be in the pitch deck or the application video?

  The following information should be included in both the pitch deck or in the pitch video:
  

  • Your idea & USP
  • Your business model
  • Your financial plan
  • Your roadmap
  • Information about your team
  • What you'd like to achieve through the SpinLab Summer School

  Please apply via the F6s form!

   

• When will we know if we were selected for Leipzig Summer School?

  You will be informed by 15th May 2024 whether you were selected. So you have enough time to plan your stay in Leipzig. We can also help you with discounts for local hostels/hotels. 

• About SpinLab & HHL Digital Space

  SpinLab – The HHL Accelerator supports entrepreneurial teams with a six-month program. Several times, SpinLab has been recognized as one of the best startup accelerators in Germany and Europe. We're dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial teams to turn their ideas into successful businesses. Our goal is to create a highly conducive environment that empowers founders and fuels innovation across Europe.

  HHL DIGITAL SPACE is the tech incubator of HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management. HHL DIGITAL SPACE is dedicated to supporting and enabling early-stage startup teams to turn innovative ideas into validated, out-of-the-box solutions. At the core of the activities to foster entrepreneurship is the 12- week startup incubation program. Based on scientific research, it provides structure where it is needed, while at the same time offering enough room for creativity. The teams benefit from proven concepts and structured guidance that are tailored to startups in their early stages.

  We joined forces to create a program and empower diverse startup teams. With a program tailored to your needs, we will help you overcome potential hurdles in the startup world and connect you with the right people from our local startup ecosystem.