German Entrepreneurship Asia

German Entrepreneurship Asia (GEA) is Enterprise Singapore’s Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) partner for Berlin, Germany.

As part of the German Entrepreneurship Group, GEA is responsible for the Asian execution of its flagship programme, German Accelerator, as well as its Asian market immersion programme, Next Step Asia.

Launched in 2012, German Accelerator has nurtured over 230 startups with the support of more than 300 business mentors. Their portfolio startups have raised a total of more than US$3 billion (S$4.1 billion) in venture funding. So far, they have accelerated 25 startups through their Southeast Asia programme based in Singapore.

GEA is partnering Enterprise Singapore to run a GIA Acceleration Programme that will support Singapore-based technology startups and SMEs in entering Germany through Berlin.

Scaler8
 

Scaler8 is an in-market, growth acceleration programme designed to assist Singapore-based technology startups and SMEs in their expansion to Europe via landing pads in the cities of Germany, namely Berlin and Munich. Possible areas of interest will include deep technology and general technology. As part of Scaler8, GEA will offer participants in-depth workshops, expert mentor guidance and support, access to GEA’s exclusive network of potential business partners, venture capitalists and customers, marketing and public relations support, and office space.

Virtual programme

As a result of the situation brought about by COVID-19, the Berlin GIA Acceleration Programmes have been revised to the following:

  • Stage 1: Two-hour virtual programme

    • Learn about what it takes to go global in these challenging times, the key industry developments and opportunities for your business in Germany, and how Scaler8 can help to fast track your expansion plans.

  • Stage 2: Ten-week virtual programme and optional one-week in-market immersion in Germany*

    • Understand the competitive landscape and your product-market fit. You will be connected to relevant stakeholders for market feedback. Activities such as workshops and masterclasses will give you insights and mastery in German regulatory and legal affairs. You will also receive a comprehensive evaluation and readiness report at the end of the programme to strengthen your expansion strategy.

  • Stage 3: Four-week virtual programme in Singapore and 12-week in-market immersion in Germany*

    • Further refine your go-to-market strategy and implement your expansion plan to build a local presence in Germany. You will make further connections with potential customers and partners, establish your product market fit.

    *subject to prevailing conditions & travel restrictions

For more programme information, dates and application deadlines, please visit: scaler8.com/programme.

Physical programme

The Scaler8 growth acceleration programme consists of three stages:

  • Stage 1: Half-day acceleration in Singapore

    • This stage focuses on introducing the German and European markets, developing an understanding of the market needs and exploring potential opportunities.

    Participation in Stage 1 is complimentary per startup or SME, after support from Enterprise Singapore.

  • Stage 2: 2-months acceleration in Singapore including 1-week market immersion in Germany

    • This stage focuses on identifying key success factors needed for Singapore companies looking to enter the German and European markets, and provides a comprehensive evaluation and readiness report to prepare the company’s expansion. It also comprises a 1-week immersion trip to Germany.

    The payable programme fee for Stage 2 is S$5,000 + 7% GST per startup or SME, after support from Enterprise Singapore.

  • Stage 3: 1-month acceleration in Singapore with 3-months market expansion in Germany

    • This stage will delve deeper into expansion strategies, with a focus on building connections, as well as establishing and growing your business in Germany. Companies that would like to participate in Stage 3 are required to pitch to a selection committee, who will assess the growth potential of the company’s product and/or service in Germany, and commitment in establishing German operations.

    The payable programme fee for Stage 3 is S$15,000 + 7% GST per startup or SME, after support from Enterprise Singapore.
Interested applicants should note that:
  1. Participation in Stage 1 and 2 is not a prerequisite to participate in Stage 3, but is highly recommended in order to adequately prepare for successful expansion to Germany.
  2. In addition to the programme fee, participants shall bear the ancillary costs related to their participation in the programme, such as subsistence, airfare and accommodation, stipend, visa and insurance fees.

Who can apply

Singapore-based technology startups and SMEs.

How to apply

Interested applicants should visit scaler8.com/programme for the latest programme dates or contact the key personnel below:

LOCATION ADDRESS CONTACT DETAILS
Singapore 75 Ayer Rajah Crescent
JTC Launchpad
Block 75 #02-18
Singapore 139953 		Kristin Eckert
Programme Manager
E kristin.eckert@german-entrepreneurship.asia

Besides German Accelerator, German Entrepreneurship runs the entrepreneurship center at the largest university in Germany (LMU Munich), which in itself has more than 10 years of experience in advising founders.

Please visit german-entrepreneurship.asia for more information.



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