Question 1

What stage businesses can join the program?

Accepted Answer

Your business needs to be at:

✅ pre-seed stage (where you have an MVP already launched / imminently launching / well fleshed out), or
✅ seed stage (where you have a product in market with some traction)

If you're a concept stage business we recommend checking out our Zero to Launch Accelerator to help you get to MVP in 9 weeks. 
https://www.hivefounders.net/zero-to-launch-accelerator

Question 2

What if I have already started fundrasing?

Accepted Answer

That's totally fine! Many founders who join the accelerator have already started fundraising! Many have even raised some funding (a typical amount is between 15-30% of their rounds). Even founders who have raised before or have had some traction in their current raise found the accelerator to be transformative!

Question 3

How much does the program cost?

Accepted Answer

We are so confident that you'll be able to successfully close that we defer the bulk of our fees until after you successfully raise.

If you do not raise within 24 months of graduating you do not owe us the deferred fees.

Our fees are split into two parts:

1. Pre-Funding (at the time of the accelerator) - $1200 (£1000) paid in two installments (50% deposit, 50% halfway through the accelerator) - this is designed to be gentle on cash flow when funds are tight

2. Post-Funding (after you close your funding round) -

3% of raise amount, deferred until 14 days after you close

Please note that for US businesses, we charge a flat fee:
Pre-Seed (have not raised any investment before): £14K ($17.6)
Seed (have raised before from Angels, Friends & Family, Family Offices, CVCs or VCs): £29K ($36.5K)

We do not take any equity! Equity is your most precious resource so we recommend holding on to it as much as possible!

Question 4

What is the time commitment?

Accepted Answer

You'll need to commit at least three hours per week for 8 weeks.

We've designed the program to fit around you running your business. So you'll book calls with your mentor at a time that suits you both. Group calls are held at times that work for both US and UK (and if you miss a call, you can catch up on the replay).

Most of our founders tell us that the 8 weeks flies by and they wish they could spend longer with us!

Question 5

What does the program syllabus cover?

Accepted Answer

Every cohort is a little different but we typically include sessions on:

Anatomy of a Pitch Deck
Valuations & Value Creation Drivers
Cap Tables
Share Options
Early Stage Planning
Growth & Sales
Go-To-Market Strategy
The Investor View - Angels
The Investor View - VCs
Managing the Investment Process
Data Room
And much more!

Question 6

I just missed the current cohort closing date, can I still get in?

Accepted Answer

Yes, potentially if you are quick! 
If you apply after the deadline, your application will get tagged and we'll still review it. Depending on when we receive it (i.e. how long after the closing date), we'll get in touch with you to discuss either joining the current cohort or joining the next cohort.

Question 7

Can I bring my co-founder?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to bring your female/non-binary co-founder to participate in the program (max. 1 extra person per company). One of you will be the primary team member, so you need to decide in advance who that will be.

If you have a mixed co-founding team, we are happy for you to share what you learn on the Program with your team, but we ask that only you attend the calls and mentoring sessions.

Question 8

Is the program in-person or virtual

Accepted Answer

The program is virtual, so you can join from anywhere in the world. We sometimes host in-person events (including a hybrid in-person/virtual demo day) in London but most people (including most investors) attend virtually.

Question 9

How many businesses are accepted per cohort?

Accepted Answer

Due to the hands on format of the accelerator, we only accept between 10-20 businesses into each cohort.

Question 10

Is it worth applying early?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We accept applicants on a rolling basis so apply as early as possible to avoid missing out!

Question 11

What happens if I decide not to fundraise?

Accepted Answer

If after the accelerator you decide not to fundraise, you do not owe us the second part of the fee. The fee only applies if you fundraise in the next 24 months.

Question 12

What if I can't close my round?

Accepted Answer

We are confident you will be in a much better position to close your round after our accelerator. However, if you are unsuccessful in closing your round within 24 months of completing the accelerator, we will waive the 'post funding' fees.

Question 13

Is the accelerator open to businesses outside the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The virtual format of the accelerator means you can join from anywhere in the world. We've had founders attend (and successfully raise) from across the world, from Australia, through the US, UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Frequently asked questions