Startup Reaktor – Up to 300,000 Euros for Startup Internationalization

Early-stage technology startups from Southeastern Europe can expand into ten countries and secure between 50,000 and 300,000 euros in the fifth edition of the go-to-market accelerator, Startup Reaktor.

Founders of early-stage tech startups from Romania and Southeastern Europe can apply to Startup Reaktor by November 11. This accelerator, dedicated to early-stage tech startups from Southeastern Europe, focuses on rapid validation and international expansion, especially into ten Western European countries, the UK, and Scandinavia.

The program aims to support startups in swiftly launching and scaling in international markets, establishing the startup’s investment appeal by the program’s end, and facilitating pre-seed funding between 50,000-300,000 euros from associated investors, including Seedblink, Tech Angels Romania, and EIT Digital.

The new edition of Startup Reaktor begins in the second half of November and runs for ten weeks. Founders can apply by November 11.

„Our program is open to startups in sectors such as data automation, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, cleantech, financial services, eHealth, dual-use, proptech, edutech & future of work, marketplaces, SaaS, transportation and mobility, aerospace & defense, smart city, cybersecurity, data & analytics, and agritech.”

Startup Reaktor – Evaluation Criteria Evaluation criteria include the team’s composition and expertise, business model, solution’s intended impact, international scaling potential, target market size, identified competition, and validation efforts to date.

Startup Reaktor is backed by more than 30 partner organizations in the European tech startup ecosystem. Founders will also gain access to mentors and business developers who will guide them in achieving their goals.

Access to Mentors and International Events Through the program, over 100 international experts from the ten partnering countries in Western Europe, the UK, and Scandinavia will provide assistance.

Additionally, startups will receive ongoing support to participate in international economic missions and European conferences that promote growth in new markets, such as Web Summit in Lisbon, Slush in Helsinki, 4YFN in Barcelona, Deep Tech Days in Paris, EU Startups Summit in Malta, Viva Technology in Paris, The Next Web in Amsterdam, Tech Week in London, and Pirate Summit in Cologne, Germany.

„Internationalization is a goal that founders should embrace from the start. While it may be hard to envision this step at the early stage, it’s crucial for strategic growth. Validating the idea and MVP in new markets accelerates the go-to-market strategy, which is essential in the fast-paced world of startups. Startup Reaktor offers this support: participants have the chance to test their products in multiple European markets with the help of our mentors and partners. Over 100 experts understand both the realities of our region and those of the expansion target areas. Our curriculum has been continuously refined with input from over 200 alumni startups from our previous four editions,” says Cristina Țoncu, Regional Director at the Romanian Tech Startups Association (ROTSA) and Techcelerator Program Partner.

„Startup Reaktor is the first program focused on internationalization, validation, and launching in new markets for early-stage tech startups in Southeastern Europe. We launched Startup Reaktor in 2021 to address entrepreneurs’ main needs: a tailored learning program with access to a strong international mentor network focused on business development, interaction opportunities with European investors and potential clients, and a system for international expansion. Through access to a global network of resources, business development methodologies, and investor connections, Startup Reaktor helps entrepreneurs accelerate international growth, achieve traction quickly, and transform their ideas into scalable businesses. Through this program, we aim to encourage entrepreneurs to not only think about the next country to expand into within their first two years but to make this leap,” says Mo Zidan, International Go-To-Market Lead for Startup Reaktor.

Founders will conclude the program with Startup Reaktor DemoDay, a pitching event where they can showcase their businesses to investors. They will also receive a certificate including an evaluation of their startups.