ThinkBig Partners will begin accepting applications Friday for the first class of its Think Big Accelerator, a 14-week program that aims, per a press release, to help tech-focused, early-stage startups and entrepreneurs launch their businesses “faster, stronger and smarter.”
The accelerator, which comes on the heels of Think Big Partners’ announcement of a venture fund last month, will accept 5-10 startups. Think Big Partners has expressed particular interest in businesses with a focus in consumer-facing services, software, web services and apps. Think Big Accelerator will accept applications until Aug. 10. The accelerator begins Sept. 10 and concludes the week of Dec. 10.
Entrepreneurs will participate in the 14-week program Monday-Thursday with the goal of building a successful startup and pitching to investors during two separate demo days to conclude the program.
Think Big Accelerator will take 6-8 percent equity in participating companies with an $18,000-$24,000 investment. The accelerator will also offer an alternative track for those who are not interested in funding but would like to participate in the program.
Thanks to our sponsor
In designing its accelerator, Think Big Partners drew on lessons and observations from other successful programs to create a model it hopes will allow experienced and budding entrepreneurs to build new startups. One key component of the Think Big model is the Monday-Thursday schedule, which is designed to allow entrepreneurs to maintain life outside of their businesses while participating in the program.
“We have studied, observed and finally created our own accelerator model that we think will work better for entrepreneurs who want to remain dedicated to their families and other obligations while still participating in the program,” Herb Sih, co-founder and managing partner of Think Big Partners, said in a press release.
Added Tyler Prochnow, co-founder and senior partner at Think Big Partners: “We have studied what can be done in a short period of time in the startup world. After studying the success that startups have in sprint programs like Startup Weekend, Startup Bus and hackathons, we created Think Big Accelerator’s model for the fast-paced, highly-focused entrepreneur.”
Sih has said entrepreneurs will receive “rockstar treatment” while participating in the program. Amenities for accelerator participants will include essential service providers, dry-cleaning, restaurant specials, living arrangements, technology, office space and more.
For more on the Think Big Accelerator, visit thinkbigpartners.com/accelerator.
Credits: Photos of Sih and Prochnow from thinkbigpartners.com.
