Rubik Garage Accelerator Seeks Innovative Early-Stage Startups To Help Them Grow

Rubik Hub has opened registrations for the 7th edition of the Rubik Garage accelerator. This equity-free program helps startup founders from Central and Southeast Europe increase their monthly recurring revenue, launch in a new European market, or secure a new round of investment. Participation is free of charge.

Rubik Garage is tailored to the needs of each startup, and this edition is supported by Orange Romania as a strategic partner. Additionally, at the end of the program, Fortech Products, the tech partner, is offering a great opportunity to help one startup develop its MVP through a tech-for-equity investment. This service could be awarded to the startup that demonstrates the highest potential and aligns with Fortech Products’ investment thesis.

Eligible startups are early-stage, have a functional prototype (MVP), use technology to solve problems in innovative ways, and have a team of at least two members.

“Rubik Garage is the accelerator through which we support ambitious tech startup founders in the early stages to take their ventures to the next level. We are looking for determined founders who not only build solutions but also transform markets. Registrations are open to all verticals, but there will be a selection advantage for B2B startups in the fields of medical technology, deeptech, cybersecurity, and edtech. Rubik Garage is more than an acceleration program; it is a community where determined founders with a clear mission turn their innovative visions into products that improve the world,” says Valentin Țoc, the accelerator’s manager.

The program runs from September 17 to November 28 in a hybrid format, with two mandatory in-person events. The first event, from September 25-27, invites selected founders to Piatra Neamț, Romania, for three intensive days of getting to know each other and the Rubik Hub community, as well as participating in onsite workshops. This bootcamp sets the tone for close collaboration between the team and participants, creating a strong sense of belonging. The second event is Demo Day, marking the end of the program.

The two and a half months are dedicated to intensive work, including over 60 hours of workshops and online meetings, meetings with investors, and coaching sessions. Selected founders must be willing to dedicate 4-8 hours per week to the program.

Workshops are built around themes relevant to startups, such as scaling, sales, and investor approaches, with room for additional sessions based on founders’ needs. This flexibility allows the program to be customized based on participant feedback.

This year, mentors supporting the cohort are divided into four distinct categories: mentors with specific skills (such as marketing strategies, legal aspects, etc.), mentors with investment experience, and professional coaches. A surprise element is the return of alumni from previous editions of the accelerator as mentors, bringing direct experience in growing an early-stage startup.

At the end of the accelerator, the most active startups will be selected to join an exclusive program, Ready to Raise, designed to help them secure a round of investment.

To date, the Rubik Garage team has supported over 200 startup founders. Alumni include startups like Rayscape, Bloomcoding, DDDInvoices, and Chambr.

Registrations are open until September 3. More details about the program can be found on the page: https://rubikhub.ro/rubik-garage/ 

Rubik Hub, part of the North-East Regional Development Agency, has the mission to inspire, educate, and accelerate startups from inception to global success. With the support of a vibrant community comprising 200 mentors, they’ve empowered over 300 startups, among which 35 have successfully raised over €55 million during their programs.


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