“Unconventional Accelerator”: The first digital accelerator targeting underrepresented Nordic founders
Since launching its report on who funds whom in the Nordics, together with partners like Startup Sweden and NVCA, the team at Unconventional Ventures have been busy. They recently launched the UV Syndicate, giving everyone the opportunity to co-invest in, by UV vetted, startups at pre-seed and seed stages. Today they announce the first digital accelerator targeting underrepresented founders based in the Nordics.
– The aim is to break barriers for tech startups with underrepresented founders in the Nordic region, thus strengthening the whole ecosystem. In our first batch we want to help 100 founders reach their next critical milestone. explains Nora Bavey who is a General Partner at Unconventional Ventures.
Open for applications today, the Unconventional Accelerator is tailored to be as accessible as possible for founders at all stages in life. It is run fully remote and can fit into anyone’s daily schedule and time plan. The eight week program is created based on each founder’s needs. To their help, UV has a team of experienced investors, experts and mentors, with support from the U.S.
Why an accelerator?
Unconventional Ventures’ reasoning behind starting its own accelerator, is the opinion that although current accelerator programs have formed the story of what it means to be a successful business at an early stage, they have failed to be truly inclusive.
– Underrepresented founders do not need more activities focusing solely on mentorship or competitions. What we want to provide through the accelerator is clear steps and a transfer of knowledge for and of underrepresented founders with insight and perspectives on accelerating the journey of their startup. says Nora Bavey and continues. Through the fund we invest in startups in the conventional way, through the syndicate in an unconventional way – adding the Unconventional Accelerator we hope to assist more underrepresented founders in building and running sustainable businesses.
The accelerator program is free of charge (no equity taken) and the first batch kicks off in April. The target group is early-stage startups founded by women, POC, LGBTQ+, with a focus on impact tech startups.
– We will collaborate with partners – institutional, governmental and private stakeholders – who also wish to see a change for the better in the startup world and its ecosystem. Through an independent structure that not just supports founders but also creates important insights that everyone can learn from we hope to enable change. adds Thea Messel, who is also a General Partner at Unconventional Ventures.
