The Accelerator programme

The potential for startup success soars with a diverse founding team. Shockingly, only 21% of high-growth startups in Aotearoa New Zealand have a woman on the founding team. Electrify Accelerator, Ministry of Awesome’s dynamic capability-building programme is designed to bridge this gap and grow the nation's economy.

What sets Electrify Accelerator apart

This 12-week, near full-time, no-nonsense programme is laser-focused on INVESTMENT READINESS. To be investment ready, companies need significant TRACTION, and to achieve traction, founders immerse themselves in CUSTOMER DEVELOPMENT.

 

Tailored for success, fun included

Effective and fun – the dual pillars of a successful programme. Electrify Accelerator takes a bespoke approach to each founder’s and company’s situation. Whether a founder juggles children, caregiver responsibilities, or is a community leader, this programme adapts. 

 

Our commitment to you

No matter who you are, our Ministry of Awesome programme supporters are here to help your company move quicker, scale faster, and achieve more than you thought possible.

 
APPLY NOW

Key dates:

  • Applications close - 14 Feb, 2024
  • Video interviews - 26, 27 Feb, 2024
  • 12 week programme begins - 26 Mar, 2024
 

Stage 1: Share

It all begins with whakawhanaungatanga, the heart of meaningful connections. In our three-day virtual bootcamp, founders dive into a world of possibilities, meeting their cohort, the Ministry of Awesome team, and top-notch startup coaches and mentors.

Post-bootcamp, our bespoke program kicks in. Using our proprietary business diagnostics, developed in conjunction with startup experts, we assess strengths and weaknesses. This sets the stage for a customised journey, ensuring founders and their companies grow hand in hand.

Stage 2: Build

Armed with the map, it's time to navigate. This phase focuses on building, with founders setting and conquering challenging goals alongside their newfound supporters. This programme strikes the right balance between difficulty and achievability.

An open loop is more valuable if it is closed. Twice during the accelerator, the Programme Manager measures the progress startups are making relative to their goals. Identified gaps are addressed in the next cycle, creating a continuous loop of improvement.

Stage 3: Grow

As the program concludes, each company boasts significant milestones and a solid plan for the future. They're primed to collaborate with investors, captivate customers, and articulate their startup journey during cocktail parties.

The experience concludes with our cohort showcase, where standout companies share their transformative journey through dynamic five-minute pitches. It's a celebration of achievements before a panel of judges and an audience of supporters.

Check out the showcase pitches from last year!

If you’re a high-growth startup founder and you’re ready to commit to a rewarding 12-week accelerator, click the button below.

JOIN THE PROGRAMME