IRA is a 6-month startup acceleration program designed to train and support innovative early-stage companies through the fundraising process, typically from seed to series A round.
IRA program is inclusive and committed to enabling equality of chance for all entrepreneurs. More than 50% of IRA participant companies feature women in top management and come from RIS countries.
Risk is at the centre of any business aspect. Understanding and managing risk is especially important for startups, as early-stage innovative companies are a synonym for high-risk ventures, ironically operating in a highly risk-averse environment. Private or institutional investors, banks and even clients are usually doubtful of innovative solutions when they need to put the money where their mouth is.
The main fundraising problem is not the lack of money in the investment market; it is the intolerable amount of startup risk!
Our 360º approach to investment readiness is based on Zero Risk Startup methodology, tackling key startup elements (market, legal, financial, team, operational) through a risk lens. This unique approach results from our 20+ years of combined extensive experience and expertise in the European and international early-stage innovative entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem.
Our track record speaks for itself. We've successfully organised 100+ investment readiness academies across Europe, Northern Africa and the Middle East. We've supported over 1000 startups, engaged 200+ active private investors and investment representatives, and directly invested in 50+ companies.
“Very relevant program brought by experienced players in the start-up scene with a great energy. Intense program, but time very well spent!”
Noel Jans, Chief & Technology Knight
“We were very interested in the Investment Readiness Programme. In addition to the
various themes covered with specialists (legal, financial, communication...), we got
precious feedback from European mentors and were also happy to connect with a dynamic community of international mobility startups.”
Benjamin Persiani, Co-founder and CTO of Avatar Mobilité
“As Cezigue was our first entrepreneurial adventure, going through the IRA program was a strong accelerator in terms of both knowledge and support. Thanks to the very interesting interventions, the audits, and training we were able to organize our company in order to face the future challenges and really prepare ourselves to face investors. Special thanks to the Connectology team for their availability and strong support and Matt C. Smith, a fantastic host. Not to mention the other start-ups from the cohort that boost motivation and open a bit your horizon in a phase you are focused on your company and market. You are not alone. I would recommend everyone to go through IRA, the value you will grasp is worth the time invested.”
Sebastien Tricoire, CEO
“The Investment Readiness Programme is the best accelerator for startups raising
capital. It has a no-nonsense scrutiny approach that really pushes you to grow as a
startup, and at the end of it, you will have challenged old assumptions and evolved to
the next level. The team and mentors have helped us build a strong foundation, and the
program has attracted a lot of investment opportunities & contacts.”
Emma Garatea, CEO of Cocoon
“The EIT Investor Readiness Programme was very practical, informative and inspiring.
Everything was incredibly well organised with great and experienced speakers. One
sentence that stood out to me was the following: Be kind to yourself, startup life is an
ongoing process.”
Joshua Vasilda, Co-founder of Dych
“The IRA program has been extremely useful for us in order to develop our startup further in
terms of investment, partnership and commercial opportunities in the field of smart cities and urban mobility.
With the support of the EIT and Connectology, we feel empowered to bring
our product to the next level”.
Llogari Casas, Co-founder
“It has been an intense program with continuous learning opportunities with fresh perspectives. We have been connected to many mentors who supported us all through the process and beyond. IRA was an amazing experience for us.”
Lal Polater, Co-founder
“Thank you, Vladyslav and the Connectology team.
The Investment Readiness Programme was very useful, the network of speakers and
coaches was high quality, and it was great to meet other mobility startups. The
coordination was also very well handled. Well done.”
Mira Mclean, COO of Metafleet
“The Investment Readiness Accelerator (IRA) is what I was looking for as an entrepreneur. Thanks to IRA Academy, run by Connectology, I had the chance to know more about social, legal, financial and psychological issues related to investments. I am looking forward to opening my first fundraising round…”
Ennio Andrea Adinolfi, CEO
"This program has helped us to be much more precise with our communication to our investors and customers, cutting all nonsense and get into the core of our business. We are very thankful for having this opportunity to improve, and our company is better prepared for the next stage."
Christine Kahrs, Chairman of Board @ Seidr AI
"This was very useful for us, even though we are experienced people."
Igor Pancevski, CEO
"The Connectology program has given us the opportunity to get in touch with experts possessing years of industry experience in the relevant verticals and broad knowledge of current innovation topics. The program has also provided us with an additional path to potential business through their valuable network."
Michael Striligas, CEO