Is VILLAGEx right
for your startup?

+ MENTORSHIP: EIR

The mentorship piece of the program is quarterbacked by our remarkable EIR’S. EIR’s are current and former founders and operators who are looking to translate their success into helping others. EIRs lead in selection, program development, and catalyze resources for the companies. We strive to maintain a 4:1 company to EIR ratio in our program to maximize one-on-one engagement. EIRs continue to work with founders post-program to provide support throughout the capital-raising process.

+ MENTORSHIP: IIR

IIRs focus primarily on assisting companies in becoming capital ready. The majority of IIR involvement occurs during the second half of the program when they work with founders on aspects such as:

• Deck creation and preparation for investor pitches
• Leading pitch groups, including facilitating pitch rehearsal and giving feedback to both individual companies and small groups
• Helping founders identify what investors would be most successful for their venture and making those introductions when needed
• Facilitating cohort training/workshops on topics such as term sheets, due diligence, data rooms, and valuations.

+ ADVISORY BOARDS

Advisory boards consist of 4-5 mentors or advisors with balanced, complementary expertise who meet with founders monthly for a 60-minute board presentation. Advisory board members provide general business expertise, milestone accountability, and track progress throughout the program.

+ MORROW COMMUNITY

VILLAGEx is a proud Morrow, previously known as the GAN accelerator, making our program one of 100+ world-class accelerators providing the highest quality of support to entrepreneurs who are leading to incredible outcomes for startups in 120+ cities across the globe. As a GAN accelerator, we offer VILLAGEX participants access to over $1M in perks, ranging from free services to digital and physical products.

+ DIRECT RESOURCES

In addition to mentorship, participants have access to direct resources such as basic legal services, proforma development, pitch preparation, and graphic design support at special discounted rates. Additionally, founders will have full access to coworking space at The Shop, where The Idea Village is an anchor tenant.

+ PEER CONNECTIONS

We believe that some of the most valuable long-term connections an entrepreneur can make are with other entrepreneurs facing similar challenges at a similar stage. We work to build these peer-to-peer connections throughout the program between current participants as well as our extensive alumni network. As a cohort-driven program we celebrate wins, big or small, together.

+ VILLAGE NETWORKING

Throughout the program, accelerator participants are invited to exclusive networking events hosted by The Idea Village. These events, which will be in both physical and virtual environments, are attended by alumni, board members, investors, and industry leaders that provide opportunities for accelerator companies to connect with our Village.

+ FUNDRAISING SUPPORT

Raising capital is critical for any early-stage, high-growth venture. Our program is ideal for companies that have already raised seed stage capital and are looking to leverage that traction into hitting operational milestones and setting up a larger Series A level raise. We have a proven track record for supporting funding rounds from pre-seed through Series A.

+ PITCH COACHING

Once you have the right story, a great pitch will help you sell it. We work with professional pitch coaches who support founders while they hone pitch narrative and materials.

+ DECK DEVELOPMENT

Founders finish the accelerator with a refined, compelling pitch and pitch deck to bring to any meeting with an investor or customer.

+ DEMO DAY

Our accelerator program culminates in a company showcase called Demo Day, where founders are given the opportunity to demonstrate their company growth to-date and potential for future success. Demo Day is attended by investors as well as members of our community looking to support local startups. See below for more on Demo Day.