The Scale-up.NRW Program
Is your startup established in the market, has it convinced investors, and does it delight your customers? Then now is the time: Scale your business with the 18-month Scale-up.NRW program.
Format
18-month, hybrid program (on-site & online)
Target Audience
High-growth startups from NRW with proven market success and secured funding
Goal
Successful scaling, securing further funding rounds, and growth into international markets
5 reasons why you should
participate
This is how our program works
The scaling program of the Ministry for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia starts in September. The program is divided into three phases.
Initial Phase
Your scale-up's needs are central. In the initial phase (especially the Deep Dive Workshop), we develop your individual scaling path.
01
Main Phase
In the main phase, we convert the identified needs into concrete measures. You will be supported by lead mentors and ambassadors, as well as a Scale-up Manager and the entire Scale-up.NRW Community.
02
Graduation
The graduation event marks the conclusion of the Scale-up Program, where you present your success stories. After completing the program, you automatically remain part of our network and can actively participate in our alumni program.
03
Jan Henrik Leisse,
"We have just closed our Series A funding round. The contribution from Scale-up.NRW was invaluable through mentoring, contacts, continuous exchange, and much more."
The Program Timeline
Your start-ups are already successful in the market, you've convinced initial investors, and your customers are enthusiastic about your products.
Call for Start-ups
Application Deadline & Selection
Launch Night & Start of Batch #5
Graduation Event
Batch #4
Top-tier Network
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for ambitious founder teams ready for rapid growth. The best teams will be selected for our exclusive program.
Marketable Product & Convinced Customers
Your product is already on the market and used by a significant number of customers. You are no longer solely in project business, but have an ongoing product business.
Exceptional & Diverse Team
Your team has filled all key positions, and its skill set is perfectly complementary. Additionally, your startup has at least 15 employees.
Sufficient Growth Capital
Your startup has sufficient growth capital from completed funding (≥€3M) and its own revenues (≥€1M per year).
Ambition for Scaling & Internationalization
Your startup not only impresses with its potential and motivation for rapid scaling but also ambitiously pursues internationalization.
Miriam Mertens
"Events like the Future Tech Fest (FTF) and the Scale-up.NRW Graduation Night offer more than just networking – they open doors. Interacting with industry leaders and investors at these well-organized events has fundamentally transformed my company. It's not just about visibility; it's about making meaningful connections."
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Any Questions?
Have a look at our faqs or get in touch with our Scale-up.NRW team directly.
Markus Hafner
Senior Scaleup Manager
Anna Keup
Senior Scaleup Manager
Christopher Smolka
Senior Scaleup Manager