build3 impact Accelerator
build3 is dedicated to transforming the startup ecosystem by nurturing early-stage impact startups into sustainable, scalable businesses.
our mission is anchored in the belief that exceptional founders create exceptional startups, leading to a better world. by focusing on impactful solutions with a sustainable approach, build3 aims to be the catalyst for startups that not only seek profit but also drive significant societal change.
(applications for cohort 2, starting May 6, 2024, are now closed)
applications are open for cohort 3, tentatively scheduled for August/September 2024
*cohort 2 results will be announced after the second week of April and
the shortlisted candidates are expected to arrive in Goa on the 5th of May.
how we support startups: the 3Cs of build3
we will be the sherpa in your entrepreneurial journey!
just like tenzing norgay accompanied edmund hillary to summit mount everest, we hope to be an experienced guide as you scale the entrepreneurial mountain.
but just like a sherpa, we’ll be mindful of your pace and need for space. we strongly believe that you know your startup idea best. this is why we are your supporting cast, and you’ll always be the lead. we’ll be the best damn robin to your batman—be it connecting you to a mentor 🤝, finding you vendors 💼 or even making you a cup of coffee ☕️
we’ll offer support and advice that stems from personal experience. that said, our advice will always be a suggestion, not a mandate. it will always be up to you to take it or pass it.
at build3, our approach is encapsulated in the three Cs:
capability 💼
we provide comprehensive training modules and mentorship to enhance entrepreneurial skills, preparing founders to tackle the market with innovative solutions.
community 👥
our co-living & working space called ‘cohub’ in Goa offers a unique environment where founders can collaborate, share experiences, and grow together, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Founders get access to like-minded cofounders, investors, mentors and enablers/vendors as they scale up their startup journey.
capital 💰
we lead investments in promising startups, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to scale and succeed.
our sweet spot
(who we support)
our sweet spot lies in identifying and supporting impact-driven startups in their -1 to 1 stage. this means that the startup can be in any stage ranging from being an idea to being a functional early-stage business.
we specifically support impact-driven startups i.e. ones that push progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, or benefit people and the planet.
joining build3 means more than just support; it's a partnership for growth.
founders benefit from tailored mentorship, strategic investment, and access to a network of industry experts. we're committed to building a foundation for your success - and we do this by partnering with you via the build3 impact Accelerator.
what founders get
(how we support)
build3 impact Accelerator - biA
(how to partner with build3 as a founder)
the build3 impact Accelerator (biA) is our flagship 3-month program designed to take startups from -1 to 1, providing a structured journey through ideation, creation, and scaling.
whether you're at a stage where you have an idea or at one where your early-stage startup has a product, biA offers a comprehensive path to catalyse your success.
(applications for cohort 2, starting May 6, 2024, are now closed)
applications are open for cohort 3, tentatively scheduled for August/September 2024
what does biA offer?
training and mentorship
if you're working on an idea, we offer guidance on refining your concept, team building, initial market validation for further building. for startups that have a product but are still fine-tuning their market fit, we offer scaling, customer acquisition, and preparation for significant funding rounds.
community startup building
over 12 weeks, 55 selected biA cohort members live and work out of our beach-side startup community in Goa. you'll be able to find your co-founder amongst like-minded members, gain access to our community's startup-focused events, and have support for almost every function a growing startup needs.
access to capital
for startups that have a product but are still fine-tuning their market fit, this track focuses on scaling, customer acquisition, and preparation for significant funding rounds.
joining biA and the journey ahead
1
apply to cohort 3 of the build3 impact Accelerator 📝
our application process begins with a short form to gauge your eligibility for the program followed by a detailed form that captures more data about your journey so far and finally an interview to understand your passion and commitment. if your startup is already functional and has a product (pre-pmf), we ask you to fill a single form, followed by the interview.
2
if compatible, get invited to attend cohort 3 of the program 🤝
all applicants go through a 2-3 stage evaluation process, during which we check for the applicants' compatibility, capability and commitment. additionally, we look for factors like the passion of the founders and the intent to build a long-term business + founder-problem fit, understanding of unit economics, forward momentum etc.
3
build with the cohort and community for 3 months 🏝️
the accelerator's days start with learning key business skills and getting to know the industry better. in the afternoon, we have workshops to help you meet potential partners and strengthen your team. sometimes, we also have casual events where you can meet experienced entrepreneurs and learn from them. our schedule changes to fit what you need, making sure you get both the guidance and freedom to build your startup the right way.
4
in the last 15 days of the program, pitch your startup and get funded 💰
at the end of the Accelerator, the demo day program will allow cohort startups to receive pre-seed capital from build3 and its network of investors. after the accelerator program, selected startups that raise capital from build3 join a 3-month long build stage with us. it focuses on product development and market validation, preparing startups to raise further investments and embark on a journey of scaling their impact.
📆 a day in the accelerator 🌴
at the build3 Impact Accelerator (biA), each day is designed to help participants grow their entrepreneurial skills and gain industry insights.
☕️
the mornings usually starts with sessions on important business skills and knowledge about the industry
☀️
in the afternoon, activities like workshops happen, focused on helping participants find potential co-founders and work on team-building.
🤝
occasionally, the program includes networking events or talks from experienced entrepreneurs and experts, offering startups a chance to connect and learn in a casual setting.
♾️
the schedule at biA is flexible, adapting to what the participants need and the goals of the program, making sure there’s a balance between structured growth and the unpredictable nature of starting a new venture.
want to understand the build3 impact Accelerator further?
check out our explainer video!
and that's the journey of refinement, collaboration and upskilling that a founder goes through when they attend the build3 impact Accelerator.
selected startups from biA then get a chance to pitch their startup to a panel of investors and access funding via our program, demo day.
read more about demo day in the next section!
demo day
demo day is a pivotal event for build3 and its startups, marking the culmination of the ideation phase of the accelerator program.
it's an exclusive opportunity for the most prepared startups to receive capital (fuel) for the next stage of the journey and to present their innovations to a select group of impact-driven investors.
this day is designed to facilitate pre-seed capital for early-stage startups, enabling them to transition from ideation to execution.
💰
for startups selected for demo day, build3 invests INR 25 lakhs per startup.
🌻
for startups not selected, this is not the end of the road by any means, we know everything good takes time.
take your time and when you reach the milestones indicated above join the closest demo day and we carry on from there <3
more about demo day
for startups 🚀
startups benefit from build3's rigorous preparation process, which includes refining their pitches, understanding investor expectations, and honing their storytelling to effectively communicate their vision and impact potential.
build3 supports this journey by offering personalized mentorship via product pitches that we call ‘zebra tank’ and Amazon-inspired ‘bar-raiser’ business pitches, access to a network of potential investors, and strategic advice to maximize their chances of securing investment.
for investors 📈
for investors, demo day offers a curated selection of startups that are not just seeking financial returns but are also committed to creating a meaningful societal impact. It's an opportunity to invest in ventures that align with their values and have the potential for significant growth and societal contribution.
this event underscores build3's commitment to bridging the gap between impactful startups and the capital they need to scale, emphasizing the studio's focus on purpose + profit.
...but that's not all!
there are 4 more kinds of partnerships we seek to help support impact startups...
and that's how build3 creates impact - by supporting impact founders in their startup's -1 to 1 journey...
do you like supporting startups too?
here is how you can partner with us
(how to partner with build3 as a startup ecosystem enabler)
mentors
we seek industry leaders passionate about fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
a good mentor at build3 is someone with deep domain expertise, willing to share insights, offer constructive feedback, and guide startups through their challenges.
mentors are expected to commit a few hours monthly to make a significant impact on the startups' growth trajectories.
agency partners
agencies that specialize in services crucial for startup growth, such as marketing, legal, design, hiring or technology development, can partner with us.
an ideal agency partner collaborates closely with our startups, offering preferential rates for bespoke services, and understands the unique needs of early-stage companies aiming for rapid growth and impact.
grants/sponsorships
build3 collaborates with organizations and foundations offering grants or sponsorships to support innovative projects with social impact.
a good partner in this category aligns with our mission of purpose + profit, offering financial or in-kind support, thereby fuelling our mission to create change.
corporate sponsors
corporations or philanthropists looking to support the startup ecosystem, particularly impact-driven startups, can engage through sponsorship - ranging from sponsoring specific parts of our accelerator, such as the demo day or co-living spaces, to providing resources or tools that can help startups scale.
a good sponsorship partner is committed to creating a tangible impact and supports our vision of nurturing startups that aim to solve critical societal problems.
frequently asked questions
1. what is a startup studio?
build3 collaborates with organizations and foundations offering grants or sponsorships to support innovative projects with social impact. a good partner in this category aligns with our mission of purpose + profit, offering financial or in-kind support, thereby fuelling our mission to create change.
2. how much money does build3 invest in startups?
build3 typically invests up to inr 25 lakhs in pre-seed funding per startup through demo day. this investment is designed to support startups through their initial phase of growth, covering essential costs and operational expenses.
3. what kind of startups does build3 look for?
build3 focuses on early-stage impact startups that aim to address significant societal challenges with innovative solutions. we prioritize ventures with the potential for both profit and positive societal impact.
4. what does the build3 impact Accelerator program entail?
the accelerator program is a structured journey to take startups from ideation to scale. it includes mentorship, capital investment, and a supportive community, all tailored to enhance the startup's development and impact.
5. can non-tech startups apply to build3?
yes, build3 is open to startups across various sectors, not limited to technology. we value innovation and impact, regardless of the industry.
6. what is expected from founders joining the accelerator?
founders are expected to commit fully to the program, actively engage with mentors, and utilize the resources provided to accelerate their growth and impact.
7. how can I become a mentor at build3?
potential mentors with expertise in relevant fields and a passion for supporting impact-driven startups are welcome to join. you can apply through our website (enter link), detailing your experience and how you wish to contribute.
8. what is the criteria for selecting startups for demo day?
startups are selected based on progress made during the accelerator, their impact potential, and readiness for investment. selection emphasizes the 4c framework: capability, compatibility, commitment, and commercial viability.
9. how does build3 support startups post-accelerator?
post-accelerator support includes access to our network of investors, ongoing mentorship, and potential follow-on investments to support continued growth and scaling.
10. how can I apply to the build3 impact accelerator?
applications can be submitted through our website, where you'll find detailed instructions and requirements for the application process.
11. does build3 take equity in startups?
yes, build3 typically exchanges its investment and support for a percentage of equity in the startup. for participation in the accelerator, the equity startups offer to build3 is 1.5%. additionally, if founders can find their cofounders in the cohort or via build3 in any direct or indirect way, build3 takes another 1.5% in the resulting startup such formed.
12. what are the program fees?
the program is completely free for all shortlisted founders. founders only have to pay for their lodging and boarding at ‘cohub’, the charges for which come to about inr 35,000 per founder per month.
13. what is the duration of the build3 impact Accelerator program?
the accelerator program spans approximately 6 months, designed to take startups from ideation to a stage where they are ready to scale and attract further investment. the ideation phase of the accelerator is 3 months long, and during this period the founders have to mandatorily be present in person at goa.
14. can international startups apply to build3?
while build3 primarily focuses on startups in india, we are open to international startups that align with our mission and show potential for impact in our target markets.
15. what support does build3 offer for product development?
build3 provides expertise in product strategy, design, and development, helping startups build scalable and market-fit products.
16. how does build3 help in market access?
through its network of partners, mentors, and alumni, build3 facilitates introductions and collaborations that can help startups gain market access and customer traction.
17. what happens if a startup fails during or after the accelerator program?
failure is viewed as a learning opportunity. build3 supports founders through pivot strategies or soft landing options and ensures they gain valuable insights from the experience.
18. can founders/startups apply more than once to build3?
yes, founders/startups that have not been selected in the past are encouraged to reapply, especially if they have made significant progress or pivots since their last application.
19. what makes build3 different from other startup accelerators?
build3's focus on impact-driven startups, combined with its support through the 3cs (capability, community, capital), sets it apart. our unique model emphasizes sustainable and scalable solutions to global challenges.
20. how can I stay updated with build3's events and demo days?
follow build3 on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming events, demo days, and opportunities to engage with our startup community.
