Accelerator for
Early-Stage Female Founded Start-ups
Who is it for?
1. You have a business idea, concept, prototype, or MVP
2. You are based in Bulgaria or able to attend in-person sessions in Sofia
3. You are in the early stage
of your startup
4. You are fluent in English (application, video, and interview are all in English)
Timetable 2025
1 July -29 August 2025
Application Window
The application window is open from July 1st to August 20th, your chance to join the next DEA cohort and accelerate your startup journey.
1-10 September 2025
Annoncement
On September 1st, we announce the selected teams who will join the DEA Accelerate 2025 cohort.
Ask ChatGPT
18 September
Opening Event
A casual kickoff to meet fellow teams, mentors, and partners, align on expectations, and set the tone for the weeks ahead.
Every Thursday at 7 pm
Sept. to Dec.
Weekly Sessions
Weekly in-person meetups featuring workshops, founder talks, and mentor check-ins - designed to keep your momentum strong and your goals on track.
To be scheduled
Mini Pitch Day
at StartUp Bulgaria
A high-energy finale where teams pitch in front of investors, partners, and the wider startup community - your moment to showcase progress and make meaningful connections.
8th to 12th of December
Demo Day
To be scheduled
What will you get?
1:1
Coaching
Dedicated mentorship for the full 3 months
Weekly
Meetings
Weekly Thursday evening sessions in Sofia
Core
Skills
Deep dive into product development, customer discovery, sales, finance, and fundraising
Investor Access
Access to the Startup Bulgaria mini Pitch Day and opportunity to pitch to investors
Demo
Day
A final Demo Day to present your business in front of an audience and potential investors
Networking
Events
Full community support from mentors, alumni, and partners
Learning Sessions by Topic
Speakers and lecturers for each learning session will be announced by September 10th.
Week 1
September
Welcome and introduction – Curriculum, Q&A,
Мentors <> Тeams intro.
Week 2
September
Mindset design
How to talk to your customers? The Mom test.
Week 3
October
Value Proposition Canvas – Workshop
Business Model Canvas (presentation + workshop)
Week 4
October
Start-up DNA
Product Market Fit
Week 5
October
Mini Pitch Day – 1 (mentors & speakers)
Week 6
October
Founder Talk
Team development & org culture
Week 7
November
Go-to-market
Pitching 101
Week 8
November
Financial basics for startups
Sales
Week 9
November
Mini Pitch Day 2 (Angel investors)
Week 10
November
Legal for startups 101
The world of Venture Capital
Week 11
December
The story of your brand
Branding and Marketing
Week 12
December
The Art of Pitching
Pitching & Feedback from mentors
FINAL Demo Day
Meet the 2024 Founders
Hear what some of the DEA 2024 winners are saying about DEA Accelerate.
Our
Partners
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