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Accelerator for
Early-Stage Female Founded Start-ups 

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A 3-month program for women with bold ideas, designed to support early-stage startup teams with knowledge, mentoring, and exposure to investors.


Application window
September- December 2026

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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 2027

September-December

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.

TBA

Annoncement

On September 1st, we announce the selected teams who will join the DEA Accelerate 2025 cohort.

Ask ChatGPT

TBA

Opening Event

A casual kickoff to meet fellow teams, mentors, and partners, align on expectations, and set the tone for the weeks ahead.

TBA

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.

TBA

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.

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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

Week 1

TBA

Welcome and introduction – Curriculum, Q&A,
Мentors <> Тeams intro. 

Week 2

TBA

Mindset design
How to talk to your customers? The Mom test.

Week 3

TBA

Value Proposition Canvas – Workshop
Business Model Canvas (presentation + workshop)

Week 4

TBA

Start-up DNA

Product Market Fit

Week 5

TBA

Mini Pitch Day – 1 (mentors & speakers)

Week 6 

TBA

Founder Talk
Team development & org culture

Week 7 

TBA

Go-to-market
Pitching 101

Week 8

TBA

Financial basics for startups
Sales

Week 9

TBA

Mini Pitch Day 2 (Angel investors)

Week 10

TBA

Legal for startups 101
The world of Venture Capital

Week 11

TBA

The story of your brand
Branding and Marketing

Week 12

TBA

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.

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Our
Partners

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