Kazakh startups could take part in Sber500

Applications are accepted until January 10, 2021

Sberbank and 500 Startups launch the third batch of the international IT startup accelerator. Applications for the Sber500 Technology Entrepreneur Program are open until January 10, 2021.

The third wave of the accelerator has significant differences from the previous waves. First, the geography is expanding significantly. This year, startups not only from Russia, but also from Israel, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia can apply for participation. Secondly, the approach to training and its coverage is changing. The program will now include two stages. The first stage is two-week online bootcamps for the top 500 startups from seven countries. During bootcamps, teams will work out a value proposition, learn how and when to build communication with different target segments and learn to stimulate a client to purchase. The second stage — the main accelerator — will include the 25 strongest bootcamp startups. All stages of the acceleration program, as before, will be supervised by mentors from Silicon Valley and international experts. In addition, the number of program partners has increased this year.

“This year we are waiting for Accelerator not only Russian, but also foreign technologically advanced teams who dream of changing the world for the better. Expanding the project geography will increase competition between startups and help promote the strongest and coolest ideas and solutions on the market,” Lev Khasis, First Deputy Chairman of the Sberbank Management Board, said.

“Launching the next wave of the international IT startup accelerator is an excellent opportunity for Kazakh technology teams to join Sber ecosystem. Sberbank (Kazakhstan) is actively working on the development of joint products with domestic, primarily, fintech startups. Now Kazakh start-ups have the opportunity to reach a new level with their developments and demonstrate their projects to the international professional and investment society. The Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan is already interested in the project and ready to provide information support,” Yeldar Tenizbayev, Chairman of the Management Board of SB Sberbank JSC, said.

Startups that already have a legal entity, first sales and MVP (minimum viable product) in the following industries are invited to participate in the program: Marketing & Advertising Solutions, Process Automatization Solutions, Mapping & Geolocation, EduTech & HR Tech, MedTech, SportTech, Data Analytics Solutions, Smart Home Solutions, etc.

The training within the accelerator will end with a Demo Day, where startups will present their projects to 500+ investors, business angels, and representatives of the largest innovative corporations.

500 Startups is a venture capital firm that has invested in over 5,000 entrepreneurs from 75 countries since its inception in Silicon Valley. In 2019, 500 Startups was named the world's top investor in terms of venture capital deals.