Your Gateway to Internationalization - with Practical Lessons from LatAm
Learn About Going Global, Discover Emerging Markets, and Get Free Mentorship
One of the biggest mistakes many startups make is waiting too long to look beyond the home market. Even if you’re just starting out, understanding how international markets work, helps you make smarter moves, grow your potential faster, and be more attractive to investors.
Kickstart Focus is here to give you that first step - even if you have zero experience with internationalization. In just one day, you’ll learn the basics of global scaling and understand emerging markets through a practical case study: Latin America.
If you're curious about expanding beyond Germany but you're not sure where to begin, this program is your chance to learn - with insightful keynotes from global experts and 4 hours of personalized 1:1 mentoring to map out your next steps.
In partnership with
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Program Details
100% free for German Startups
Date: September 10, 2025
Application Deadline: September 2, 2025
Time: 10am - 6:30pm,
Networking until 9pm
Location: Start2 Group Office, Munich
Individual mentorship: 4 hours
What You Will Gain:
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Learn to Think Globally
Learning the ABCs of internationalization early on sets you apart right from the start. By understanding one of the most dynamic emerging markets, you'll gain a global perspective and make smarter decisions. -
Navigate Emerging Markets
Learn about regions with fast-growing economies hungry for innovation, rapidly adopting new technologies, and growing strong startup and investment scenes - through the lens of LatAm. -
Free personalized 1:1 mentoring
Get access to a mentor that's right for you. Our mentors are experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who are here to guide you through challenges, share actionable insights, and help you make impactful decisions for your business.
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Networking Opportunities
Connect with experts and peers, and build valuable relationships.
Learning Sessions
More to be announced!

Internationalization Essentials - Top Mistakes & Theories
This session will give startups a practical overview of what it really takes to go global. We’ll cover the most common mistakes companies make when expanding internationally and how to avoid them. You’ll also learn key theories and frameworks that successful businesses use to navigate new markets, from product localization to cultural adaptation and go-to-market strategies. Whether you're just starting to think globally or already testing new markets, this session will help you build a smarter internationalization plan.

Foothold Markets for Internationalization
How to identify and approach "foothold markets" - strategic, lower-barrier countries or regions that serve as springboards for broader international expansion? We’ll cover criteria for market selection (regulatory ease, customer readiness, distribution access), common pitfalls, and case studies of staged internationalization.

Founder’s perspective on expansion: Brazil, Japan and U.S.
Join Raphael Allstadt, co-founder of tl;dv, for a keynote session on what it really takes to expand a startup across diverse global markets. Drawing from his firsthand experience in Brazil, Japan, and the US, Raphael will share lessons learned on building a brand that resonates, adapting to different customer behaviors, navigating fundraising landscapes, and tailoring go-to-market strategies. This is a rare opportunity to hear the unfiltered perspective of a founder who’s done it across three very different cultures and ecosystems.

Landscape of Latin America: Opportunities and Challenges for German startups
Get a practical overview of the region’s startup and innovation landscape, including key markets, sectors with high growth potential, and emerging tech hubs. We’ll also cover common challenges German startups face such as regulatory differences and market entry barriers along with strategies to successfully navigate them.

Understanding LATAM Venture Capital: What Investors Are Looking For
Dive into the mindset and expectations of investors - what sectors they’re backing, how they evaluate startups, and what makes a pitch stand out. We’ll explore current VC trends, funding stages, and regional differences across key markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. Whether you're fundraising or simply want to understand the LATAM investment ecosystem, this session will give you insider insights and practical guidance to engage with investors more effectively.

Leading in Latin America: Insights on navigating Culture and Growth
Success in Latin America goes beyond market research - it requires strong relationships and cultural understanding. In this session, we’ll explore the key cultural values, communication styles, and business norms that shape collaboration in LATAM markets. Learn how to build trust with partners, clients, and teams across the region, avoid common missteps, and navigate differences with confidence.
Learn How to Scale Globally

Our Experts
More to be announced!
Our Alumni

Unlock Free Mentorship & Resources

About German Accelerator
German Accelerator helps German startups expand internationally to the U.S., Asia, Latin America, and the UK. Through tailored programs, intensive workshops, and access to a global network of mentors and VCs, participants experience rapid growth.
Since 2012, more than 1,200 startups, including Celonis, Airup, and Kinexon, have completed our programs, collectively raising over $16.2 billion in funding.
This program is made possible in cooperation with the BMWE (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) and is available free of charge for startup development.
Here's what our alumni say about us
The German Accelerator program was a great and fast overview of the most important topics startups need to prep internationalization. I would advise other startups to take some time out to get more of a perspective and input/feedback from other startups!
It was a useful preparation for expanding into another market. We appreciate that the mentoring sessions are really tailored to our our needs and wishes.
The mentoring concept of German Accelerator was super helpful because you have a dedicated amount of mentoring hours - both with your lead mentor and specialist mentors, who offer a more targeted support.