Pole Position connects you to peers, seasoned Deeptech entrepreneurs and Techleaps experienced and well-connected community. Together, we work on your challenges while developing a strong roadmap through the valley of death towards your dot on the horizon: a global scale company!
Pole Position is an initiative for ambitious deeptech entrepreneurs who want to make an impact. In a safe environment, founders of pre-scale deeptech startups discuss their growth challenges during tailor-made sessions with experienced entrepreneurs and scaling experts. Are you a deeptech startup looking to get ahead of the race? Join our next batch!
Pole Position is a joint initiative of a group of Dutch incubators – ‘Incubators United’ – and Techleap. The programme will help a batch of 10 deeptech ventures grow and facilitate connections, peer-to-peer learning, and access to the best experts. Pole Position has a thematic approach, bringing together startups with similar focus areas from Health to Energy & Logistics.
We select deeptech companies that are aiming to get product-market fit and are speeding up towards a series A funding. Their newly developed technology must have proof of concept and thorough market validation.
Your company should:
“When our startups reach growth-stage in their entrepreneurial journey the role of the founders changes and their needs become more specific. These startups need access to the right level of specific and nationwide support that local ecosystems just can’t offer on their own.”
“Best time investment of the year. Top-notch mentorship, networking and support from industry experts and veterans. The program inspires me to dream big and prepares us for the next stage of our startup journey.”
“Pole Position has the power to build something that creates impact. Creating a movement that results in a greater community on a national level that I want to be part of.”
What is Pole Position?
Pole Position is Techleap’s exclusive deeptech scaling programme crafted to challenge you and your team across critical dimensions including vision and ambition, market access, business model, leadership and team dynamics, and funding strategies. Exclusively for founders, it provides a platform to engage with peers and receive insightful feedback from experts and seasoned entrepreneurs who have already navigated successful paths.
How do I apply?
Apply via getinpoleposition.nl
What are the costs?
We do not seek equity. There are no participation costs involved besides your full commitment. We aim to build a thriving (deeptech) startup and scale community and therefore we do ask you to give back. For both Pole Position and this community, we believe that the more effort you put in the more you will get out of it. Let’s make an impact together!
What is the selection process?
When you apply through getinpoleposition.nl, your application undergoes a meticulous evaluation by our panel of seasoned experts. Out of the pool of applicants, we carefully choose fifteen ventures for the opportunity to present their pitch and engage in a Q&A session with our selection committee.
Expect to receive a decision in the days following. Upon being chosen to join our cohort, you become an integral part of the extensive Techleap community, comprising serial entrepreneurs, investors, and other key players within the ecosystem.
For the latest updates on the dates of each step in the process, please visit getinpoleposition.nl
What is Pole Position’s added value?
With the Pole Position Programme we will help you, as a deeptech venture, to bridge the so-called ‘valley of death’ with its complex obstacles. This includes expert support, peer-to-peer and role-model learning (with tough love) and access to an extensive and (sector specific) relevant network including great (intern)national exposure. Summarised:
Do you run the Pole Position initiative for startups from all industries?
Yes, however, we focus on specific themes to create added value among peers and address similar challenges.
In case you are interested in joining the initiative but do not fit our upcoming batch, please contact our Programme manager Lech at lech@techleap.nl or leave your contact details here.
Still got questions?
We are happy to answer them! Please reach out to our programme manager at lech@techleap.nl
Techleap is a non-profit organisation, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, helping to quantify and accelerate the tech-ecosystem of the Netherlands. Constantijn van Oranje is Special Envoy of Techleap.
