GRIFFIN Accelerator is a three-month intensive program that empowers entrepreneurs to get their startups moving fast and achieving sustainable business success.

The heart of this program is the mentors, who bring substantial experience in startups, investing, raising capital, sales, business development, and significant industry and investor networks. The next cohort will open for applications in the second half of 2024. Book an intro meeting to find out more.

What's involved?

GRIFFIN Accelerator is championed by a group of experienced mentors who have led the way as founders and investors and are passionate about passing on their expertise and lessons learned to Canberra entrepreneurs. By joining the program, you gain access to a network of influential mentors who are eager to share their wisdom and help you navigate the challenging startup landscape.

GRIFFIN Accelerator Mentors collectively have extensive experience in R&D, research commercialsation, scaling a company, raising capital, sales, HR, product, and more. Mentors are also active investors, including the Australian Angel Investor of the Year, former chairs of Capital Angels, and early backers of many successful companies. Mentors also include founders of companies with a combined value of several billion dollars.

Connections and Funding

Canberra is a great place to build a startup, our ecosystem is small enough to be interconnected and collaborative, while large enough to have impressive impact and reach. You’ll get help connecting to customers, industry experts, investors and more.

At the end of the three months you can pitch to the mentors for up to $100k investment by the mentors.

You will also be invited to present at the Canberra Innovation Network Annual Investor Showcase with the opportunity to connect with 50+ local and interstate investors, Venture Funds and industry partners.

Seize the chance to make invaluable connections and fast-forward the success of your startup.

Impactful Content

The core GRIFFIN Program is centered around value-add engagements with mentors and the program team while you work on your business. We also introduce key topics including:

• Engaging mentors, advisors, investors and other stakeholders
• Clarifying your purpose and goals
• Building good business habits
• Identifying and connecting with customers and partners
• Funding and driving growth
• Financial projections
• Culture and leadership
• Raising capital
• Company valuation and deal terms

And more!

Program Experience

You’ll make leaps and bounds progressing your business as the program drives you to set ambitious goals and supports you to make faster progress. Our team have accelerated hundreds of companies and will empower you to solve problems and find the best opportunities. Activities include:

• Weekly accountability sessions focusing on progress and problem solving
• Weekly seminars to introduce impactful content and engage you on key topics
• Dedicated desk for you and your team in the Canberra Innovation Network coworking space
• Frequent meetings with your mentors
• Connections with the broader mentor group
• End of program pitch – teams can pitch to the trust for investment.
• Showcase to 50+ investors at the following year in March.

GRIFFIN will support you to build long-term relationships with your mentors an investor to help you to continue to grow and navigate challenges after the program.