MassChallenge is on a mission to catalyze a startup renaissance. The global competition, about to begin its third season, is the largest-ever startup competition and accelerator program. MassChallenge 2011 received over 730 applications from 24 countries and 34 states.
In the midst of a harsh economic recession and a debilitating job market, MassChallenge 2010 Alumni raised more than $100M in capital and created more than 500 new jobs in under 12 months after joining MassChallenge. President Obama recently recognized this success, calling MassChallenge one of the most effective organizations to support entrepreneurs.
Moreover, MassChallenge awards $1M annually with no-strings-attached. The program is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to dramatically accelerate their startups through community, education and mentorship, and an opportunity to win part of $1M without sacrificing any equity. MassChallenge entrepreneurs benefit from business tools and free office space while connecting with a fantastic network of mentors, funding sources, media representatives and fellow entrepreneurs.
The 2012 Startup Competition and Accelerator launched March 1 and the application deadline is April 11. Any startup can enter, from anywhere, in any industry. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or startup enthusiast, be sure to check out masschallenge.org and join the startup renaissance.
MassChallenge Overview:
MassChallenge is the largest-ever startup accelerator and competition, and the first to support high-impact, early-stage entrepreneurs with no strings attached. Benefits for startups include:
- 3 month accelerator program. World-class mentorship and training, free office space, access to funding, media and more.
- $1M in Cash Awards. $4M+ in-kind support.
- Open to all. Any startup can enter, from anywhere, in any industry.
- No equity taken. No restrictions applied.
President Obama honored MassChallenge in January of 2011 as one of the nation’s best organizations for supporting high-growth entrepreneurs, and MassChallenge was the youngest inaugural member of the Startup America Partnership. The 111 startups supported in the 2010 accelerator raised over ~$100M in outside funding and created ~500 new jobs in under 12 months.
