We are an invite-only circle uniting France's and Germany's most ambitious tech startup founders on a mission to strengthen European digital sovereignty.
What we are
The STARTUP LEADERS Program fosters the Franco-German bridge to support selected (deep)tech startup founders on their path to industrial maturity and cross-border potential.
In 4 highly curated off-site retreats, we match our members with top executive mentors, industrial leaders and authorities from politics and growth finance.
STARTUP LEADERS is a life-long network on a mission to strengthen European tech sovereignty.
You want to know more ↗What we offer
An exclusive, trust-based circle of fellow top-level founders sharing radical honesty and deep-dive discussions on company-building at the highest level.
A mentor advisory board of leading economic, political and financial authorities, including unicorn founders, Growth VCs, and Family Offices.
Building bridges into our neighboring markets to propel cross-border market expansion and industry partnerships.
Guided by the Chatham House Rule, we facilitate a high-density knowledge transfer among the cohort members and with their mentors.
Contributing to the agenda of European technological autonomy in key future industry sectors.
Once in, you will always be a part of the STARTUP LEADERS network — including regular alumni retreats and exchanges.
How it works
Nomination
Suitable startup candidates (C-level founders) can be nominated by VCs and mentors from our network. We are looking for (deep-)tech startups from Germany and France that raised between 10 up to 50 Mio.€ and are looking to expand cross-border. Talk to us to get more info.
Selection
Each nominee is screened by a jury of our top-level mentors. Up to 10 startups per country per cohort.
Commitment
Participation is mandatory. 4 off-site retreats, 2–3 days each.
Zero Admin Policy
We handle all logistics at the retreats, the travel costs need to be covered by the participants.
Locations
Paris, Saarbrücken, Baden-Baden, Southern France, Berlin or Munich
Kick-off
15.-17. June
What you can expect
This program is preliminary and subject to change!
1st Retreat
Cohort building · Mentorship Matching · French industry giants & Embassy Networking
2nd Retreat
Participation in the BBUG Fall Meetings · Partnership meetings with German Mittelstand leaders
3rd Retreat
Executive Leadership coaching · Corporate and capital partners · Client acquisition workshops · French VCs and Growth Capital meetings
4th Retreat
Alumni network · Policymaking workshop · Impact for European Tech sovereignty
Partner
"Europe has extraordinary talent, technology and ideas. What we often lack is the environment where these ideas can grow into great entrepreneurial leadership. STARTUP LEADERS is designed to create exactly that space."
FAQ
What you need to know if you want to be part of STARTUP LEADERS.
