The resources, connections & expertise you need to launch your global company
About our program
The International Accelerator’s 12-month program offers foreign-born entrepreneurs the unique opportunity to live, work and develop their concept in the United States.
From free housing and office space to relocation and legal support, we provide everything our founders need to be successful, in addition to a powerful network of investors, experts and mentors who help them navigate the challenges of launching their company in the United States.
Our mission is to help forward-thinking, immigrant founders join the American market. View a complete list of our offerings here.
Selection Process
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Step 1
Staff selects from shortlist of applicants.
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Step 2
Startups sign IA termsheet.
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Step 3
IA team conducts thorough due diligence
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Step 4
Mentors and other advisors help review
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Step 5
IA's Investment Committee makes final decision
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Step 6
Formal agreement and stock purchase agreement are signed
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Step 7
Incorporation in Delaware or Texas
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Step 8
Start planning relocation and launch in the U.S.
Requirements
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A Viable MVP
Startups must have at least an MVP with some early market validation or traction
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A Unique Product
A unique product addressing a specific, unfulfilled need in a large and growing U.S. market
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An Amazing Team
A confident and coachable management team with a high level of business and technical knowledge of the product and its market
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A Business Model
A business model with an accelerated monetization strategy
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A Foreign-Born Founder
A founding team with at least one foreign-born employee committed to moving to Austin, TX
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Provide A Solution
Startups must address solving a significant pain point in the market
Program Offerings
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Introductions to investors
Angel investors, venture capital firms and family offices, other access to capital, including non-dilutive (with the goal to raise up to $500k)
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Potential funding of $25K - $100K
in a SAFE via direct investment from IA founder, Angelos Angelou
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Free housing
One bedroom per startup in a co-living space for up to 6 months
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Business development assistance
At least 30+ introductions and strategic meetings with mentors, experts and potential clients
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Free C-Corp incorporation
Free incorporation in the states of Delaware and Texas with registration as a Foreign Entity in Texas
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Free office space
1 to 3 seats, with free parking
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Immigration services
VISA support and guidance, with discounted rates, to cover everything needed for relocation
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IA team guidance and support
Bi-weekly meetings including the entire IA team to work with the founder helping them meet their needs
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Our network of mentors and industry experts
Personalized introductions to mentors and potential board advisors for longer-term support
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Legal assistance
Our lawyer can help with local, state, and federal government forms
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Marketing services
We help revamp your marketing material, redesign your Pitch Deck, and provide a free audit for your company's online presence
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International business alliances
Introductions to international business alliances, entrepreneurship competitions, and invitations to international conferences. E.g.: SXSW, Southwest Impact Angel Network, US China Innovation Alliance
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Growing your team
We consult with startups and help their teams grow by assisting with job postings, interviewing and hiring
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Partner perks and credits
Cloud services and ad credits
Founders' Testimonials
Lefteris Ntouanoglou
Founder & CEO, Schoox.com
"The support we got from the International Accelerator was key for our success.
It helped us build a network of important connections in the US and raise our first round of capital. But most importantly, it helped us understand better the US market which was essential when we started building our business in the strongest but also the most competitive market in the world. Without their support, we would have not achieved as much as we did in such a short time. It all started with them."
Alexander Khuda
CEO of Restream.io
"At Restream, we found that a strong network can help turn a great product into a successful business. As we gained experience over time, and with the help of our investors and mentors, the International Accelerator (IA) among them, we learned to communicate effectively with the local business community and build such a network. The IA was particularly helpful with contacts in Austin, Texas. Also, on a personal level, the IA founder and his family (Angelos, Esther, Nick, George) were kind, warm, and generous hosts."
Ruben Arias
Co-founder & CEO, BeeReaders.com
"The International Accelerator has been the third co-founder BeeReaders needed since day one. I never before had a business partner so committed and genuinely enthusiastic
to get involved."
Andrei Stefan
Co-founder & CEO, Oveit.com
"At Oveit, we consider Angelos and his entire team at the International Accelerator our overseas family. Aside from the business work that has been put into perspective at IA, there is also the personal commitment that we believe is priceless."
Juan Munguia
Founder & CEO, M Aerospace RTC
"The IA program made it possible for us to launch in the US market and helped M Aerospace become a better company overall. From expanding our network and customer relationships, supporting us with legal, visa and relocation issues and introducing us to investors, to learning how to effectively pitch our product and make it attractive for investment. On a more personal level, the IA team is interested in getting to know you as a person and always makes sure you feel welcome and at-home. I feel like IA has now become a part of my family."