Redefine How We RESPOND to Global Challenges
Access to Coaching & MentoringThe RESPOND Accelerator program is designed to cater to specific leadership, business, or impact challenges of every single entrepreneur in the cohort. The program provides a curriculum with a clear impact focus, equipping participants to lead responsibly while navigating essential business topics, fostered through collaborative group sessions in the sprints.The business track places particular emphasis on fundraising and stage performance. Alongside the core curriculum, which is structured into four sprints, individualized sessions complement the program. From a pool of additional business topics, participants can select sessions most relevant to their ventures - both in terms of content and scheduling. Throughout the program, lead coaches and mentors challenge, advise, and guide founders on critical business and leadership decisions, ensuring they are equipped to grow with impact.
VisibilityBacked by strong brands – the BMW Foundation and UnternehmerTUM – RESPOND amplifies founders on international stages, in global media, and across influential networks. This includes speaking opportunities at global conferences, as well as nominations for startup competitions, pitch events, and awards. We have invited some of our startups to speak at platforms such as COP, Climate Week NYC, and the World Economic Forum
Network & CommunityWe will facilitate relevant introductions to our broad network of entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and experts. Our networks are global but strongest in Europe. We can make introductions to help with leadership development, market entry, customer discovery, thought leadership, and visibility – or simply help you expand your network. While the program itself spans roughly six months, its community is built for life. During the sprints, entrepreneurs connect with the alumni network of RESPOND startups.
Empowering EntrepreneursParticipation in the RESPOND Accelerator is free of charge with no equity taken. The accelerator program operates under the philanthropic mandate of the BMW Foundation. Its mission is to foster an innovative and responsible economy while promoting an open and future-oriented society by connecting and empowering leaders who drive global impact. Travel costs for founders are covered when necessary for the two in-person events.
"RESPOND is different: instead of focusing on the all-consuming pitch and how to get the value prop straight, RESPOND emphasizes on the fundament that lies below: vision, values, and leadership. In our case, this created a tremendous push and helped us scale the company, the team, and the individuals."
Constellr (Cohort #2)
Impact at scale
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Countries expanded to globally
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Jobs created
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Funding raised
Contact us
E-Mail respond@bmw-foundation.org
Verena is the RESPOND program manager at the BMW Foundation since 2020. Contact Verena if you have questions regarding the accelerator program or partnership opportunities.
RESPOND is a program by the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting an innovative economy and a future-proof society. We feature startups and innovations as examples that contribute to a responsible and innovative economy. However, we have no financial interest in them and do not make economic recommendations.