WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Gain deep knowledge of other startup ecosystems

Learn the processes required to scale there

Find out about the available resources for startups

Build long-lasting relationships with local ecosystem leaders

HOW IT WORKS:

Choose your destination and apply on F6S

Get selected among a group of around 10 key ecosystem builders

Discover one startup ecosystem during a 3-5 day intensive mission

Participate in a feedback event in your local ecosystem to share lessons learned

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Type: Mentor, Investor (associate/partner), Serial Entrepreneur, Startups or Tech Journalist/Opinion leader, Accelerator/Incubator Head and alike.

Geography: Representatives can be from any European Union country or H2020 Associated country. Participation in a Mission within the country where the ecosystem builder is based at is not allowed.

Motivation: Motivation to scale or to benefit from the destination ecosystem. Clearly indicate country of interest and why you want to go there.

Capacity of knowledge spreading & scaling up: Capacity and the promise to spread the know-how obtained during the mission. Capacity to realise the benefit of scaling to or understanding the ecosystem.

Number of applications to the Soft-Landing Open Calls: 1) Each applicant may participate only once (1 time) in a Mission within the EU under the Startup Europe grant. Multiple participations is a disqualification factor. In case an applicant participates in more than one open call within the EU, all associated applications will be automatically excluded from the evaluation process. 2) Soft-Landing Alumni (startup/ecosystem builder) are encouraged to apply to other Missions but will not be eligible for the Startup Europe grant.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR TRAVEL COSTS

Participation in the programme is free of charge thanks to Startup Europe. In addition, ecosystem builders joining the Soft-Landing Missions are entitled to have their travel and accommodation expenses reimbursed up to 400 EUR in the destinations within the EU, and up to 950 EUR in the destinations outside the EU. Participants need to follow the reimbursement procedures shared by the Soft-Landing team.

Applicants that are not selected as the top candidates (under Startup Europe grant), but do fulfill the selection criteria, will be invited to participate in the EU missions for a discounted fee of 400 Euro (should cover their own travel and accommodation expenses).