Silkway Accelerator
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The Google for Startups program is not just about leveling up your startup with the best experts and mentors, it is a program in which we help You convert your expended resource into results. This program will be held offline in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, for companies based in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia. |
About the program
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Successful entry into global markets requires experience, partnerships, and best practices, which is exactly what we offer in our Silkway Accelerator program, developed in partnership with Google for Startups. The program is thoroughly designed for startups at PMF (product market fit) and Scale (projects at scale and export stage). Program participants will be assisted in creating effective business processes, scaling, meeting like-minded people, and preparing for investments.
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Program Benefits:
Program includes:
TRACKING
Each project is assigned an individual tracker - a specialist who helps the teams: implement management methods, track the dynamics of business performance, facilitate meetings with partner companies, etc.
INDIVIDUAL MEETINGS
Mentorship and one-on-one consultations are available every day from Google for Startups and Astana Hub experts in various areas such as marketing, finance, business model development, pitching, etc.
GROUP MEETINGS
Board meetings, sales meetings, and masterminds will be held for the exchange of results, experience, cross-selling, cooperation, formation of horizontal ties between participants, etc.
WORKSHOPS
Online and offline workshops from Google for Startups and Astana Hub, as well as guest lectures with investors, expert founders of IT companies, etc.
Additional bonuses from Silkway Accelerator partners
AWS Activate combines access to the tools you need, support from experts, and a grant of $5,000 or more to use AWS computing power and other services for 12 months.
GoHost provides free six-month access to hosting and Cloud VPS service.
Grant up to 2 400 000 tenge for 6 months on the platform Yandex.Cloud, as well as assistance in promotion and more.
Helping companies take a cloud-native approach to maximize the benefits of cloud technology using key DevOps/DataOps/ML Ops practices.
Selection Process
August 21 - until 23:59 (+6 GMT, Nur-Sultan time)
Application deadline
After the submission period, a selection and diagnosis (interview) of the received applications will be conducted by experts from Google for Startups and Astana Hub.
August 29
Announcement of the participant list
At the end of the selection stages, the final list of program participants will be announced.
August 28 - September 5
Preparatory work
Accepted applicants will be required to sign Agreements to participate in the Program; Non-Kazakhstani participants will be assisted with getting necessary procedures.
August 29
Start of occupancy
Participants in need of accommodation will be able to move-in to the housing provided by Astana Hub.
September 2
Start of the program
The program officially launches on September 2.
Meet the trackers
Program Agenda
Weeks 1 to 3
Tracking Program
Individual Traction Meetings
Group Traction Meetings
Weeks 4 to 11
Tracking Program
Individual Traction Meetings
Individual consultations with Tracker
Group Traction Meetings
Workshops
Week 12
Tracking Program
Individual Traction Meetings
Individual consultations with Tracker
Group Traction Meetings
Workshops
Demo Day with the participation of investors(issuance of certificates and the possibility of receiving Seed Money)
Selection Criteria:
For startups
at PMF (product market fit) and Scale (projects at the scale and export stage) stages with mandatory participation of the company CEO, who makes decisions in it (offline participation).
IT-Component
A startup must include an IT component in its structure
Electronic Digital Signature(EDS)
All participants must have an electronic digital signature (EDS) to register in the program
*Information for foreign applicants regarding visas and electronic digital signatures is provided below
Offline Format
Need to be physically present at events in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, for the entire period of the program (3 months)
*Information for foreign applicants regarding visas and electronic digital signatures is provided below
Language of the program
Fluency in English and Russian is required to master the material provided
Only for Central Asian and neighboring countries
The program is designed for startup founders whose citizenship belongs to the following countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Mongolia.
Information for foreign applicants (outside of Kazakhstan):
Uzbekistan
Kyrgyzstan
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Azerbaijan
Mongolia
Uzbekistan
— No Visa needed - up to 30 days
— Companies from Uzbekistan can apply for a temporary residence permit to stay for up to 1 or 2 years after receiving the IIN(Individual Identification Number) and EDS(electronic digital signature)
— The basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit is a signed Agreement for participation in Silkway Accelerator.
— More detailed information about obtaining an individual identification number and an electronic digital signature can be found here
Feedback from participants of the first cohort of Silkway Accelerator
FAQ
How long will the program last?
The program will last for 3 months, including the Demo Day.
What is the cost of participating in the program?
The program is fully free of charge for the participants.
Does the company's CEO have to be physically in Nursultan to participate in the program?
Yes, the physical presence of the CEO of the company in Nur-Sultan is mandatory for participation during the three months of the program.
Is it mandatory for the CEO of the company to participate in Saturday traction meetings?
Yes, the participation of the CEO of the company at Saturday traction meetings is mandatory, without exceptions.
Can I bring my team members/employees to Nur-Sultan to participate in the program?
Yes, however we will assist in accommodating the company of up to 2 people.
Our group has two ideas. Can we submit two applications?
We don‘t recommend it. You should pick your favorite idea and apply with that one.
As a CEO of my company, can I send someone else in my stead to participate in the program?
No, the participation of the CEO on the program is obligatory.
What is the language of the program?
The program will be held in a bilingual format both in English and Russian languages.
I am a founder of a startup/company and my citizenship is from outside of the Central Asian region. Can I apply?
We only accept CEOs whose citizenship is from either Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan or Mongolia.
Will there be accomodation offered in the city of Nur-Sultan?
Yes, for those participants that are in need of accomodation we will be able to provide solutions in Nur-Sultan.
How do I determine if my startup/company is at PMF, Scale or higher stage?
There are no clear guidelines on what is considered as the PMF or Scale stage of the startup. Our definition is that PMF - working channel of sales, clear of understanding of growth, good unit economy.
Scale - putting funds into the channel of sales.
Will I be able to get investments or funding when participating in the program?
Yes, the participants will automatically enter the Seed Money program by Astana Hub, more about the program here.
How long will the program last?
The program will last for 3 months, including the Demo Day.
