RESPOND Accelerator

The RESPOND Accelerator is a six-month program focused on promoting responsible leadership and sustainable innovation. Aiming to accelerate the transition to a regenerative economy, RESPOND supports founders worldwide in scaling and developing their businesses.

The mission of RESPOND is to drive the transformation of the economic system through sustainable innovation, regenerative business models, and responsible leadership. The program is closely linked to the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, which advocates for a peaceful, just, and regenerative future while advancing the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda[1][4].

• Leadership Development: RESPOND offers comprehensive coaching and mentoring programs to strengthen the leadership skills of founders and promote a long-term, systemic perspective for building sustainable businesses[4].
• Networking: Participants have access to a global network of founders, investors, companies, and thought leaders. This network includes partners such as the BMW Foundation and UnternehmerTUM, facilitating exchange and collaboration on an international level[2][4].
• Visibility and Events: Startups gain visibility at global events such as the World Economic Forum, Climate Week NYC, and COP. These platforms provide participants the opportunity to present their innovations to an international group of investors, industry representatives, and the press[4].

RESPOND focuses on several key areas to achieve sustainability goals:

• The Future of Work: The program seeks solutions that equip people with the right skills and tools for the future of work and enable equal access to employment[2].
• Sustainable Urbanization: It promotes smart and sustainable urban systems and supports the inclusion of all citizens[2].
• Responsible Economy: RESPOND supports the responsible use of resources, sustainable production and consumption patterns, the establishment of a circular economy, and the reduction of environmental risks[2].

The program is hybrid structured and begins online to enable global participation. Selected startups participate in three in-person events in Europe and work closely with experienced coaches and mentors. In addition to structured support, participants receive free access to coworking spaces and benefit from numerous coaching and mentoring offerings[3][4].

In the first year of the program, over 400 applications were received from 74 countries, and 36 coaches supported the startups with over 250 hours of training. Participants had the opportunity to connect with numerous VCs, mentors, and partners. Successful startups like Hawa Dawa and Made of Air were promoted through the program and honored with international awards[2].

The RESPOND Accelerator is a non-profit organization fully committed to scaling the impact of participating startups without taking financial stakes. Through its comprehensive offerings and networks, RESPOND provides a unique platform for founders ready to take responsibility and create a positive corporate culture to jointly shape a more sustainable and equitable future.

• 1 - https://respond-accelerator.com/mission/
• 2 - https://www.munich-startup.de/68192/respond-accelerator-startet-in-eine-neue-runde/
• 3 - https://respond-accelerator.com
• 4 - https://foundersphere.io/keyplayer/respond-accelerator/
• 5 - https://www.derstartupcfo.com/deutsche-startups-seite/respond-accelerator