The Star Venture programme links know-how, access to finance and networks to support growth and the development of start-up ecosystems.
This Alliance programme is structured around three components:
Start-up level support: The EBRD, through a competitive process, selects high potential start-ups (HPSUs) to support. Selected HPSUs are enrolled in the programme for a period of 18 to 24 months and receive the EBRD’s support comprising business diagnostic workshops, a mentoring programme where world-class international mentors guide HPSUs towards achieving their goals, and customized bespoke advisory. On the latter, HPSUs are supported by highly qualified local and international experts to tackle and overcome various challenges on their way to scale.
In addition, start-ups benefit from access to market and business matching, leveraging on the EBRD’s networks and expertise. They also receive support with access to finance through pitching events, investor roadshows, and networking opportunities.
Accelerator level support: The EBRD’s Star Venture programme helps accelerators embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and business development. Eligible accelerators stand to benefit from a broad range of advisory services that will grow their capacity to help start-ups create and sustain value. Accelerators will have access to the resources needed to enhance their cohort’s investment opportunities, revenue and employment. Beneficiary accelerators receive access to local and international experts, customized advisory and capacity building projects as well as trainings and workshops adapted to the needs of their start-up cohorts.
Ecosystem level support: The Star Venture programme supports and strengthens start-up ecosystems in its countries of operation. From policy dialogue and policy level advisory for ecosystem support strategies to corporate venture capital (CVC) capacity building and crowdfunding support, the programme uses multiple vectors for comprehensive reach. In addition, and in order to strengthen the infrastructure for business advisory services, Star Venture conducts capacity building training for local consultants.
