Bocconi for Innovation (B4i) – Startup Call Summary

Bocconi for Innovation (B4i) is looking for innovative entrepreneurial projects backed by talented and motivated teams. B4i runs a 4-month acceleration program that provides unique development opportunities to the selected entrepreneurs and their startups. 

 
By using Bocconi’s network and resources, we can help startups progress from prototype stage, through market validation, to a more advanced product-market fit. 

What we look for 

To be eligible for the B4i Acceleration program, the minimal criteria are the following:  

• A relevant team of at least two people (who must have reached the age of majority).
• At least one team member must be either: a student, an alumnus, an employee, a member of the faculty, or an external collaborator of Bocconi University or one of the partner institutions (i.e. Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Politecnico di Milano, Università degli Studi di Milano Statale). 
• Be constituted as a limited company (SRL or equivalent) before the program starts on March 9^th, 2020.  
• Propose an innovative solution to a real need in a growing market.
• Have some measurable indicators of market validation, such as users/paying customers, pipeline of potential customers, revenues if any, etc.

Structure of the program  

The program is full-time and lasts four months, enabling the participating entrepreneurs to independently compete on the market and connect with customers and investors. Each of the two annual batches welcomes up to 10 startups, depending on the quality of projects B4i will receive. 
An Acceleration Specialist will act as the program manager, coordinating the acceleration program in daily contact with entrepreneurs. 
While we do not set strong limits on the sector of origin, the accelerator is built around three main verticals of specialization, covered by three highly qualified professionals: 

• Digital Tech – Massimo della Ragione

This vertical focuses on the main enabling technologies available today that are applicable to a wide array of industries. Examples include: B2B + B2C software, SaaS solutions, marketplaces, AR+VR, IoT, AI, blockchain all of which applicable to industries ranging from fintech to HR tech. 

• Made in Italy – Gabriella Lojacono

We look for projects focusing on internationally scalable Italian excellences alongside creative industries like fashion, design, food and furniture.   

• Sustainability – Stefano Pogutz 

The reach of our accelerator extends to projects addressing climate change, social entrepreneurship, circular economy, smart communities, smart cities, and clean-tech. 

What we offer 

• An investment of €30.000 in your startup in exchange for an option for up to 5% equity. We do not ask for any right on your intellectual property.  
• On campus, modern office space shared with other startups and program partners. 
• Access to a network of expertise and mentors linked to Bocconi Professors, Alumni across continents and industries, and beyond. 
• Over 50 hours of dedicated coaching and mentorship for each startup.
• Direct access to talent from Bocconi and our university partners, from bachelors to MBAs. 
• Business Development and Sales channels towards B2B customers.
• Discounted services from Bocconi and our partners, including databases, cloud services, CRM, legal, accounting, digital marketing packages, etc.  

The above services have been valued as at least an additional €30.000. 

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SDA Bocconi School of Management