Level Up! A Tailor-Made Accelerator Program
Every year we hold our acceleration program for growth-ready startup companies. The Riggen team has revised the program content and participant criteria, so the program is now even more tailored to the individual participant's needs and company. The application deadline is mid-September.
Every year we hold our acceleration program for growth-ready startup companies. The Riggen team has revised the program content and participant criteria, so the program is now even more tailored to the individual participant's needs and company. The application deadline is mid-September.
The Level Up! program concludes with a celebration of entrepreneurship, where 3 participants from Level Up! compete in a pitch competition, Esbjerg's Heroes, to win 25,000 DKK. Here you see the 2023 winner, Betina Voss with her company Thermofloc DK.
Level-Up! is for ambitious companies looking to sharpen their business model, strengthen their mindset, and get ready for investors. The program runs from early November to February and culminates in the tribute event Esbjerg's Heroes, where finalists get the opportunity to pitch in front of Esbjerg's business community and other stakeholders.
You get access to competent instructors, professional presentations, engaged mentors, and – not least – a strong community with other founders. But most importantly: You get a space to work in depth with your company. The winner naturally receives the coveted challenge trophy and a cash prize. Contact Riggen – let's have a talk about your opportunities. The final application deadline is September 15.
Contact Riggen
Anja Irene Lyager
Administrativ medarbejder iværksætterhuset Riggen
Is Level-Up for you?
To participate in Level-Up, you and your company must meet the following:
- The company has a CVR number and is less than 5 years old
- The company is located in Esbjerg or Fanø Municipality
- You work within tech, green transition, or innovation – or have a project with potential in that direction
- You have ambitions for growth and/or see investors as a possible path
- You are curious about development and ready to challenge your own thinking
- You are willing to prioritize time and energy for the program – both alone and with the team
- You are open to feedback and ready to actively contribute to the community
We are not looking for the finished – we are looking for those who want to move forward.
What can you expect?
The program alternates between teaching modules, collaboration days, and hands-on events. You will work on, among other things:
- Personal leadership and mental obstacles
- Growth strategy and business model
- Customers, market, and competitors
- Advanced business economics and funding
- Communication and storytelling
- Pitch training
The topics are headings – as soon as the participant group is gathered, the instructors tailor the content so the teaching becomes as customized as possible.
Sparring along the way
Advisory Board
When you are admitted to Level-Up!, you are assigned an Advisory Board that follows your company throughout the program. The board consists of two to three business profiles specializing in your specific development areas and challenges – they are there to challenge and develop you and your company.
Meetings with the board are held continuously, based on the teaching and your company's growth.
Assigned Entrepreneur Consultant
You are assigned an entrepreneur consultant who acts as a sparring partner and facilitates your journey through the program. This ensures progress and gives you the opportunity for ongoing sparring beyond your advisory board.
The Finale – live on stage at Esbjerg's Heroes
The finale is held as part of Esbjerg's Heroes – a celebration of local initiative and entrepreneurship. Three finalists, selected through a semifinal, pitch live in front of an audience and a judging panel.
The pitch format is a 4-minute presentation followed by 4 minutes of questions from the judges.
Read about the different modules in the menu below.