Draft:Blockchain Founders Group

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  • Comment: Needs proper secondary sources. Don't be fooled by the Forbes article: it's written by the group's founder. Drmies (talk) 18:44, 9 April 2024 (UTC)
Blockchain Founders Group GmbH
Company typePrivate
IndustryStartup accelerator
Founded2021; 3 years ago (2021)
Headquarters
Neustadt an der Weinstraße
,
Germany
Key people
Philipp Sandner
Ulrich Spindler
Thomas Dünser
Martina Dünser-Davis
Wolfgang Männel
Sarah Gottwald
Max Zheng
Jong-Chan Chung
Websiteblockchain-founders.io

Blockchain Founders Group GmbH (BFG) is an early-stage startup accelerator founded in 2021. BFG is offering comprehensive programs for startup acceleration in the blockchain and Web3 space.[1][2][3]

History[edit]

In 2021, BFG launched its startup incubation program BFG Superstars, in which it collaborates with institutions such as the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center of the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, the International Token Standardization Association (ITSA), and the Digital Euro Association (DEA) to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in the web3 sector.[4][5][6]

The 2nd season of BFG Superstars started in 2022 and the collaboration with educational institutions such as the University of Warwick was expanded. Within the blockchain and Web3 space the program focused on entrepreneurs passionate about Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-fungible Token (NFT), Metaverse, Internet of Things (IoT), Bitcoin Lightning, and CO2 tokenization business models.[7]

In 2023, Sarah Gottwald joined BFG as the new Managing Director of the firm. Sarah is an experienced executive with previous leadership roles at BMW and she is on board of the International Token Standardization Association (ITSA).[8][9][10] Further, BFG participated in a consortium of leading organizations from across Europe with the initiative for a tokenized Europe by 2025. The consortium consists of the Office for Financial Innovation and Digitization (SFID), the Liechtenstein Bankers Association (LBA), VP Bank and the Blockchain Founders Group.[11] More partnerships in 2023, including PARSIQ, to give developers easier access to blockchain-based data.[12]

In 2024, the company launches its 5th cohort and offer two additional programs in partnership with the Algorand Foundation and Concordium to offer a total of four accelerator programs: BFG Superstars, BFG Adrenaline, BFG x Algorand Accelerator, BFG x Concordium Accelerator.[13][14][15] At the beginning of 2024, BFG has a track record of building and financially supporting over 50 blockchain startups.[16]

Programs[edit]

The Blockchain Founders Group interviews and selects multiple batches of blockchain startups per year. The startups participate in a 8-12 week programs where they receive up to €120,000 in funding as well as expert mentoring, masterclasses, and networking opportunities. The programs are completely virtual, free of charge and in English.[17][18][19]

Accelerator programs offered by the Blockchain Founders Group, all focused on the blockchain and Web3 sector:

  • BFG Adrenaline: A blockchain-agnostic program, focused on startups in the MVP stage.
  • BFG x Algorand Accelerator: Focused on startups building on the Algorand blockchain.
  • BFG x Concordium Accelerator: Focused on startups building on the Concordium blockchain.[20]

During the programs, startups have the opportunity to collaborate with BFG's extensive network of experts and industry leaders. This collaboration provides insights, connections, and potential partnerships that can further fuel the startup's growth. The program concludes with a Demo Day, where participants showcase their progress and pitch their projects to potential investors and partners, opening doors to funding opportunities and strategic collaborations.[21][22]

Application and Selection[edit]

Interested applicants can apply online.[23] The selection process is highly competitive, with several hundret applicants for recent cohorts. There are no participation fees for either program, making them accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.[24][25]

Program Curriculum[edit]

The accelerator programs offer comprehensive guidance and training to entrepreneurs in their very early phases.[26] The curriculum focuses on critical areas such as effective product marketing, team optimization, business model refinement, and achieving product/market fit. Participants engage in regular meetings, mentorship sessions, and group discussions to enhance their skills and prepare for the challenges of the blockchain industry.[27]

Demo Day and Funding[edit]

The programs culminate in an annual on-site event at BFG's headquarters in Neustadt a.d. Weinstraße, Germany. During this event, participating startups showcase their business and technology prototypes to BFG's extensive network of mentors, advisors, partners, and investors. Startups that successfully complete the programs and impress with their pitches may receive funding and access to ongoing advice and support from BFG and its network.[28][29]

Notable alumni companies[edit]

See also[edit]

  1. ^ Sandner, Philipp. "How Incubators And Accelerators Are Shaking Up The Web3 Startup Scene". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  2. ^ "From 0 to MVP within 12 weeks, a profile of Blockchain Founders Group". Maddyness UK. 2023-03-13. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  3. ^ "BFG Blockchain Founders Group AG in Liechtenstein to build and support blockchain and crypto startups". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  4. ^ Center, Frankfurt School Blockchain (2022-05-29). "Frankfurt School Blockchain Center and Blockchain Founders Group enter into partnership". Medium. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  5. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group joins Digital Euro Association". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  6. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group joins the International Token Standardization Association". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  7. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group - Join Season 2 of BFG Superstars, a crypto incubation program". myadvantage.warwick.ac.uk. 2022-07-14. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  8. ^ Cassala, Christina (2023-08-29). "Impulsgeberinnen der Blockchain-Branche - Sarah Gottwald". Paymentandbanking (in German). Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  9. ^ "CAC24A Speaker - Sarah Gottwald". crypto-assets-conference.de. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  10. ^ "Web3 Executive Sarah Gottwald Joins Blockchain Founders Group as Managing Director". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  11. ^ "Consortium of leading organisations all over Europe publish initiative for a tokenised Europe by 2025". www.bankenverband.li. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  12. ^ "PARSIQ and Blockchain Founders Group Collaborate to Back Early-Stage Ventures in Accessing Dependable Web3 Data". blockchainreporter.net. 2023-02-14. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  13. ^ Werbung (2024-01-17). "Gründer und Start-Ups aufgepasst: Die Förderprogramme der Blockchain Founders Group (BFG) gehen in die 5. Runde!". BeInCrypto - Krypto News (in German). Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  14. ^ "Lanzamiento Del Programa De Aceleración: BFG + Algorand Foundation Impulsan A Las Startups Blockchain - Criptotendencias - Noticias De Bitcoin, Criptomonedas Y Blockchain" (in Spanish). 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  15. ^ "Announcing the Blockchain Founders Group X Algorand Accelerator Program | Algorand Foundation News". www.algorand.foundation. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  16. ^ "Accelerating the next wave of innovative Web3 startups | Blockchain Founders Group". The VC Whisperer. February 13, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  17. ^ Werbung (2023-08-08). "Gründer aufgepasst: Die Blockchain Founders Group (BFG) sucht Web3-Enthusiasten". BeInCrypto - Krypto News (in German). Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  18. ^ "A comprehensive guide to Web3 accelerator programs worldwide". Maddyness UK. 2023-10-20. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  19. ^ "Accelerating the next wave of innovative Web3 startups | Blockchain Founders Group". The VC Whisperer. February 13, 2024. Retrieved April 9, 2024.
  20. ^ "BFG Founders Hub - Web3 Incubator and Accelerator". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  21. ^ "BFG Launches the 5th Edition of Its Web3 Startup Accelerator Programs". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  22. ^ "Announcing the Blockchain Founders Group X Algorand Accelerator Program | Algorand Foundation News". www.algorand.foundation. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  23. ^ "BFG Founders Hub - Web3 Incubator and Accelerator". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  24. ^ "Insights into the 600+ founder applications for Season 4". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  25. ^ "From 0 to MVP within 12 weeks, a profile of Blockchain Founders Group". Maddyness UK. 2023-03-13. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  26. ^ "Lanzamiento Del Programa De Aceleración: BFG + Algorand Foundation Impulsan A Las Startups Blockchain - Criptotendencias - Noticias De Bitcoin, Criptomonedas Y Blockchain" (in Spanish). 2024-01-16. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  27. ^ Werbung (2024-01-17). "Gründer und Start-Ups aufgepasst: Die Förderprogramme der Blockchain Founders Group (BFG) gehen in die 5. Runde!". BeInCrypto - Krypto News (in German). Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  28. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group Hosts Their Annual BFG Portfolio Day in Neustadt an der Weinstraße, Germany (2023) - Recap". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  29. ^ "BFG Family Day 2022". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  30. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group Accelerates Particula to Embrace Verifiable ESG-Investing". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  31. ^ "Crosstown H2R sammelt 2 Millionen ein - Particula erhält Finanzspritze - Gründer kaufen Julep zurück". deutsche-startups.de (in German). 2024-03-18. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  32. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group accelerates meCash to simplify cross-border payments for SMEs". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  33. ^ Nhabii, The Journal by Desiire (2023-07-24). "Clamp is helping crypto investors reduce risk and increase profit. Here's how". Medium. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  34. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group accelerates Me Protocol to power cross-brands loyalty rewards". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  35. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group accelerates Catax to simplify crypto taxation and auditing". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  36. ^ "Blockchain Founders Group Accelerates Digitalsocial.id to Enable a Trustworthy Online Reputation". blockchain-founders.io. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
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