Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Springboard: Life Science 2013 Accelerator program?

The Springboard Life Science: 2013 program is a community-driven accelerator designed exclusively for women-led companies seeking equity investments and strategic partnerships. We engage our vast expert network to recruit the most promising investment-ready companies and then assist them in their quest to connect with investors and business development opportunities. Companies selected to participate in the program are inducted into the Springboard Expert network, receive a coaching team to work with them on their investor presentation and business challenges, and depending on stage may be provided opportunities to meet and pitch to angel, venture, and corporate investors, trusted advisors and strategic partners.

2. What are the important dates?

Life Science Cycle

April 20: Priority Deadline to apply

May 1: Final Deadline to Apply

May 16-28: Regional In-Person Interview Sessions
May 16 - San Francisco
May 22 - New York City
May 23 - Boston
May 28 - San Francisco

June: Bootcamp Workshop - Washington, DC
June 19 - Welcome Reception
June 20 - Bootcamp
June 21- Advisory Sessions

June-September: Coaching - Virtual and In-Person
August: Road Show - Various Locations
Post-program/Ongoing: Additional Presentation Opportunities
Ongoing: Lifetime Support from the Springboard Network

3. Where is the forum program?

In 13 years of doing this program, we've learned a few things.  And one thing we've learned while working with 500+ women-led companies is that it's all about relationships. Unlike other venture forums, the Springboard: 2013 Accelerator is not a single concluding event.  Instead, we focus on getting you exposure to the right investors in our network by organizing multiple smaller, more personalized presentation opportunities in various locations throughout the Fall.

4. What are the criteria for applying?

Our "sweet spot" is any company that is or will be seeking institutional investments within the next 12-18 months. Companies should have:

A woman in a key management position with a significant equity stake.
A qualified and profitable market opportunity with competitive advantage.
A track record of milestone achievement, which may include: grants, beta clients, revenue, partners, etc.
A credible core management team (or the ability to attract one).

5. What stage of company are you looking for?

We accept applications from companies at all stages, from seed to early stage (series A) to late stage (series B and beyond).  We target companies that are looking for their first round of institutional investment, but many of our companies each year are seeking later rounds of capital.  And if you haven't raised your seed round but have a strong team, please still apply!

6. Do you have a geographic focus?

Our main focus is finding the most promising companies, not where they are located.  We've worked with companies in over 30 states and more than 10 countries.  We're fine with virtual teams, too.

7. I'm not sure if I'm a good fit for your program.  Should I apply?

The short answer: Yes. It's difficult without reviewing your information and seeing your application to properly determine whether or not you're a fit.  But if you're not, we'll still point you in the direction of the right resources for you - whether it's a seed accelerator, angel group, or some other group.  Completing the application is also a great exercise in understanding what information is important to investors.

8. What is the cost?

We absolutely do NOT require a % equity stake in your company to participate in our program.  There are two fees associated with the program:

$100 application fee
$2,000 program fee (only if selected)

9. Why should you apply?

In our previous programs, 500+ women-led companies have achieved remarkable results: 82% have raised capital, $5.6B raised in total, 10 IPOs, tens of thousands of jobs created and $4B annual revenue.  We understand what it takes to help build great women-led businesses.  By joining Springboard, you become part of an expert network and are able to build strong business relationships with individuals and institutions that have deep sector expertise and high level connections.  And after the program ends, Springboard and the other alumnae will continue to be your biggest advocates.

10. When is the deadline to apply?

The priority deadline to apply to Springboard Life Science: 2013 is April 20, 2013 at 11:59pm ET.  Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed for a period of time following the priority deadline; however, the application fee will be increased in order to accommodate a more rapid review.

11. Who’s involved in the program?

2013 Forum Committee members and sponsors
Leading venture capitalists, angels and corporate investors
Corporate Strategic Partners
Business, media and financial press
Service providers, such as law firms, accounting firms and business consultants who participate in the recruitment, screening and coaching processes

12. What is recruitment and screening?

Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply online. A screening committee of investors and industry experts will conduct a multi-step selection process resulting in the selection of ~10 women-led, emerging-growth companies to participate in the Springboard: Life Science 2013 accelerator program.

13. What is coaching and bootcamp?

Companies selected for the 2013 Accelerator will participate in our coaching program which includes an orientation Bootcamp, and subsequent work with a dedicated team of coaches from the venture capital and entrepreneurial communities who assist selected companies with their presentations. The Bootcamp is an intensive one-day workshop that launches the coaching process for the entrepreneurs participating in the accelerator. The workshop will provide information about the key elements of a venture capital presentation and effective delivery techniques. The coaching process will include in-person and virtual meetings throughout the program.

14. What makes Springboard different from other venture forums?

Springboard is About Building Relationships, Not Just Raising Capital. Our accelerator programs are 4-month relationship-building programs that emphasize the right connections to investors and other industry experts that can open doors for your company to grow.

Our Rigorous Review Process is Highly Selective. All applicants are screened in a multi-step review process by a committee of leading angel, venture and corporate investors to evaluate and select the most promising investment opportunities across the country.

We Surround You with the Right Investors and Experts with the Expertise You Need. We learn exactly what your company needs and connect you directly with industry experts, investors, and seasoned entrepreneurs in our vast network to serve as coaches and advisors, to help perfect your pitch and more.

You’re Joining an Expert Network, a Source of Ongoing Connections for Life. We don’t stop working with you when the program ends. We continue to be an advocate for you and your company and provide support to you as a new member of the Springboard Network.

For information on becoming a sponsor and other partnership opportunities, or for more information about the 2013 programs, please call 202.242.6282 or contact:

Joshua Henderson, Director of Programming
joshua@springboardenterprises.org

Katie Gage, Manager of Programming
kgage@springboardenterprises.org