September 2023

500 Global Accelerator Program in Georgia

Georgia's first international accelerator program, dedicated to startups in the EECCA region, is designed to promote entrepreneurship, help develop the tech ecosystem, connect with international networks, and help participating companies with their fundraising. A partnership between 500 Global, Georgia's Innovation & Technology Agency (GITA), and Bank of Georgia.

500 Global accepts applications for our investment program in Georgia on a rolling basis. Batch 6 starts in April 2024.
Apply Here

Our program offers founders

Equity investment

Equity investment for selected startups from 500 Global.

Mentorship and programming

Dedicated mentorship and programming for 12 weeks from 500 Global mentors.

Global network access

Access to 500’s global network of founders, community events, partners and more.

Selection Criteria

  • Tech company or offer a tech-enabled solution
  • Have a presence in any of the EECCA (Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia) countries 
  • Have a functional prototype with early traction 
  • Have found product-market fit
  • Have potential to address global markets
  • Have a defensible position (IP; network effects; domain or region expertise)
  • Have a cross-functional team with deep understanding of the market
  • VC backable

  • Program

  • Partners

  • Startups

Here's what you can expect for Batch 5

  • September 25 - October 06

    Foundations of Growth

    2-week intensive programming focused on customer development, growth marketing, and other business foundations with daily lectures and office hours. This portion of the program will be held in Tbilisi.

  • October 09 - December 01

    Growth Weeks

    8-week remote period for startups to run experiments focused on growing key metrics needed to reach scale and fundraise. During this phase, startups check in weekly with their assigned mentors as well as others mentors from the 500 broader network, for feedback and guidance.

  • December 04 - December 15

    Fundraising

    2-weeks focused on fundraising strategy and preparing to pitch in different settings including for our Demo Day. This will be done with daily lectures and office hours in-person held in Tbilisi.

  • December 14

    Demo Day

    Each cohort will be ended with Demo Day organized locally in Tbilisi. The event will connect the startups with investors and partners to support their fundraising and business development efforts.

  • International Immersion

    Startups will be given an opportunity to spend 2 weeks in a foreign startup ecosystem for an immersion experience focused on elevating global mindset and helping prepare for cross-border expansion.

Batch 6 will begin in April 2024

  • Foundations of Growth: April 1 - April 12, 2024

  • Growth Weeks: April 15 - June 7, 2024

  • Fundraising: June 10 - June 21, 2024

  • Demo Day: June 24, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Get in touch at 500georgiadeals@500.co for any unanswered questions.

How does the application process work?

Once you submit your application, our team will review and reach out to the top applicants for an initial phone screening. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a final interview.

What are the criteria to apply?
Our startup is not registered in Georgia. Is it necessary to register my company in Georgia?
What are the expectations of the program participants?
How does this program differ from other 500 programs?
Is there an investment component to the program?
My company's most recent valuation may already be too high for the program. Should I apply?
Is the investment an equity investment or a convertible note?
Is accommodation provided as a part of the program?
What happens after the program?
Are there any industry preferences for startups?
How much turnover should startups have?
Will the process take place in Georgia or online?
Will startups have access to 500's network (investors, accelerator graduates, mentors, etc)?
Which are some of the top companies in 500's portfolio?
We have an on-demand platform which we haven't launched yet. Can we still apply?
What does "early traction" mean as a criteria?
Can an MVP product be early traction?
Can we participate in the program while still working full-time and running our business at the same time?
Do I need to have a tech team to qualify?
If we were not accepted, can we apply again?
Do we need a visa to Georgia?

Inside the Accelerator Program in Georgia

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Disclaimer

THIS WEBSITE IS UPDATED AS OF AUGUST 2022. THIS PROGRAM IS OPERATED BY 500 STARTUPS INCUBATOR, L.L.C. (TOGETHER WITH ITS AFFILIATES, “500 GLOBAL”) AND THE FUNDS ADVISED BY 500 GLOBAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY, L.L.C. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY REVENUE GENERATED BY THESE ACTIVITIES. SUCH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY CONTENT PROVIDED AS PART OF ANY SUCH PROGRAMS, SERVICES OR EVENTS BE CONSTRUED AS INVESTMENT, LEGAL, TAX OR ACCOUNTING ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES. THIS WEBSITE IS INTENDED SOLELY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING 500 GLOBAL AND THE STATED PROGRAM. ALL CONTENT PROVIDED IN THIS WEBSITE IS PROVIDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL OR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. 500 GLOBAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE ACCURACY OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE AND WHILE 500 GLOBAL HAS TAKEN REASONABLE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE, NO LIABILITY CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY ERROR OR OMISSIONS. PARTICIPATION IN THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT GUARANTEE INVESTMENT BY A 500 GLOBAL FUND AND ALL INVESTMENTS IN PARTICIPANTS ARE SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF DILIGENCE AND INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE RELEVANT FUND. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANY INFORMATION OR CONTENT IN THIS WEBSITE, BE CONSIDERED AS AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF INTEREST TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES ADVISED BY 500 GLOBAL OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES. FURTHER, NO CONTENT OR INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS WEBSITE IS OR IS INTENDED AS AN OFFER TO PROVIDE ANY INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OR FINANCIAL ADVICE BY 500 GLOBAL. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ANYTHING HEREIN BE CONSTRUED AS FUND MARKETING MATERIALS BY PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS CONSIDERING AN INVESTMENT INTO ANY 500 GLOBAL INVESTMENT FUND.