FAQs

The 100+ Accelerator is looking for innovative solutions that have the ability to scale quickly and make a significant impact on one or more challenge areas. The Accelerator focuses on startups that have a product in market or are prepared to go to market. Also, the Accelerator is particularly interested in supporting great teams: companies led by passionate entrepreneurs who have surrounded themselves with diverse talent that are in the best position to succeed. 

Startups that have demonstrated traction in the form of IP, revenue, clients, pilots or contracts etc. will have the best chance of getting accepted.

A large part of the program is based on launching pilots to validate product/market fit. Therefore, we are primarily looking for startups  that have either a product that is ready to go to market or already in-market. Earlier stage companies will be considered by rare exception only.

Applicants will be evaluated on a rolling basis. Scoring will be assessed based on the following values:
- Fit with identified sustainability challenges
- Ability to demonstrate traction/product market fit
- Market expertise and team 
- Capacity to carry out pilot in selected global zone

The vetting process has multiple stages, and the 100+ Accelerator is committed to communicating actively with startups along the way. Applications for the Cohort 6 will open on May 30, 2024 and close on June 30, 2024. We ask for patience as we go through an incredible volume of applications. Successful applicants will be notified several weeks after applications close.

Startups will need to complete all questions on the application form on F6S: (https://www.f6s.com/100-accelerator-cohort-6]. Startups will also need to confirm that they are able to travel internationally and specifically to the United States. Please note, any travel throughout the program will be subject to biosafety measures and local vaccination requirements. Founders must have a valid passport with an expiry date of at least March 2025. Founders must also be willing to submit to a background check.

The 100+ Accelerator will provide support, guidance and access to potential funding through:

- Pilot customer opportunities with the four corporate partners: AB InBev, Coca-Cola, Colgate Palmolive, Danone and Unilever (including the potential to scale company-wide)
- Active mentorship, training and programming in product development, go-to-market, operations, sales and more     
- Top mentor network of scientists, academics, domain experts, venture capitalists, corporate sustainability leaders, etc.
- Potential funding from Partner Companies and their networks

We are not disclosing details of the broader partnership; funding pilots up to $100,000 USD.

Each partner has committed to one year with an option to renew.

The success of the 100+ Accelerator is not contingent on the amount of capital that the startups will go on to raise at the end of the program. Our goal is to find, test and validate solutions to environmental/social challenges; this is our primary focus. 

Yes. Please disclose this information in your application and include the name of your main contact at the partner company. 

Yes, we will announce achievements related to our seven challenges. We will report on progress where possible. 

While we will not have pre-scheduled interim announcements, we will share the stories of our progress on social media and invite you to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and X. 

No, the applicants own their IP and don’t give up any rights to it upon applying. They will sign Statements of Work (SOW) once they are selected. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA) can be signed during the interview phase of the application process upon request (given the applicant makes it to the interview phase of the selection process.)

We will share our solutions. We want to accelerate action so our challenges in sustainability are fundamentally beneficial to all.

Collective action is key – No one can solve today’s sustainability challenges alone. The 100+ Accelerator will continue to establish new partnerships with scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, students and companies around the world to identify and scale new sustainability solutions.

Global challenges/ Local solutions: The challenges facing the world today are complex, varying from region to region. The 100+ partner companies source, produce and sell locally through companies around the world, making them uniquely positioned to understand and to solve sustainability challenges in the communities where they operate.   

Driving solutions across the value chain – We have identified six initial challenge statements that are designed to encourage innovation. These challenges are intended to support promising ideas and high potential technologies that align with the Partner Companies’ Sustainability Goals.  We want to tackle the following challenges: smart agriculture, water stewardship, circular economy, climate action, ​​biodiversity, inclusive growth, and health and wellness. The 100+ Accelerator will drive progress and innovation across value chains – from the farms that supply ingredients to make products, to their packaging.

We are helping to build companies that will continue to bring people together for the next 100 years and beyond. Our global brands are committed to purpose driven initiatives and sustainability. Therefore, we encourage brand engagement in our pilot implementation when appropriate.

The 100+ Accelerator is a transformational program that drives value creation, creates efficiencies and reimagines how to do business.

They are dedicated to responsible sourcing:  all forms of human rights violations are prohibited in these organizations and in supply chains. For example, AB InBev has a human rights policy and a responsible sourcing policy as well as processes in place to monitor. It is a non-negotiable commitment for our business. 

They are prioritizing supplier development in key areas: Through various supplier development efforts, they are working to build and strengthen their supplier base in the developing world.

We are looking for partners to help us: As one of our initial 100+ Accelerator Challenges, we are soliciting partnerships to help us increase the transparency of complex supply chains, and for scalable solutions to enhance responsible sourcing practices. 

We are open to more partners. 

There will be three phases, each with progressively larger business goals and relationships.

• Phase One: Kick-off: Initial pilot planning and SOW scoping with subject matter experts and partner companies.
• Phase Two: The 100+ Accelerator will provide corporate development and programming to further support startups as they scale. Pilot execution will continue, along with potential investment opportunities from the 100+ Accelerator Partner Companies and other VC Funds.
• Phase Three: The Accelerator culminates in a Demo Day with investors, where we seek to highlight the best startups that have proven results and celebrate their progress. After this process, if the pilot is successful, partner companies will seek to establish a commercial deal.

Note: All in-person events are subject to change or conversion to a virtual format based on travel restrictions.

The applications will be evaluated through a multi-step process:

1. Initial Filtering: The 100+ Accelerator team will manage the initial application process and conduct the first round of filtering.
2. Expert Review: Subject matter experts from various industries will perform additional filtering.
3. Final Selection: Corporate partners will be involved in the final selection of startups.

This structured approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation by leveraging expertise at multiple levels.