Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator

What is Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator?

Founded in 2013, the Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator is a startup accelerator based in Berlin, Germany focused on cultivating growth in the technology, digital media, social media, and software sectors. This entrepreneurial ecosystem is a joint venture between the Plug and Play Tech Center and Axel Springer SE, aiming to support and manage a portfolio of over 100 companies that have passed through its accelerator program.

The Accelerator uses its 100-day programs to make early-stage investments and takes minority stakes in various startups, with investments ranging from a minimum of 25,000 to a maximum of 40,000,000. Their unique propositions involve not only monetary investments but also providing international opportunities and access to a global network, thanks to the strong backing of both Axel Springer SE and Plug and Play Tech Center.

Axel Springer SE stands out as a market leader in German print business with strong internationalization and digital media activities, having more than 50% of revenue coming from digital channels.

Meanwhile, Plug and Play Tech Center has marked its presence since 1990 in Sunnyvale, California, hosting notable companies like Google and Paypal, and forging connections with universities and major corporate entities. Although the active acceleration activities stopped at the end of 2017, they remain active shareholders for their portfolio companies and continue to offer resources and opportunities for digital entrepreneurs from Berlin to Silicon Valley.