11 Best Startup Accelerators in Berlin in 2025
Berlin ranks #15 in the Global Startup Ecosystem according to Startup Genome's Ecosystem Report, offering founders exceptional opportunities for growth and innovation. The numbers speak for themselves: $4B in early-stage funding, median seed rounds of $1.7M (70% higher than global average), and median Series A rounds of $11.5M. With 4,800+ active startups, 17 unicorns, and a highly international workforce (49% non-German), Berlin provides an ideal launchpad for ambitious founders looking to scale across Europe.
This comprehensive guide explores the best accelerator programs in Berlin, their unique offerings, and how to maximize your chances of acceptance.
Quick Overview of Top Startup Accelerators in Berlin
| Accelerator | Focus Areas | Investments | Notable Exits | Investment Size | Program Length | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APX | Tech, Digital | 100+ | 15+ | €50K | 3 months | 82% |
| Techstars Berlin | Tech, AI/ML | 150+ | 20+ | €120K | 3 months | 85% |
| Berlin Startup Academy | All sectors | 200+ | 25+ | Varies | 4 months | 78% |
| Axel Springer Plug and Play | Digital Media | 100+ | 15+ | €25K-€50K | 3 months | 80% |
| German Accelerator | Tech, Life Sciences | 300+ | 40+ | No equity | 6 months | 85% |
| SpinLab | Tech, Digital | 150+ | 20+ | Up to €15K | 6 months | 80% |
| Next Big Thing | IoT, Blockchain | 50+ | 10+ | Up to €50K | 12 months | 75% |
| Startupbootcamp | Smart Transport | 200+ | 30+ | €15K | 3 months | 82% |
| Microsoft for Startups | B2B, Cloud | 150+ | 25+ | Azure Credits | 4 months | 85% |
| Finleap | Fintech | 80+ | 12+ | Varies | 6 months | 80% |
| Climate-KIC | CleanTech | 200+ | 20+ | Up to €95K | 6-18 months | 75% |
How to Get Accepted into Top Berlin Accelerators?
With acceptance rates often below 3%, here's what successful applicants focus on:
-
Berlin Market Understanding
- Show knowledge of German and European market dynamics
- Demonstrate potential for EU market expansion
- Highlight any existing DACH region partnerships
-
Traction & Validation
- Focus on sustainable growth metrics
- Minimum viable product with early adoption
- Clear internationalization strategy
- Strong unit economics
-
Team & Network
- Local presence or willingness to relocate to Berlin
- International team composition
- German language skills (not always required but beneficial)
- Previous startup or industry experience
-
Program-Specific Requirements
- APX: Strong tech focus and scalable business model
- Techstars Berlin: Clear product-market fit
- German Accelerator: Expansion plans for German market
- Finleap: Fintech innovation with regulatory compliance
-
Application Strategy
- Apply to multiple programs with customized applications
- Network at Berlin startup events
- Get introductions from alumni
- Prepare bilingual pitch materials
Smart Pitch Deck Sharing for Accelerator Applications
When applying to Berlin's top accelerators, how you share your pitch deck matters as much as its content. Instead of sending attachments, use smart sharing tools to:
- Track accelerator partner engagement in real-time
- Get insights into which slides capture the most attention with detailed analytics
- Know exactly who viewed your deck and when
- Keep your intellectual property safe with advanced security features
- Organize your supporting documents in a secure data room
1. APX
Axel Springer and Porsche's joint venture accelerator, focused on digital innovation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | €50K for 5% equity |
| Program Length | 3 months |
| Notable Alumni | Zenjob, Statice, Homeday |
| Focus Areas | Digital, Tech, Consumer |
| Success Metrics | • Portfolio value: €500M+ • Companies funded: 100+ • Success rate: 82% |
| Website | apx.ac |
2. Techstars Berlin
Leading global accelerator's Berlin program, focusing on innovative tech startups.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | €120K (€20K for 6% + €100K convertible note) |
| Program Length | 3 months |
| Notable Alumni | Caspar Health, Authess, Rotki |
| Focus Areas | Tech, AI/ML, SaaS |
| Success Metrics | • Portfolio value: €800M+ • Companies funded: 150+ • Follow-on funding: 75% |
| Website | techstars.com/accelerators/berlin |
3. Berlin Startup Academy
Berlin's longest-running independent accelerator program.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | Varies by program |
| Program Length | 4 months |
| Notable Alumni | Remerge, Amorelie, Kitchen Stories |
| Focus Areas | All sectors |
| Success Metrics | • Companies supported: 200+ • Total funding raised: €300M+ • Jobs created: 1000+ |
| Website | berlinstartupschool.com/impact-accelerator |
4. Axel Springer Plug and Play
Media and digital technology focused accelerator backed by publishing giant Axel Springer.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | €25K-€50K for 5% equity |
| Program Length | 3 months |
| Notable Alumni | N26, Careship, Blinkist |
| Focus Areas | Digital Media, MarTech |
| Success Metrics | • Portfolio value: €400M+ • Successful exits: 15+ • Corporate partners: 30+ |
| Website | axelspringerplugandplay.com |
5. German Accelerator
Government-backed program helping German startups expand internationally.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | No equity taken |
| Program Length | 6 months |
| Notable Alumni | Celonis, Adjust, Signavio |
| Focus Areas | Tech, Life Sciences |
| Success Metrics | • Global presence: 5 locations • Companies supported: 300+ • Success rate: 85% |
| Website | germanaccelerator.com |
6. SpinLab
Leading digital technology accelerator based in Leipzig's historic Cotton Mill.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | Up to €15K + free office space |
| Program Length | 6 months |
| Notable Alumni | Wundercurves, Rhebo, OKIKO |
| Focus Areas | Digital Tech, E-Commerce, Smart Infrastructure |
| Success Metrics | • Follow-on funding: €250M+ • Startups supported: 150+ • Partners: 40+ |
| Website | spinlab.co |
7. Next Big Thing (NBT)
IoT and blockchain-focused company builder and accelerator.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | Up to €50K + tech resources |
| Program Length | 12 months |
| Notable Alumni | METR, AssistMe, Weeve |
| Focus Areas | IoT, Blockchain, Industry 4.0 |
| Success Metrics | • Portfolio value: €150M+ • Patents filed: 50+ • Enterprise partners: 25+ |
| Website | nbt.ag |
8. Startupbootcamp Smart Transportation
Focused accelerator for mobility and transportation innovation.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | €15K for 6-8% equity |
| Program Length | 3 months |
| Notable Alumni | GHOST, Drivedressy, Vesputi |
| Focus Areas | Mobility, Smart Cities, Transportation |
| Success Metrics | • Corporate partners: 50+ • Startups accelerated: 200+ • Success rate: 82% |
| Website | startupbootcamp.org/berlin |
9. Microsoft for Startups Berlin
Tech giant's startup program with focus on cloud and enterprise solutions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | Azure credits + technical support |
| Program Length | 4 months |
| Notable Alumni | Bunch.ai, Cobrainer, Wandelbots |
| Focus Areas | B2B, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Tech |
| Success Metrics | • Azure credits: Up to €120K • Technical support: 1:1 • Enterprise deals: 200+ |
| Website | startups.microsoft.com/berlin |
10. Finleap
Europe's leading fintech ecosystem builder and accelerator.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | Varies by venture |
| Program Length | 6 months |
| Notable Alumni | Clark, PAIR Finance, Penta |
| Focus Areas | Fintech, InsurTech, RegTech |
| Success Metrics | • Portfolio value: €1B+ • Companies built: 80+ • Banking partners: 60+ |
| Website | finleap.com |
11. Climate-KIC Accelerator
Europe's largest climate innovation initiative's Berlin program.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Terms | Up to €95K (equity-free) |
| Program Length | 6-18 months |
| Notable Alumni | Hardt Hyperloop, Lilium Aviation, Tado |
| Focus Areas | CleanTech, Sustainability, Green Innovation |
| Success Metrics | • CO2 impact: 500M tons • Startups supported: 200+ • Success rate: 75% |
| Website | climate-kic.org/accelerator |
Preparing for Demo Day
Berlin's accelerator demo days attract investors from across Europe. Here's how to maximize your opportunity:
-
Pre-Demo Day Strategy
- Share your pitch deck via trackable link to gauge investor interest
- Monitor engagement using page-by-page analytics
- Prepare materials in both English and German
- Build relationships with local VCs
-
Demo Day Execution
- Focus on European expansion potential
- Highlight German market opportunity
- Have your data room ready
- Use secure, watermarked presentations
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Berlin Accelerator in 2025
Berlin's startup ecosystem offers unique advantages for founders, from access to talent to lower operational costs compared to other European tech hubs. The city's accelerators provide not just funding but crucial connections to the German and European markets.
With acceptance rates typically between 1-3%, thorough preparation and strategic application approaches are essential. Use secure pitch deck sharing tools to track engagement and protect your intellectual property during the application process.