Calling Spanish Innovators: Desafia San Francisco Program Spring 2024 Opens Applications

• Desafia San Francisco Program initiates applications for its Spring 2024 edition, inviting Spanish startups to engage with Silicon Valley's dynamic ecosystem.

• The program comprises a bootcamp in Madrid, an immersion program in San Francisco in June and an alumni phase, offering workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored for startup success.

• Interested startups can gain further insights and network at the Desafia Program Networking Mixer event in Barcelona on February 28th.

The Desafia San Francisco Program, a public initiative established by ICEX and Red.es, has just announced the opening of applications for the new batch of its Spring 2024 edition. Run by the innovation advisory firm, Mind the Bridge, and hosted in its Innovation Center in San Francisco's South of Market (SOMA) district, this program represents a comprehensive opportunity for Spanish startups to immerse themselves in Silicon Valley's vibrant ecosystem.

The program aims to achieve a dual objective: introducing entrepreneurs to the Silicon Valley ecosystem in order to gain the knowledge necessary to scale their business model with greater chances of success and facilitate the landing of selected startups in the North American market. 

Interested startups are invited to apply by April 5th here. The immersion session is scheduled to take place in San Francisco from June 3rd to June 14th, 2024.

To be eligible for the program, startups must meet the following criteria:

• Be an entrepreneur with a technology startup with scalable innovation.

• Be headquartered in Spain.

• Have not previously participated in the Desafia San Francisco Program.

• Be in a growth phase with annual revenue increases exceeding 20% year over year.

• Have a profile on the ICEX portal.

• Be fluent in English.

• Propose a product or service contributing to the achievement of one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Evaluation criteria will also include additional points for startups with women founders or in C-level positions. 

The program offers workshops, activities, and networking opportunities, providing founders with valuable insights and experiences unique to the region. Selected startups will have the chance to explore Silicon Valley, connect with industry experts, and foster an entrepreneurial mindset. It consists of the following phases:

• Bootcamp (April 22nd - April 24th, 2024): Selected startups will participate in a workshop in Madrid, where they will receive detailed information about the program, meet the program team, define goals and expectations, and engage in practical workshops.

• Immersion Program (June 3rd - June 14th, 2024): A two-week intensive program structured into two blocks:

• First Week: Training sessions, practical workshops, networking events, and visits to ecosystem actors in Silicon Valley.

• Second Week: Seminars, mentorship sessions, and workshops on strategic topics related to marketing, finance, investment, business strategies, legal advice, talent acquisition, and visits to major tech corporations in Silicon Valley.

• Alumni Program: Designed to continue supporting participants after the immersion program, reinforce community, and facilitate networking to promote business opportunities and collaboration.

Startups interested in learning more about the program can join the Desafia Program Networking Mixer event in Barcelona, hosted by Talent Garden, on February 28th, 6-8pm.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.sanfrancisco.desafia.gob.es/ .