Silicon Valley accelerator looks to invest in European start-ups

Plug and Play’s ‘Plug and Play Accelerator’ program will search for promising startups and invest between EUR 25.000 and 50.000 per company. Plug and Play has a budget of EUR 1 million to invest annually in 5 -10 local startups. In addition, the founders of the selected companies will take part in a 3-month program designed to immerse startups into the Silicon Valley environment. “Through a combination of structured workshops, speaker series, mentorship sessions, and active coaching, startup founders will crystallize their ideas and business plans, build out their startups’ business models and prototypes as well as present their refined pitches to the venture capital community,” said Juan Luis Hortelano, Manager and Co- founder of Plug and Play Spain.

The Plug and Play Accelerator programs will take place at both Plug and Play’s Sunnyvale, California headquarters and at Plug and Play Spain in Valencia. The Plug and Play Accelerator Program will conclude with EXPO, a demo day that provides exposure for the Plug and Play Accelerator companies and connects them with the venture capital and angel investor community. The deadline for applications in Silicon Valley is June 11. The deadline for the Valencia program is June 25.

Plug and Play Tech Center is a business accelerator that specializes in growing tech startups. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, Plug and Play’s global network includes over 300 tech startups, 180 investors and a community of leading universities and corporate partners. From unique industry networking events, education and immersion programs to mentorship, Plug and Play provides access to the resources and infrastructure essential to building rapidly growing, profitable enterprises.

Since its creation in January 2006 Plug and Play has helped startups raise over $1 billion in venture funding. For nearly three decades, Plug and Play management has played a direct role in starting successful ventures in the Silicon Valley and around the world. Plug and Play’s portfolio includes investment in companies like Google, Paypal, Dropbox, Zoosk, Soundhound and Lending Club.