Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator

Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator was a prominent Berlin-based pre-seed startup accelerator, established in 2013 as a strategic joint venture between the German media conglomerate Axel Springer SE and the renowned US-based accelerator Plug and Play Tech Center. Its primary mission was to identify, nurture, and accelerate early-stage digital business models, providing them with the foundational support needed to scale. The accelerator played a significant role in the burgeoning European startup ecosystem, particularly within Berlin, by bridging the gap between established corporate resources and innovative entrepreneurial ventures.

The core of the accelerator's offering was an intensive three-month program designed to rapidly develop promising startups. Participating companies received a fixed initial investment of €25,000 in exchange for a 5% equity stake. Beyond capital, the program provided invaluable resources including dedicated office space in Berlin, extensive mentorship from industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs, and crucial access to the vast networks of both Axel Springer and Plug and Play. This comprehensive support system aimed to equip founders with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to refine their products, secure further funding, and achieve market traction.

During its operational tenure, Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator made a substantial impact on the startup landscape, investing in over 100 companies. Its portfolio included successful ventures such as Homeday, an online real estate platform, Kitchen Stories, a popular cooking app later acquired by BSH Hausgeräte, and ShopWings, an online grocery delivery service acquired by Delivery Hero. The accelerator consistently ran multiple batches, fostering a vibrant community of founders and innovators. In 2018, the joint venture evolved and rebranded as APX, a new pre-seed investor formed by Axel Springer and Porsche, continuing the legacy of early-stage investment with a renewed focus.