Hardware.co

HARDWARE.co was a prominent hardware-focused accelerator and community based in Berlin, Germany. Established to support entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and makers, its core offering included a structured accelerator program designed to nurture early-stage hardware startups. Through several batches, the accelerator provided selected teams with essential resources such as seed investment, dedicated office space, expert mentorship, and access to a global network of industry professionals and investors.

During its active accelerator phase, HARDWARE.co typically offered a seed investment of €25,000 (approximately $27,000 USD) in exchange for an equity stake, often ranging from 6% to 8%. This capital was crucial for startups to develop their prototypes, refine their business models, and prepare for subsequent funding rounds. The program was known for its hands-on approach, connecting founders with manufacturing partners, supply chain experts, and potential customers, which is vital in the complex hardware sector.

Notable alumni from the HARDWARE.co accelerator include companies like Senic, which developed smart home interfaces, and Gestigon, a gesture control technology firm later acquired by a major automotive supplier. While the accelerator successfully supported numerous ventures, its primary investment activity appears to have been tied to these past cohorts. Currently, HARDWARE.co's focus has evolved, emphasizing its role as a global community and a platform for corporate innovation through its "Hardware.co Lab," hosting events and fostering connections within the hardware ecosystem rather than running an open, direct investment accelerator program for new startups.