Accelerator
Designed for ambitious founders building globally scalable technology companies. We combine the speed of a VC fund with the support and platform of an accelerator.
Receive a €100k uncapped SAFE note alongside coaching from experienced founders, mentors, and Entrepreneurs in Residence, the first cheque founders need to build and launch fast. No fixed cohorts. No deadlines. Just an always-on model built for startup speed.
NDRC Rolling Investment applications now open
We back ambitious founders building globally scalable technology companies with a €100,000 uncapped SAFE investment (link in details).
NDRC combines the speed of a VC fund with the support network of an accelerator, giving founders access to experienced mentors, fundraising support, investor introductions, co-working space, and Ireland’s leading startup community and alumni network.
We invest early and support founders with the capital, connections, and platform needed to move fast.
Founder-First, Entrepreneur-Led
We offer founder-friendly investment with mentorship from proven entrepreneurs and a whole range of value-adds.
€100k Investment
We’re one of the first European accelerators to offer €100k investment using a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), pioneered by Y Combinator.
Mentors & EIRs
Receive highly personalized mentoring from 40+ successful entrepreneurs as well as access to dedicated Entrepreneurs in Residence.
Value Adds
Tailored supports, investor lunches, 12 months space, €500k perks, post-accelerator support, and much more.
Membership at
Dogpatch Labs
Enjoy 12 months of free office space and join the vibrant community in Dogpatch Labs, located right in the heart of the Dublin Docklands.
International
Passporting
Join a global network of 50+ startup hubs and access free hot-desking space in major cities around the world. Build international networks through our connections and trips.
Global Demo Day Experience
The programme culminates in an in-person, closed door Demo Day for exposure to investors, VIP entrepreneurs, and potential customers all over the world.
Mentors & Speakers
As an entrepreneur-led programme the NDRC Accelerator involves Mentors & Speakers who support the founders. They have deep knowledge across all stages of a startup, from founding to funding, to scaling, to exit.
Mentor Madness: Ann Hunt | Previously Co-Founder & CEO of Chasing Returns (sold to StoneX Group)
Mentor Madness: Brian Caulfield | VC & Angel Investor, Chair @ Scale Ireland
Fireside Speaker: Ciara Flood | Co-founder & CEO of &Open
Conor Flannery | Co-Founder & CTO of Cytidel
Fireside Speaker: Conor Moules | Co-Founder & CEO of Barespace
Fireside Speaker: David Clarke | Investor (previously CTO @ Workday)
Roundtable Speaker: Deirdre Lyons | Co-Founder & CEO of Examfly
Brand Workshop: Emma Heaton-Esposito | Marketing Director at Dogpatch Labs
Speaker: Eoin Hinchy | Co-Founder & CEO at Tines
Roundtable Speaker: John Hannon | Founder & CEO of SalesTier
GTM Workshop: Maria McMenamin | Investor @ Tech Operator (previously Stripe)
Speaker: Mark Cummins | Angel investor (previously Co-Founder of Pointy, sold to Google)
Mentor Madness: Michelle Fogarty | CPO of LifeScientific
Fireside Speaker: Ray Nolan | CEO of eDesk (previously Hostelworld, Storyful, Skyscanner)
Mentor Madness: Sonia Flynn | Investor @ Tech Operator, Non-Executive Director @ Zego (previously Payslip, HireUp, Telus International, Soundcloud)
Raises & Exits: 2023 - 2025
Raising pre-seed to Series C, with many led by top-tier investors such as Kinnevik, Accel, Earlybird, Y Combinator, and others.
85+
Rounds completed by NDRC Portolio
€210M
Raised by NDRC portfolio
2X
Acquisitions to global tech giants
Recent Cohorts
These tech-enabled startups represent diverse industries across education, health, manufacturing, cybersecurity, finance, automation and more.
…and many more.
How Do We Invest?
The NDRC Accelerator invests €100k per startup using a ‘founder friendly’ SAFE. It’s flexible, simple, transparent and avoids high legal costs.
Our SAFE is uncapped with a 20% discount.
You can learn more about it below.
Is This Accelerator For You?
We’re looking for founders who are building global solutions to global problems.
Industry
We invest in teams and companies, not industries. If you have a globally scalable tech solution, get in touch.
Investment Stage
You’re typically at the pre-seed investment stage and are looking to close a seed round in the next 3-12 months.
Product Stage
You’re developing or testing an early product / MVP and have some early proof-points with customers.
Team
We’re looking for teams with some unique insight or competency in their domain, who are aligned on passion and vision.
Software Perks
NDRC Accelerator companies have access to software perks valued to up to €500k from our partner network.
(That’s enough credits to run most tech stacks for a year!)
FAQ
Do I have to complete the NDRC Pre-Accelerator before applying to the Accelerator?
No, the Pre-Accelerator is not a prerequisite for the NDRC Accelerator, but it does prepare you to have a competitive application.
What is the application process like?
Application and selection for an offer to participate in the NDRC Accelerator is competitive and assessed through your online application and a follow-up video interview for shortlisted applicants.
When will I hear back about my application?
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview within 3 weeks of the applications closing; final selection notifications will be sent within four weeks from the application closing date.
Will we get feedback on our application if we’re not selected?
We will notify unsuccessful applicants via email to let them know that they will not be offered a spot in the next Accelerator cohort and will include details, such as application dates, on how to re-apply for a later cohort. These emails will not include personalised feedback on your application, but in the event that your application is not successful because we feel you are too early in your journey, we may refer you to take part in the next NDRC Pre-Accelerator programme.
Do we get the full €100k at the start of the programme?
The €100k will be divided into two installments of €50k. You will receive the first €50k at the beginning of the programme, and the second €50k upon completion of your accelerator goal (set at the outset of the programme). It is the full intention of NDRC to invest €100k in each accelerator startup.
How is the Accelerator delivered?
Our accelerator operates in a hybrid fashion.
We ask startups to be on-site at Dogpatch Labs in Dublin for 3 “core” weeks throughout the programme.
The rest of the programme is facilitated fully virtually allowing founders to be anywhere they wish.
Can/should non-Irish startups apply?
Yes, we do work with international startups that have a strong intent to relocate to or incorporate in Ireland. We also consider companies that are not Irish but headquartered and controlled in Ireland. This generally means that one or more of the founders live in (or are moving to) Ireland and that key business functions have their worldwide HQ here.
Have a question that isn’t answered here?
No problem, reach out to us at programmes@ndrc.ie.