SkyDeck Europe, Milano | FAQ

 

Why Apply

 

Why should I join SkyDeck Europe?

Startups that would like to take advantage of participating in a world-class tech accelerator that is Berkeley SkyDeck, but do so without having to move to the U.S. for six months, can access the benefits of Berkeley SkyDeck if selected to participate in the SkyDeck Europe.

 

What industries is SkyDeck Europe focused on?

The SkyDeck Europe program is industry agnostic. We are open to startups across all industries.  

 

How is SkyDeck Europe different from Berkeley SkyDeck? 

SkyDeck Europe is best suited for startups that are interested in establishing, developing, or expanding their business and network in Europe. Berkeley SkyDeck is best suited for startups that are interested in establishing, developing, or expanding their business to customers and venture capital firms in the United States.

 

Eligibility

 

Who can apply to SkyDeck Europe?

SkyDeck Europe is industry-agnostic and accepts applications from companies across all industries and from anywhere in the world. The SkyDeck Europe program is for anyone looking to benefit from Silicon Valley expertise while focusing on growth and opportunities in Europe. 

 

Can I apply to both programs?

Yes, you can apply to both programs through the same application. Simply check the box for the program you are interested in joining. (Check both if you are interested in applying to both programs)

 

Investment

 

Are the investment terms identical across the two programs?

No, there will be similarities across the two, but the two funds are managed separately. This means differences in investment thesis, selection criteria, and investment terms.

• To learn more about the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, please visit here. 
• Details about the funding from SkyDeck Europe will be soon available.

 

How much investment will a startup receive if selected to join SkyDeck Europe?

Details are pending, please check back at a later date.

 

What’s the best program for fundraising, Berkeley or Milano? 

Both programs can be helpful for fundraising. While many investors are open to opportunities around the globe, most still have a geographic area of emphasis. SkyDeck Europe has developed an ecosystem of European investors, while Berkeley SkyDeck has developed a network of US investors.

 

So, how do I choose between Berkeley or Milano? 

Founders choose Berkeley SkyDeck when they are interested in establishing a strong presence in the US, going to market with US customers, and raising money from US investors. Startups who chose SkyDeck Europe, tend to want to stay in the European market, access European customers, and want to raise money from European investors.

 

Program

 

What is the difference between Berkeley SkyDeck and SkyDeck Europe?

The SkyDeck Europe accelerator will consist of 3 months of virtual programming focused on accelerating every aspect of your business, followed by 3 months of in-person programming hosted by Cariplo Factory which will focus on further connecting you with the EU investor and corporate ecosystem with the goal of running pilots, establishing POCs, developing MVPs, and/or raising investment. The Berkeley SkyDeck accelerator will consist of 6 months of in-person programming which will cover the same aforementioned elements of the EU accelerator, but with a focus on the US market. 

 

Can I participate in both programs?

Yes, but not at the same time.

 

Do I have to move to SkyDeck Europe to attend the program? 

For the first three months of the program, startups will participate remotely in programming and workshops offered at Berkeley SkyDeck. For the remaining three months, the startups will reside on location at the Cariplo Factory incubator in Milan, Italy.  

 

Will I have access to the same group of advisors in programs?

There will be a great deal of overlap in advisors between the two accelerators as all Berkeley SkyDeck advisors are happy to work with founders regardless of their geographic location.