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Govtech Accelerator
According to Startupblink's annual report on the startup ecosystem 2023, there are currently more than 2,700 accelerator programs worldwide, of which around 80 are in Spain.
The concept of Accelerator, also known as seed accelerator or business accelerator, arises to provide support and resources to entrepreneurs with products that have a certain path or validation in the market, but require an external boost. The main focus of most of them is to provide funding, mentoring and a network of contacts that can turn these projects into sustainable businesses. These actors are key to driving the creation and growth of start-ups.
This phenomenon emerged in 2005 in Silicon Valley with “Y Combinator” (a benchmark accelerator in the USA) and has been spreading over the years and countries with success stories such as Airbnb, Stripe or, in Spain, Zeleros.
The role of accelerators in the govtech entrepreneurship ecosystem
In a world that is increasingly digitized and whose society is facing new challenges, the public sector can benefit from the incorporation of innovative solutions from less traditional providers such as govtech startups: emerging companies with digital products that can solve these challenges in areas as fundamental as the provision of public services, internal efficiency or democratic quality.
However, the public sector is still not systematically integrating these types of solutions into its services. As we have discussed in previous articles, there are numerous barriers. One important limitation is that many startups with products relevant to the public sector do not know the public administrations or do not know how to approach them. In addition, there are hardly any acceleration programs specialized in this area.
In this article we define the different actors that are part of a govtech ecosystem and the importance of fostering dynamics among them for the effective articulation of this space. Accelerators are a key player in fostering the supply of startups. Outside Spain we find inspiring examples such as Brazil Lab or PUBLIC's AWS Defence Accelerator in the UK. These initiatives have been key to boosting govtech innovation in their territory and generating a positive impact on society.
Therefore, we can announce that Gobe has just launched Gobe Ventures, the first govtech accelerator in Spain to support startups to:
- Develop a Business to Government (B2G) strategy.
- Define the sales process and commercial strategy aimed at the public sector.
- prepare to win public tenders competitively.
Why is it so important to bet on the acceleration of govtech startups?
Stimulation of the business fabric and economic momentum
The public sector represents a significant part of the economy, so by encouraging the participation of new types of digital suppliers in the public sector, companies find new business opportunities. This allows investment to be stimulated and the market to be energized, fostering innovative capacity and at the same time generating employment.
According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), startups are responsible for the creation of a significant proportion of net employment in many countries. For example, in the United States, startups created approximately 2.5% of net jobs between 2005 and 2015.Improving administrative efficiency and public services and cost savings.
Improved administrative efficiency and public services and cost savings
By relying on specialized digital providers, administrations can access innovative technologies that automate tasks, improve data management, streamline procedures and optimize decision making, thus reducing bureaucracy and costs, increasing transparency and providing a more efficient and accessible public service to citizens. This reduces bureaucracy and costs, increases transparency and provides a more efficient and accessible public service to citizens.
In this context, the Govtech Acceleration Program of Gobe Ventures is a commitment to provide maximum value by enhancing the govtech space from the supply of digital suppliers and thus encourage the hiring of startups, scaleups and digital SMEs by public institutions.
Through this 8-week program that combines face-to-face sessions, teamwork and continuous support from specialist mentors in each training module, we offer startups a unique environment where they can learn, grow and have a significant impact on the challenges faced by the public sector.
Why apply to the Govtech Acceleration Program?
First of all, it is free of charge and does not involve any equity transfer. For Gobe Ventures it is important to demonstrate that with the right guidance and the experience of more than five years working in the digital transformation of the public sector can generate a very high value to startups to achieve their business objectives with public administrations.
Second, it is focused on creating market opportunities: The program is focused on helping startups to validate and optimize the B2G business model in Spain. We understand the specific challenges and needs of the public sector, providing startups with the tools and knowledge to address them effectively.
Third, connections and visibility: Startups will have the opportunity to expand their connections and increase their visibility in the ecosystem. Our network of experts in government, public administrations and other companies with success stories will provide them with the opportunity to establish valuable relationships, strategic collaborations and potential business opportunities.
Finally, we recognize that success in the public sector requires a specific approach in terms of business, product and way of working. Therefore, the program is designed to help startups improve their capabilities and adapt to the realities of the public sector. Through customized sessions with experts in public procurement, the program is designed to help startups improve their capabilities and adapt to the realities of the public sector.
If you are a startup, scaleup or digital SME with a validated product that can fit in the public sector, you are a consolidated international startup in the B2G sector and want to softland in the Spanish market or you are opening a new B2G business line and want to know how are the decision and hiring processes, do not miss this opportunity and register at this link! : https://opengobe.com/aceleradora
