Skip to content
Logo_white_Start2 Group
BMWE_logo_english
StartupGermany_Logo-color-no-bg
GA_Logo_2-to-1_Ratio

Bring the benefits of SXSW to you: Prepare for your experience in Austin

Join our workshops at no cost and make
the trade fair a success!

Getting the Most Out of Your Trip to Austin

Maximize Your SXSW Experience in Austin

Heading to SXSW in Austin to connect with potential partners, customers, investors, and collaborators? In a vibrant ecosystem bringing together thousands of founders, creatives, technologists, and industry leaders from around the world, do you have a clear strategy to identify and engage with the right stakeholders for your company? And once those first conversations happen, what is your concrete plan to turn introductions into lasting opportunities?

As SXSW approaches, you may be wondering how to best prepare to stand out in this fast-paced, high-energy environment.

German Accelerator is offering a series of preparation workshops designed for startups and scaleups attending SXSW. You’ll gain practical insights, proven tools, and expert mentorship to sharpen your storytelling for diverse audiences, and refine your pitch for partners, customers, and investors alike. Learn how to communicate your value clearly, build meaningful connections, and make the most of SXSW’s unique blend of technology, business, and culture.

As part of the program, participants will also gain exclusive access to key players in the Austin ecosystem, including a VIP visit to Capital Factory, the city’s leading startup hub and investor network.

The best part? These workshops are completely free. Ready to navigate SXSW with clarity, confidence, and purpose in the heart of Austin?

The offering is part the "Startup Germany"-initiative.

justin-wallace-cB_LQ6NGkq4-unsplash

Workshops Details

  • Cost: FREE for German Startups
  • Date: Multiple dates available between Feb 18 – Mar 5 , 2026 . Select your preferred date during the signup process. 

Sign Up and Join Our Workshops 

GA-Icon-Startup

Elevator Pitch Prep

Founders will refine a clear, compelling elevator pitch that quickly communicates their value proposition, target customer, and traction to U.S. investors, partners, and operators at SXSW.

Online Session: 90 min 

GA-Icon-Partner-Collaboration-Support

Networking Basics

This session covers how to approach conversations with confidence, build authentic relationships, and follow up effectively to turn brief SXSW interactions into real opportunities.

Online Session: 90 min 

GA-Icon-Unicorn

Conference Prep

Founders will learn how to strategically plan their SXSW experience, prioritize the right events and people, and maximize energy, time, and outcomes during a fast-paced conference

Online Session: 90 min 

GA-Icon-Pin-Location

The German Haus

In this session, we provide a comprehensive deep dive into Germany’s official presence at SXSW 2026. As competition for attention in Austin grows, the German Haus serves as your premier strategic anchor and launchpad for international success. This session is hosted by de:hub.

Online Session: 90 min 

GA-Icon-Magnifier

Tour: Capital Factory

Get exclusive access to Capital Factory, Austin’s leading startup hub and a key gateway to the Texas innovation ecosystem. This tour offers firsthand insights into how founders connect with investors, corporates, and mentors in the U.S. market

In-Person Session: 60 min 

OUR EXPERTS

Who You'll Learn From

Maura

Maura Theriault
GTM Advisor, Disputed

Nick_Sramek

Nick Sramek
Startup advisor | Innovation strategist

Dina Chaffetz

Dina Chaiffetz
Founder | Product Leader | Startup Advisor & Mentor

Daniel Kriebel_Headshot

Daniel Kriebel
Lead Ecosystems – Hub Agency of the de:hub Initiative

Our Alumni
220px-Celonis_Logo
66e2c2005422e16ad4b927a5_Caresyntax_Logo-p-500
66e2c200b50179b184eaa03c_Staffbase_Logo-p-500
66e2c2001e069c27ba0a06cb_Signavio_Logo
66e2c279c2e6b751afe1ebc7_forto-p-500
66e2c2006c3e8a662fb9654a_Kinexon_Logo-p-500
66e2c200ed41fac1f211dc1c_LexaTexer_Logo
66e2c1ff4b25ba70add9e30c_Raisin_Logo
GA_Logo_2-to-1_Ratio

ABOUT US

How We Empower Startups

German Accelerator helps German startups expand internationally to the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Through tailored programs, intensive workshops, and access to a global network of mentors and VCs, participants experience rapid growth.

Since 2012, more than 1,200 startups, including Celonis, Airup, and Kinexon, have completed our programs, collectively raising over $16.2 billion in funding.

German Accelerator is a program of the BMWE (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) .

Here's What Our Alumni Say About Us

Our biggest takeaway from German Accelerator was learning how to communicate effectively in the U.S. Pitches are different, expectations for presentation style are different, and we gained valuable insights that helped us improve significantly.

Jan_Bergerhoff

Jan Bergerhoff
Co-Founder of CASE

German Accelerator gave us invaluable insights into pitching in the U.S., which is very different from pitching in Germany. We learned a lot and are truly grateful for the experience.

Dr._Michaela_Hagemann

Dr. Michaela Hagemann
Founder & CEO of das boep

It was a useful preparation for expanding into another market. We appreciate that the mentoring sessions are really tailored to our our needs and wishes.

Frame 2355

Jana Schellong & Mihri Minaz
Co-Founders of beams

Get Ready for Your Next Conference