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.

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
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
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
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
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
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 Theriault
GTM Advisor, Disputed
Nick Sramek
Startup advisor | Innovation strategist
Dina Chaiffetz
Founder | Product Leader | Startup Advisor & Mentor
Daniel Kriebel
Lead Ecosystems – Hub Agency of the de:hub Initiative
Our Alumni

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.
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.
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.


