If you’re a founder of an early stage startup in the energy or commodities space, we want to hear from you! The companies we are looking for can be in any area of the space, but generally we are looking for companies that can achieve high growth and scale. We are particularly interested in startups where our network of industry contacts (including potential investors and customers) can provide key leverage to your company.

As entrepreneurs ourselves in the energy and commodities industries, we recognize the importance of innovation and staying at the forefront of change. Now that we’ve grown, we’re able to use our global footprint to understand the technology trends and business challenges that could impact the industry, and we’re excited to leverage our knowledge and network by working with the most innovative startup teams. With PointForward, we’re investing to support the next generation of companies that are developing new solutions to the challenges of the energy and commodities industries.

Program participants will receive:

• Up to $100k investment* for a 7% equity stake (*dependent on the stage of your company)
  (We may also extend a $100k convertible note/SAFE to companies that complete the Program)
  (We will have the pro rata right to invest in future rounds)
• 12 week on-site Accelerator Program in Summer 2020
• On-site mentorship from Freepoint professionals and other leading industry experts
• State-of-the-art office space at Freepoint’s global headquarters in Stamford, CT (40 minutes from NYC)
• A dedicated Academic Director who will work closely with participants and support their progress
• Weekly speaker series featuring success stories, best practices, and “lessons learned”
• Demo Day, with opportunity to pitch to VC firms and potential investors in New York City, with additional opportunities in our Houston and global offices
• Benefits and discounts on key startup services
• Legal, accounting and marketing advice, technical assistance, and business skills development
• Assistance from one of our summer interns assigned to your team
• Free usage of the Materials Characterization Lab at nearby Fairfield University
• Access to Freepoint’s global network of industry contacts for business development and fundraising
• Ability to leverage Freepoint’s deep expertise in the physical and financial aspects of the energy and commodities industries
• Continued support and a growing alumni network
• A well-stocked kitchen, great coffee and free lunches!

• You will have access to some of the most creative and successful energy and commodities professionals in the world.
• We know what it takes to run a business because – unlike other accelerators whose main focus is investing – we actually run a business.
• We also know what it means to be a startup because – less than a decade ago – we were a startup.
• With major offices in Stamford, Houston, London, Singapore and Shanghai, we understand global markets.
• We have contacts at thousands of energy and commodity companies, providing unparalleled access to your potential customers. Leverage our network to accelerate your growth!
• Our success is attributable to our entrepreneurial spirit and our ability to be fast, lean and nimble—traits that will be essential to your business.

We are looking for people as much as we are looking for ideas. We seek people who have a passion for innovation in the energy and commodities industries and the drive to get things done. We are particularly interested in startups and founders who possess unique value propositions for the industry, knowledge or experience in key areas, and companies that can benefit by leveraging our network of contacts.

There is no defined “too early” or “too late.” We are looking for early-stage companies who are beyond incubator-stage and now seek to get to the next level. You should have a good business plan and a committed team. Generally, companies should be more than just an idea and founders should be committed and full-time.

Yes, but you will need to obtain eligibility to be in the US for the duration of the Program. We ask that key team members be present to get the maximum impact and benefit from our Program.

No. Venture firms who see many early-stage ideas do not execute NDAs. However, we will adhere to our established practices to protect the confidentiality of your information.

Key members of your team should be on site for the full 12 weeks. This helps establish a vibrant community of startup founders. However, the entire team does not have to be here, and different founders can rotate between here and your home location.

Yes.

Yes.

We expect 3 to 6 teams. Of course, it all depends on the quality of applicants.

Applications for the Program will open in February 2020. Submissions will continue through March, and accepted companies will begin to be announced in April. The 12-week Program will begin in June 2020. Demo Day will be in New York City in early September. Additional Demo Days may be set up in Houston or our other worldwide locations where it is deemed beneficial to bring companies and strategic investors together locally.