Driven by Freepoint Commodities, a leading global commodities merchant, to fuel innovation in the energy and commodities industries.
Freepoint’s team of industry professionals bring real-world experience, having built and grown a global business in less than a decade. Now, we are looking to invest in your success.
We are assembling world-class teams, partnering them with our expert venture builders, and empowering them with a new program to kickstart their companies.
*See FAQ for full details
Application
Submission
Feb-Mar 2020
Participant
Selections
Apr 2020
12 Week Program
Jun-Aug 2020
Alumni Network & Continued Support
Sep 2020+
Click here and fill out our application. Questions? We’re happy to help. Contact us at info@pointforwardaccel.com
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:
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.
At PointForward you will collaborate with some of the world’s most experienced and successful energy and commodities professionals. In addition, you will work with educators from leading institutions and outside business and venture capital experts.
The Summer 2020 program will be hosted in a dedicated space at our global headquarters in Stamford, CT, just 40 minutes from New York City.
The accelerator space will be designed for maximum productivity, with all the perks including state-of-the-art connectivity, collaborative workspaces, private breakout rooms, well-stocked kitchen facilities, and free daily catered lunches.
Stamford, CT, provides easy access to New York City and all that it has to offer. Many Freepoint employees live in Manhattan and take the train to Stamford, where they are met by a company shuttle for the quick one-mile ride to the office.
As host to several Fortune 500 companies, Stamford has one of the highest concentrations of corporations in the US. It is the largest financial district in the New York metropolitan region outside of New York City, making it a thriving business and innovation hub.
Stamford has many public beaches along the coast of Long Island Sound, offering opportunities to engage in water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and boating. It also boasts parks and hiking trails.
Stamford offers numerous art, science and cultural attractions including museums, theaters, art galleries, and high-quality performances organized year-round by local acting companies.
Stamford has a vibrant food scene with many highly-rated restaurants that feature everything from local comfort food to global cuisine.
Frequent trains provide easy access to New York City. Visitors can enjoy all of New York’s major tourist attractions and museums. In addition, Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, and Citi Field are each about 30 miles away. Nearby airports include Westchester (12 miles), LaGuardia (30 miles) and JFK (38 miles).
Located 30 minutes from Stamford, Westport has long been a leading patron of the arts. The historic Westport Country Playhouse presents a full roster of shows each summer, and the Levitt Pavilion offers 50 nights of free outdoor entertainment. Modern waterfront mansions stand alongside buildings dating back to Colonial times. Westport’s seafront offers some of the finest beaches along Long Island Sound.
New Canaan is a short drive from Stamford and offers world-class shopping in its quaint downtown. It is also a major center of modern architecture and design—home to the famous Harvard Five architectural creations including the Philip Johnson Glass House and the Landis Gores House. New Canaan also offers several parks, including the New Canaan Nature Center and Grace Farms.
Application Window Opens February 2020
Questions? Contact us at info@pointforwardaccel.com