Program
Program
Desai is a professional business accelerator open to early-stage startups with at least one founder who is a graduate of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Our programming unites entrepreneurs who want to tap into Michigan’s vast network and resources, including those in Ann Arbor's rich entrepreneurial community and the world-class University of Michigan ecosystem. Through participating in our seven month program (timeline below), startups receive funding, tailored mentorship opportunities, national visibility, and other resources that help them achieve successful sustainability.
Resources
The Desai Accelerator provides key resources to support early-stage startup development:
FUNDING
We provide founder-friendly seed funding in the form of a convertible note.
MENTORSHIP
Startups receive guidance from entrepreneurs, industry experts, community leaders, faculty, and one of the largest alumni networks in the world.
STAFF
Skilled University of Michigan student interns work on team projects during the duration of the program.
PERKS
Receive national and community resources such as AWS cloud credits, legal advice, access to marketing platforms, and more.
Desai is a professional business accelerator open to early-stage startups with at least one founder who is a graduate of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Our programming unites entrepreneurs who want to tap into Michigan’s vast network and resources, including those in Ann Arbor's rich entrepreneurial community and the world-class University of Michigan ecosystem. Through participating in our eight month program (timeline below), startups receive funding, tailored mentorship opportunities, national visibility, and other resources that help them achieve successful sustainability.
Resources
The Desai Accelerator provides key resources to support early-stage startup development:
FUNDING
We provide founder-friendly seed funding in the form of a convertible note.
MENTORSHIP
Startups receive guidance from entrepreneurs, industry experts, community leaders, faculty, and one of the largest alumni networks in the world.
STAFF
Skilled University of Michigan student interns work on team projects during the duration of the program.
PERKS
Receive national and community resources such as AWS cloud credits, legal advice, access to marketing platforms, and more. As members of the Global Accelerator Network, we can provide access to over $500,000 in perks for your business.
MAY
KICKOFF WEEK
This week-long, in-person jump start will help you make deep connections with cohort peers, interns, and Desai staff. We'll set intentions and goals for the year ahead during an outdoors offsite retreat.
JUNE – AUGUST
RAPID MOMENTUM
Founders begin meeting with lead mentors and work towards key milestones with Desai interns who are focused on completing meaningful deliverables.
JUNE – OCTOBER
STRATEGY & TACTICS PROGRAM
A team of experts teaches founders the ins and outs of growing a scalable, sustainable businesses using practical frameworks and candid advice. Curriculum includes operations, accounting, revenue generation, founder wellness, and time management.
NOVEMBER
PITCH EVENTS
Investor meetings and Demo Day activities, intimate pitch events
DECEMBER
CAPITALIZATION PROGRAM
Curriculum prepares founders to prepare financial and stakeholder reports, pitch their business to investors, and understand traditional and alternative funding vehicles.
MAY 17 – MAY 28
BOOT CAMP
This two-week jump start will help you make deep connections with cohort peers, interns, and Desai staff. We'll set intentions and goals for the year ahead during an outdoors offsite retreat.
JUNE – AUGUST
RAPID MOMENTUM
Founders begin meeting with lead mentors and work towards key milestones with Desai interns who are focused on completing meaningful deliverables.
JUNE – OCTOBER
STRATEGY & TACTICS PROGRAM
A team of experts teaches founders the ins and outs of growing a scalable, sustainable businesses using practical frameworks and candid advice. Curriculum includes operations, accounting, revenue generation, founder wellness, and time management.
NOVEMBER
FUNDRAISING PROGRAM
Curriculum prepares founders to prepare financial and stakeholder reports, pitch their business to investors, and understand traditional and alternative funding vehicles.
DECEMBER
PITCH EVENTS
Investor meetings and Demo Day activities, intimate pitch events
JOIN A THRIVING ANN ARBOR STARTUP COMMUNITY
Recognized as one of the most vibrant cities in the midwest, Ann Arbor is also home to one of the fastest growing startup hubs in the nation, which includes the Desai Accelerator. Surrounded by its very own University of Michigan and various technology frontrunners, Ann Arbor is the perfect location to grow a tech startup.
JOIN THE ANN ARBOR STARTUP COMMUNITY
Recognized as one of the most vibrant cities in the midwest, Ann Arbor is also home to one of the fastest growing startup hubs in the nation, which includes the Desai Accelerator. Surrounded by its very own University of Michigan and various technology frontrunners, Ann Arbor is the perfect location to grow a tech startup.
Want More?
We open applications every winter before our summer program. If you'd like to know when applications open, enter your email address and we'll make sure you know before anyone else.
Want More?
We open applications every spring and fall before our summer and winter programs. If you'd like to know when applications open, enter your email address and we'll make sure you know before anyone else.
ALEX TUCCIO
FOUNDER & CEO OF SCOUTDAY
"Towards the end of 2016, ScoutDay had one of those "near death experiences" entrepreneurs often face. We were out of money, the team had fallen apart, and it seemed we had no direction. The Desai Accelerator gave us a chance to be surrounded by incredible mentors and resources, as well as the necessary capital to jumpstart our business."
ALEX TUCCIO
FOUNDER AND CEO, SCOUTDAY
"Towards the end of 2016, ScoutDay had one of those "near death experiences" entrepreneurs often face. We were out of money, the team had fallen apart, and it seemed we had no direction. The Desai Accelerator gave us a chance to be surrounded by incredible mentors and resources, as well as the necessary capital to jumpstart our business."
