Bonnier Seeks Digital Stars

For the second year in a row, Bonnier Accelerator is open for applications. The program offers the chance to spend three months developing a digital business idea together with Scandinavia’s leading media company, with no equity required.

“Anyone can apply, but it helps if you’ve already started with your product or service,” says Elisabeth Palombo, who is responsible for the program. “When we invest in a startup it’s a long-term commitment, so the three months are also a way for us to get to know better the team behind a business idea.”

The deadline for applying is May 2. After that, a jury* will choose the best candidates to move into the Bonnier offices in September. They will then have three months to turn their ideas into reality. Bonnier provides office space, a mentor, a development program tailored to the needs of the participants, as well as access to the network and competence of a media group active in 15 countries with 9,000 employees.

In December, participants will pitch their businesses again to the jury, and Bonnier will decide whether to invest or not, with the particulars negotiated between the participants and Bonnier.

“We’re looking for tomorrow’s digital stars, who together with Bonnier can transform their business ideas into high-growth companies,” says Ulrika Saxon, CEO for Bonnier Growth Media and chairman of the Accelerator jury.

Adrian Swartz, CEO for Cruitway and a 2013 alum of the program, says: “We had already founded the company under the name Studentlänken when we applied. During the program we rebranded the whole company to Cruitway as it is today. We accelerated the sales at a crazy speed, redefined the business model, prepared for investment pitch and mapped out a quite solid three year plan.” Today Cruitway has over 400 customers, including Ikea, H&M, ABB and the Government Offices of Sweden.

For more information: Elisabeth Palombo, program manager, Bonnier Accelerator,
tel. +46 (0)8 736 41 33 accelerator@bonnier.com.

Bonnier Accelerator Facts: Bonnier Accelerator is a three-month program. The focus is on digital media ideas. The goal is to take the idea to the next level or to the market. Deadline for applications is May 2. Apply at www.bonnieraccelerator.com. The jury will announce the participants in June. The entrepreneurial stars move into the Bonnier offices in September. Participants in Bonnier Accelerator own their ideas until they come to a mutual agreement together with Bonnier.

*Jury for Bonnier Accelerator:
Ulrika Saxon, Chairman
Casten Almqvist, CEO, TV4
Tyler Crowley, STHLM TECH Meetup
Anders Eriksson, CEO, Bonnier Business Press
Thomas Franzén, CEO, Bonnier AB Gunilla Herlitz CEO, Dagens Nyheter
Elisabeth Palombo, VP for Talent Management, Bonnier AB