WISE GUYS CYBER

Defense AI and cybersecurity-focused acceleration program

Why Cyber Accelerator?

Estonia – a country with a lot of digital and cyber “firsts” is welcoming the best and brightest startups in defense AI, space and cybersecurity to grow and enhance the way we live!

CyberNorth is a dedicated acceleration program to help early stage cybersecurity founders test their business assumptions, speed up growth and conquer the world. Brought to you by Europe’s most experienced B2B accelerator Startup Wise Guys in partnership with Estonian Defence Industry Association, and supported by Ministry of Defence of Republic of Estonia.

We are scouting for cybersecurity, space and defense startups that have initial traction, solid and passionate team with global ambitions!

Equity Investment

30k € cash investment for 9% equity with follow-on possibility up to 250k €

Network

200+ investors and 250+ mentors

Knowledge

Intensive 3 month mentoring program

Office

Free modern co-working space

Program Outline

As of autumn 2020 Startup Wise Guys is launching a new format of acceleration program that is better fit to meet the needs of today’s startups and apart from intensive mentoring offers also implementation time. Program is run with 9 content modules to cover all aspects of accelerating product, company and founders.

Applications Open

Startups can apply online and catch the Wise Guys Cyber team for a chat, office hours and free mentoring at events. Follow our Facebook page for updates on upcoming events.

Selection Bootcamp

Our selection committee, consisting of investors, mentors, and Wise Guys Cyber team, will select up to 25 startups who will be invited for the 3-day Selection Bootcamp.

Program Starts

Setting the Fundamentals

The program begins with clear KPI and goal setting and work on the team itself.

Customer Discovery

A module on the target market and customers follows to find out where to focus the team’s attention.

Product Alignment and Sales Acceleration

First product sprint of the program to answer the big product-related questions.

Market Engineering

A module on defining the startup’s strengths and characteristics that make it distinctive.

Sales and Marketing

Development of marketing and sales strategies as well as pitch upgrade.

(Product) Build

Implementation time of the knowledge gained and for the growth of the business.

Business Development

Business and sales development combined with the second product sprint.

Startups 12 months road map

A module on the future of the startup’s journey within tech, sales, and business.

Fundraising

Fundraising strategy and broad exposure to Business Angels and VCs.

Post-Program Support

After program care

Continued on-demand help will be provided from the Startup Wise Guys team and mentors, as well as a never-ending journey as a part of the Startup Wise Guys alumni community will follow.

Accelerating in Estonia

Did you know that in 2007 Estonia survived a major cyber-attack that almost stopped the country for more than three weeks? The lessons learned clearly have not come easy, but now media all over the world are naming Estonia a cybersecurity hotspot. The country also hosts the headquarters of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. Besides Estonia is also the first country that’s using blockchain on a national level.

The little country of less than 2 million inhabitants has managed to develop one of the most technologically advanced systems of government serving as a role model to many. 99% of its public services are electronic. E-health system has been running for more than a decade, and Estonia was the first country in the world to elect its parliament via e-voting system.

Apart from its well deserved cyber reputation, Estonia is also a true breeding ground of unicorns, think Skype, Transferwise, Taxify. It’s also the birth-place of Startup Wise Guys accelerator. With its convenient on-boarding system for foreign founders – a special Startup Visa and E-residency program – it has become a desired destination for tech talent and startup founders from all over the world.
Join the #EstonianMafia and grow in a tight ecosystem of successful tech founders!

Awesome Mentors

We have a deep network of 250+ mentors ranging from business developers and sales guys to cyber security gurus. They are all practitioners and supporters of our “no bullshit” philosophy! Here are some of our top mentors you will get the chance to meet and learn from at Wise Guys CyberNorth accelerator program.

Kieren Niĉolas Lovell

TalTech Head of CERT, Social Engineer Instructor (King’s and Pembroke, University of Cambridge)

Remi Prunier

Investment Manager, Orange Digital Ventures

Joseph Carson

Chief Security Scientist at Thycotic, Founder and CEO of Wiretrap

Clare Lain

Head of Technical and International Engagement at UK Hydrographic Office

Camelia Isaic

Management Adviser, Strategic Investor Relation and Corporate Finance expert

Maurice McGinley

Director, Customer-Focused Innovation at Avast Software

Tony Anscombe

Industry Partnership Ambassador at ESET

Ralph Echemendia

The Ethical Hacker and CEO at Seguru

And 250 more… Take a look

Team

For most founders accelerator is a life-changing experience and transforms the business beyond any expectations within 3 months! To make that happen you need a kick-ass team. So here they are – some of the people that will keep you on track with KPIs, give constructive feedback and make your stay in Tallinn epic!

Egita Polanska

Managing Director of Wise Guys Cyber

Farid Singh

Program director of Wise Guys Cyber

Andrea Oralndo

Managing Partner – Italy

Cristobal Alonso

El Patron, Global CEO at Startup Wise Guys

Applications Open

With more than 185 startup investments behind our back and a solid team of serial entrepreneurs and passionate mentors – we for sure have what it takes to help you speed up your business and scale internationally! Hit the button below and become a part of Startup Wise Guys family

Apply Now