ACE organized the Venture Lab Humanities Bootcamp week for nine startup teams. 

After a successful pilot in 2017, Venture Lab Humanities ran its first official ACE Bootcamp for startups and entrepreneurs of the UvA Humanities faculty earlier this month. The intensive Bootcamp started on April 9 with 16 participants working on 9 different business concepts. Some were just starting to explore the world of entrepreneurship, others already had some experience running a company. Either way, all participants were excited and motivated to learn what it takes to start a business.

Coached by program lead Robert Meijer – who’s been with ACE as a startup coach from day one – and other mentors and business experts, the teams were trained in subjects such as go-to-market strategy, finances and setting up their team for success. As during the regular ACE Bootcamp, two afternoons were reserved for one-on-one mentoring to provide the teams with tailored feedback and advice.

“Participating in the program was very valuable to us, as we were confronted with new perspectives on our daily work activities. Especially advice from a tax advisor and legal expert helped us to work more efficiently”

Alexandra (founder of European Cultural Academy).

Pitching contest

On the final day, the 9 teams pitched their ideas to an expert jury. They came well-prepared after an afternoon coaching session by Michael Koenka (TedEx). The winning company was MyDigitalWill. Below you will find a list of all participants and their company concepts. Want to know more about one of the companies or get in touch? Please send us an email at office@ace-incubator.nl.

Participants 2018

MyDigitalWill: online service to manage online accounts of loved-ones after they pass
European Cultural Academy: art education in Venice during the Biënnale, for European students
TEENMAG: teenage magazine by YouTuber Thomas Brok
Pisswife Zine: feminist magazine
WOLF Coaching: coaching for entrepreneurs
Joan Redmond Translations: English-Dutch translation office
A Sincere Connection: platform to discuss and prevent mental issues
Native State: natural oils that stimulate or ease the mind
The Damage Gallery: underground museum that is open all night
CitySolutions: interactive games and ‘Thick Data’ to increase joint decision making in organizations and companies

Original post by University of Amsterdam. Link.