<aside> <img src="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/58c840cd-c2be-40c4-979e-3d13c00931d2/RE_Icons_Small_Black_ArrowRight.png" alt="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/58c840cd-c2be-40c4-979e-3d13c00931d2/RE_Icons_Small_Black_ArrowRight.png" width="40px" /> RESPOND is the first accelerator that pushes for the transformation towards a regenerative economy and promotes responsible leadership. It is a BMW Foundation program, operated together with UnternehmerTUM that is led out of Munich, Germany.
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The BMW Foundation promotes responsible leadership and inspires leaders worldwide to work towards a peaceful, just, and regenerative future. The BMW Foundation convenes leaders from diverse sectors in various leadership formats to reflect on their roles, responsibilities, and values. It catalyzes organizations, communities, and movements with its Responsible Leaders Network, a global community that drives systems change. Through its programs, the BMW Foundation aims to lead by example: by investing, amplifying, and supporting the implementation of innovative solutions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Next to its focus on Sustainable Innovation through RESPOND, the BMW Foundation drives a strong programmatic agenda specifically in the realm of Resilient, Intelligent, Sustainable and Equitable Cities (RISE) and Sustainable Finance. The BMW Foundation is also an active Impact Investor. Initiated by the BMW Foundation, RESPOND is deeply connected to the Foundation’s mission of inspiring responsible leadership, its global Responsible Leaders Network and its various programs.
BMW Foundation’s RESPOND program offer a unique accelerator program that also encompasses a thriving ecosystem of trailblazers collaborating on projects, reports, and new approaches on how to speed up the sustainable transformation. We work towards a systemic transformation through the accelerator program as well as the areas of Insights and Community.
| ACCELERATOR | INSIGHTS | COMMUNITY |
|---|---|---|
| We support founders through coaching and mentoring, leadership development, our global network and brand visibility. |
Out of 5.000+ screened ventures and 1.000+ applications, 30 startups from 13 countries and across five continents were selected for the RESPOND Accelerator program so far. | We have published two tech-for-good reports together with Sifted covering the international impact-tech space.
In 2022, we worked with SYSTEMIQ and Circle Economy to explore regenerative business in a series of workshops and will carry the discussion forth to COP27. | Over the past three years, RESPOND has crafted a community of leaders across sectors and partnerships with internationally recognized organizations such as the Obama Foundation, MIT, various VCs and investment firms and other change agents.
Meet us at global conferences such as Bits&Pretzels, WEF, COP27, Falling Walls, Slush and others. |
UnternehmerTUM offers founders and startups a complete service, from developing the initial idea to registering intellectual property. A team of experienced entrepreneurs, scientists and managers support founders with the development of their products, services, and business models. The experts provide them with personal guidance on building up their companies, market-entry, and financing – including via Venture Capital.
The RESPOND accelerator program is backed by the whole UnternehmerTUM ecosystem, and benefits from the expertise and network of its tech startup accelerator program, TechFounders.
