2024-2025 VIP-X/PHL

August 25, 2024 at 11:59pm - 11:59pm
Philadelphia
VIP-X in Philadelphia is an intensive 3.5-month educational accelerator tailored for ventures poised for significant growth. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, direct mentorship from industry experts, a robust support network, and personalized guidance to support founders to and through the launch of their venture. Notable VIP-X alumni include Neuroflow, Avisi, AAVRANI, Clove, Strella, MDAlly, and others.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Bi-weekly advising sessions
  • Bi-weekly advanced workshops with industry experts
  • Up to $10,000 in non-dilutive grant funding
  • Build alongside a diverse community of ambitious entrepreneurs in cohort.
  • Opportunity to be paired with a mentor (Mentoring Initiative)
  •  Access to tools, perks, and a vibrant Slack community of alumni founders.

VIP-X PROGRAM DATES

As a reminder, VIP-X/PHL members are required to attend and actively participate in ALL in-person group sessions.The program runs September 19 - December 13 and the cohort typically meets Thursdays 4:30-6:00 PM unless otherwise noted.**
OnboardingSeptember 11 - September 18
Orientation & Welcome MixerThursday, September 19, 4:30 PM - 7 PM**
Session 1Thursday, September 26, 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Session 2Thursday, October 10, 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Session 3Thursday, October 24, 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Session 4Thursday, November 7, 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Session 5Thursday, November 21, 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Session 6Thursday, December 5, 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Final SessionWednesday, December 11,  4:30 PM - 7 PM**

ELIGIBILITY

The team lead (lead applicant) must be a currently enrolled Penn student in a degree-granting program who is developing their own venture. First-semester, first-year undergraduate students and alumni are not eligible to apply. The team must be based in Philadelphia during their time in the accelerator and be able to commit to in-person participation. The business must be legal.

WHO SHOULD APPLY

The VIP Accelerator is designed to support founders who have early-stage ventures with promising potential that have completed rigorous market validation and business model development. Entrepreneurs leading high-potential ventures with a proven commitment to their endeavors. Ideal candidates have successfully navigated market validation, established a robust product-market fit with real customers, and crafted solid business models. Competitive applicants possess the following qualities:

  1. Team. Applicants have well-organized teams with clearly defined roles, actively working to fill knowledge gaps within their respective domains.
  2. Product. Applicants have demonstrated an ability to iterate their prototypes based on customer feedback.
  3. Customer. Applicants have a clearly defined initial target market segment with demonstrated perceived value in an offering large enough to sustain growth. 
  4. Opportunity. Applicants have a clear understanding of the resources and expertise necessary for sustained growth. This includes a strategic vision for scaling the venture beyond its current stage.

VIP-X APP CYCLE
Applications OpenWednesday, July 31st
Application DeadlineSunday, August 25th at 11:59 PM
Interviews - Day 1Wednesday, September 4th, 10 AM - 6 PM
Interviews - Day 2Thursday, September 5th, 12:30 PM - 6 PM

There are three cycles per year: spring, fall, and summer. A venture may participate in VIP-X for only one cycle. After the completion of the three-month membership term, founders exit the program but are encouraged to stay engaged with Venture Lab opportunities. If you are located in the San Francisco/Bay Area, you might be interested in the VIP accelerator there. Please note that participation is exclusive to one accelerator – you cannot engage in both. Evaluate your options accordingly. 

Questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions.

Still have questions? Email venturelab@upenn.edu with “VIP-X/Philadelphia” in the subject line.