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
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.**
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:
VIP-X APP CYCLE
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.
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.**
| Onboarding | September 11 - September 18 |
| Orientation & Welcome Mixer | Thursday, September 19, 4:30 PM - 7 PM** |
| Session 1 | Thursday, September 26, 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
| Session 2 | Thursday, October 10, 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
| Session 3 | Thursday, October 24, 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
| Session 4 | Thursday, November 7, 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
| Session 5 | Thursday, November 21, 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
| Session 6 | Thursday, December 5, 4:30 PM - 6 PM |
| Final Session | Wednesday, 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:
- Team. Applicants have well-organized teams with clearly defined roles, actively working to fill knowledge gaps within their respective domains.
- Product. Applicants have demonstrated an ability to iterate their prototypes based on customer feedback.
- Customer. Applicants have a clearly defined initial target market segment with demonstrated perceived value in an offering large enough to sustain growth.
- 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 Open | Wednesday, July 31st |
| Application Deadline | Sunday, August 25th at 11:59 PM |
| Interviews - Day 1 | Wednesday, September 4th, 10 AM - 6 PM |
| Interviews - Day 2 | Thursday, 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.