1. Strong Teams: They bring together complementary skills, relevant experience, and a clear plan to fill any gaps in their team with advisors, mentors, or new hires.
2. Customer Validation: They’ve demonstrated a deep understanding of their target audience through interviews, surveys, or early market engagement, and have clear evidence of interest or traction, such as pilot customers or early adopters.
3. Tangible Progress: They have something concrete to showcase, like a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), prototype, or pilot, and can demonstrate how customer feedback has guided improvements.
4. Clear Market and Business Model: They know how to reach their customers and have a realistic strategy for generating and sustaining revenue.

Refer to the official VIP-X application for more details on what we're looking for in ventures.

The VIP-X Accelerator is an intensive 3.5-month program designed to provide a comprehensive, supportive environment for high-potential ventures. By setting clear milestones, offering personalized guidance, and fostering a collaborative community, we aim to equip founders with the tools and resources needed for sustained growth and success. Notable VIP-X alumni include Neuroflow, Avisi, AAVRANI, Clove, Strella, MDAlly, and others.

To make the most of VIP-X, participants are required to attend all bi-weekly in-person group sessions, typically held on Fridays from 9 AM to 11 AM. However, Fridays are designed as a full-day opportunity for learning, networking, and execution, offering 1:1 advising sessions, collaboration with peer founders in the ecosystem, and valuable networking with seasoned experts in the field.

PROGRAM DATES
Decisions & Onboarding	January 20 - January 24
Orientation & Welcome Mixer	Friday, January 31, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM**
Session 1	Friday, February 7, 9 AM - 11 AM
Session 2	Friday, February 21, 9 AM - 11 AM
Session 3	Friday, March 7, 9 AM - 11 AM
Session 4	Friday, March 21, 9 AM - 11 AM
Session 5	Friday, April 4, 9 AM - 11 AM
Session 6	Friday, April 18, 9 AM - 11 AM
Wrap Up/  Capstone Session	Friday, April 25, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM**

1. Program Kickoff: Orientation & Welcome Mixer. Launch your VIP-X journey with a kickoff event where you’ll meet fellow founders, advisors, and program leaders. 

2. 1:1 Advisor Sessions: Setting Goals and Driving Progress. Collaborate with a dedicated advisor to establish clear milestones and actionable goals that will serve as your personalized roadmap throughout the program. Through bi-weekly one-on-one check-ins, your advisor will help you track progress, refine strategies, and tackle challenges, ensuring you stay focused and achieve measurable growth for your venture.

3. Founder Circles: Bi-Weekly Cohort Meetings. Share wins, tackle challenges, and receive actionable feedback. Founder Circles are designed to harness the collective knowledge and networks of the group, helping you break through obstacles and advance your venture.

4. Expert Insights: Bi-Weekly Sessions with Industry Leaders. Dive into key topics like Product Development, Customer Discovery, and Sales during sessions led by seasoned experts. Refine your ideas with guidance from top minds in the field.

5. Peer Power: Building Your Support Network. Become part of a tight-knit community of ambitious founders. Share ideas, exchange feedback, and build lifelong connections with peers who understand the journey of entrepreneurship.

6. Funding for Your Growth. Earn up to $10,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, distributed based on your engagement, progress, and attendance. These resources are designed to fuel your venture's growth and development.
   
7. Capstone Celebration. End your VIP-X experience with a celebratory Capstone Session. Reflect on your journey, share accomplishments, and prepare for the next phase of your entrepreneurial success.

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.

When apps open, click the "Apply Now" button on https://venturelab.upenn.edu/vip-x. Review and complete application requirements, and submit your application by the deadline.

What is the selection process? How many spots are available in a cohort?

Applications will be reviewed, and a select number of strong applicants will be invited to interview. The interviews are designed to be evaluative and also provide founders with feedback and coaching. Up to 7 ventures will be invited to join each cohort for our Fall and Spring cycles.

When and where does the VIP-X program take place?

The program will take place at Tangen Hall. Cohort meetings will take place biweekly (refer to schedule). Founders will coordinate with their advisors to schedule one-on-one advising appointments. Accepted participants will receive detailed session information upon entry into the program.


Who are the advisors of the program?

VIP-X participants benefit from direct access to experienced advisors Jeffrey Babin, John Ondik, and Tyler Wry as well as a roster of entrepreneurs and industry experts, all of whom bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.

What topics will be covered during the program?

Experts will lead workshops on a range of topics including: Product Development, Customer Discovery, Sales, Marketing, Financials, Fundraising, Team & Culture, Legal Aspects, Accounting, Venture Communication, Pitch Deck development, and more.

Is the program focused on any thematic verticals?

VIP-X is open to ventures across various industries, including social and non-profit ventures.

What is the time commitment?

Participants are expected to commit to at least 2 hours per week (between biweekly cohort meetings and one-on-ones with advisors). Founders should be working on their ventures asynchronously week-to-week. There is an attendance policy, and having more than one unexcused absence will result in removal from the program. Sessions are not recorded.

Can my whole team participate in the program?

Absolutely! We encourage full team participation (including co-founders or team members who are not affiliated with Penn) to maximize the program's impact on your venture's growth. We believe that this fosters a collaborative learning environment and strengthens the support network. The lead applicant, however, must be an active Penn student.

Who can apply to the VIP-X program?

The team lead/lead applicant must be a currently enrolled, Philadelphia-based Penn student in a degree-granting program who has a high-potential venture and has successfully completed market validation, established product-market fit, and developed solid business models. We are not accepting applications from alumni. *Refer to eligibility section*

Where do I have to be located to be eligible to apply?

The team must be based in Philadelphia during their time in the accelerator. The lead applicant has to be present and participate in person for the duration of the program. Other co-founders and team members can participate remotely (this includes co-founders who are not current students at Penn).

Can only the lead applicant attend the program and interview in person if other co-founders are not local?

Yes, as long as the lead applicant commits to attending all sessions and the interview in person, it is acceptable. Other co-founders do not need to be local or attend in person.

What are the terms of agreement to participate in this program?

You can review and agree to the terms and conditions directly in the application.