Accelerator Program

FAQs

• What is the SE Ventures Accelerator?

  The SE Ventures Accelerator is a highly selective 12-week program for exceptional pre-seed founders in Energy Tech, Industrial Tech, and Enterprise AI. You'll work closely with SE Ventures, Schneider Electric and AVEVA to accelerate your journey to product-market-fit, prepare for seed fundraising, and gain access to Schneider Electric's global ecosystem.
• Who should apply?

  We're looking for exceptional founders building companies in Energy Tech, Industrial Tech, and Enterprise AI especially in the priority areas mentioned above. Pre-seed and pre-revenue companies are welcome.
• Is this a virtual or in-person program?

  The program is primarily virtual with strategic in-person touchpoints designed to maximize community building and networking:

  Virtual Components:

  • Weekly mentorship sessions (flexible scheduling)
  • Regular cohort learning sessions
  • Customer and partner meetings

  In-Person Events:

  • Kick-off event in Menlo Park, California.
  • Demo Day in San Francisco Bay Area (mandatory, 2-3 days)
  • Founder dinners and networking events throughout the program (optional)

  Time Commitment: Expect 1-2 hours per week for structured program activities, plus additional time for customer meetings and opportunities as they arise.

  Our flexible, low-touch model lets you stay focused on building your company while receiving high-impact strategic guidance when it matters most.
• How long is the program?

  The program runs for 12 weeks with a tailored approach that respects your time and startup priorities:

  Mandatory Components:

  • Weekly office hours with SE Ventures team
  • Monthly milestone check-ins
  • Demo Day presentation (in-person)

  Flexible Components:

  • Mentor session scheduling (weekly recommended)
  • Customer and partner meetings (as opportunities arise)
  • Cohort peer learning sessions (highly encouraged)

  The schedule can be customized between you and your mentors to fit your startup's needs while ensuring meaningful progress toward product-market fit and fundraising readiness.
• How many startups are you taking?

  We select 3 exceptional startups per cohort. With two cohorts annually (H1 and H2), we maintain a highly selective process that ensures personalized attention and deep engagement with each founder.
• What is expected of me if I get in?

  Selected startups commit to:

  • Active participation in weekly office hours and milestone check-ins
  • In-person Demo Day attendance and pitch presentation
  • Acceptance of terms & conditions outlined for the program
  • Good-faith engagement with Schneider Electric and/or AVEVA ecosystem opportunities
  • Providing progress updates and feedback to help us improve the program
• What Value will I receive?

  Selected startups receive comprehensive support to accelerate product-market fit and prepare for seed fundraising:

  $100K Investment

  • Uncapped SAFE with 20% discount
  • Paid in one single $100K tranche
  • SE Ventures has a right to invest up to 15% of the new money of the future Seed round
  • Additional detail on terms will be shared upon request

  Expert Mentorship

  • Weekly 1:1 sessions with SE Ventures team on product-market fit and fundraising strategy
  • Dedicated mentor from Schneider Electric/AVEVA's industry veterans
  • Tailored guidance for your specific challenges and goals

  Schneider Electric & AVEVA Ecosystem Access

  • Direct introductions to potential customers and partners across Schneider and AVEVA's global network
  • Engagement with relevant Lines of Business for co-innovation and pilot opportunities
  • Access to technical experts and domain specialists

  Investor Network

  • Exclusive Demo Day pitch to pre-seed and seed VCs
  • Warm introductions to top-tier investors aligned with your space
  • Fundraising strategy and pitch preparation support

  Founder Community

  • Join our growing alumni network of exceptional founders
  • Peer learning and collaboration throughout and beyond the program
  • Ongoing support for your fundraising and growth journey
• Will I get a contract/pilot/partnership with Schneider Electric?

  What to Expect:

  The SE Ventures Accelerator provides unparalleled access to Schneider Electric's ecosystem. Our 2025 cohort results:

  • 100% of startups engaged with multiple Schneider business units
  • 155+ interactions facilitated with SE stakeholders and customers
  • 8 formal engagements developed between startups and Schneider teams

  Important: Commercial outcomes (pilots, contracts, partnerships) are not guaranteed. Success depends on mutual fit, timing, and value creation for both parties.

  What we commit to:

  • Authentic introductions to decision-makers
  • Transparent, actionable feedback on strategic fit
  • Support that extends well beyond the 12-week program
  • Access to our growing community of founders and partners

  The relationships, market insights, and ecosystem access you gain will accelerate your path forward regardless of specific commercial outcomes with Schneider.
• We have some hardware, is that okay?

  What matters most is your ability to scale efficiently and create lasting value in your market. We look for capital-efficient business models that can demonstrate clear paths to sustainable growth.
• How do I contact you?

  We'd love to connect with you. Here's how to reach us:

  Program & Application Inquiries: Marc Bielas – marc.bielas@se.com

  We typically respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days.