How to apply for Accelerator

About Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital fund and accelerator that invests in alternative protein and sustainable food companies globally. It runs a five-month virtual program and provides funding, mentorship, and access to a network of investors and industry experts. The firm operates in New York, Paris, and Singapore.

About the role

The Accelerator is a five-month virtual program for early-stage alternative protein and ingredient companies. Participants receive $75K–$150K in SAFE note funding, weekly strategy sessions, expert guidance in manufacturing and marketing, and access to a global mentor network. The program ends with in-person and virtual Demo Days where companies pitch to over 100 industry professionals and investors.

A typical day

A typical day in the accelerator may include a weekly strategy session with mentors, one-on-one office hours with guest mentors or VCs, and workshops on manufacturing or marketing. You also work on your company's milestones and prepare for Demo Day pitches. Optional in-person workshops and events may occur in New York, Paris, or Singapore.

Who Big Idea Ventures is looking for

• Founder of an early-stage company with an initial product and market validation through early sales.
• Company focus is on sustainable proteins, fats, ingredients, sweeteners, or replacements for mono-crops.
• All products must be vegan.
• Able to commit to a five-month virtual program and travel optionally to New York, Paris, or Singapore for workshops and Demo Days.

Tips for this application

• Apply online with a pitch deck that clearly shows your product, early sales traction, and vegan status.
• Ensure your pitch deck states your focus on sustainable proteins, fats, ingredients, sweeteners, or mono-crop replacements.
• Prepare for a live video interview and due diligence over approximately two months; have your sales data and product details ready.
• Review the standard terms in advance; they are non-negotiable, so decide if you can accept them before applying.
• Apply early if possible; admissions are rolling, so the sooner you apply, the sooner you enter screening.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, state your company's product and how it fits the alternative protein or ingredient space. Provide evidence of early sales or market validation. Confirm that all your products are vegan. Explain why you need the $75K–$150K SAFE note funding and how you would use the mentorship in manufacturing and marketing.

Research before applying

• Review Big Idea Ventures' portfolio companies to understand the types of products they fund.
• Read about their previous accelerator cohorts and the structure of the five-month program.
• Check the standard SAFE note terms and conditions that Big Idea Ventures uses.
• Look up the locations and dates of past Demo Days to understand the pitch format and audience.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Your company's product and its place in the alternative protein or ingredient market.
• Your early sales data and how you validated market demand.
• Your manufacturing and marketing plans and where you need the most help.
• How you would use the $75K–$150K funding and what milestones you aim to hit during the five months.
• Your willingness to accept the standard non-negotiable terms and to participate in optional in-person events in New York, Paris, or Singapore.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with a product that is not vegan or not focused on alternative proteins, fats, ingredients, sweeteners, or mono-crop replacements.
• Having no early sales or market validation; the program requires an initial product and early sales.
• Submitting a pitch deck that does not clearly state your funding needs, product, and traction.