Kiuas Start is tailor-made for people who want to turn their project into a company.
The intensive 3-week pre-accelerator is strongly focused on validation, product development, iteration, and topics that need to be taken into consideration in the earliest stages of a startup's journey.
With program taking place mostly during evenings and weekends, Kiuas Start is also easy to attend if you are not yet working full-time on your startup.
"Propably the best value we have ever had on anything"
- Kiuas Start '18 alumni
"All the greatest startup talent in Finland gathered under one roof"
- Kiuas Start '18 alumni
Our coach pool includes some of the most well-known entrepreneurs, investors and experts in the Nordics.
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50+ coaches from various industries
1-on-1 mentoring on a weekly basis
On-demand matching with coaches for specific needs
With the help of our partners, we offer exclusive deals and services for the startups participating in our programs.
35 000€+ worth of service credits for our startups
Partners include e.g. AWS and Hubspot
Free consultation on legal matters
All programs take place in Startup Sauna, a renovated 1500 square meter co-working space in the heart of Espoo.
24/7 access with a keycard
Reservable meeting rooms, stages, and silent spaces
Kitchen, free coffee, fridge...
We help our founders to connect with other relevant startups, investors, potential clients, and talent.
Broad network of investors and clients to connect with
Support with recruitment
Help with any practicalities from the Kiuas team
Intimate 1-on-1 discussions with investors, industry professionals and other entrepreneurs. Mentoring sessions consisting of multiple 1-on-1s are organized throughout the program, usually 1-2 times a week.
Both hands-on sessions and keynotes focusing on specific topics, including e.g. product development, validation, sales, funding, legal, and branding.
For each week, we invite seasoned entrepreneurs to share their uncensored stories and learnings along the way. The talks are always interactive with possibility to take part with questions.
At the start of each week, we gather all teams under one roof to showcase achievements and determine goals for the upcoming week.
Throughout the program, we host super-intensive office hours with an aim of tackling a specific area on your product and getting a lot of stuff done at once.
In which areas can Kiuas help?
We support startups in pretty much anything related to early-stage. Whether it is iterating your idea, developing and launching your product, scaling your business, or anything related, we got you covered.
How does Kiuas differ from other accelerators?
- We take zero equity and our programs are free of charge. We have no industry limitations either.
- We are well-connected. Our broad network consists of entrepreneurs, investors, clients, students, and all the relevant players in the Finnish startup ecosystem.
- We have a unique position in the scene. Unlike many accelerators and VCs, Kiuas supports founders also in their most earliest stages.
- The level of the programs is always aiming for the stars. We carefully pick all our coaches and partners and the programs are constantly developed.
- Kiuas is founded and ran by students.
Do startups receive funding from Kiuas?
Not directly from us - however, Kiuas has a broad network of angel investors and VCs who are regularly represented in our programs in terms of mentoring and hosting workshops.
How come is this all free?
We believe that it is best for the startups to keep the programs non-equity and free of charge. Furthermore, our operating bases heavily on the giving back mentality - e.g. our coaches are all involved completely pro bono.
We are supported by our partners and public organizations.
What and who is behind Kiuas?
Kiuas was founded in 2017 on the legacy of Summer of Startups, which has been organized by Aaltoes since 2010. In late 2018, Kiuas started operating as a separate entity.
Our core team consists of 3 people. The startups are supported by our coaches, some of which are highlighted here.
We are always open to having a chat, so shoot us a message!
What does Kiuas mean?
Kiuas (in English: A stove) is a central and key part of a Sauna. Kiuas is the furnace that generates the heat. It makes the Sauna hot.
For whom is Kiuas for?
Our programs are meant for early-stage startups and teams from all industries. Most of our companies are based in Finland but we may accept foreign startups into our programs as well.
If you have trouble figuring out if you should apply to Kiuas, shoot us a message and let’s have a chat! Even if applying is not relevant for you at the moment, we are always eager to meet new founders and see if we can help in some way.
How does applying for Kiuas work?
Prior to each program, we run a 1-2 month long application period. During this time, startups can apply online and get selected for interviews determining which teams will be chosen. On average, 50% of the interviewed teams make the cut.
Should we apply for Start or Accelerator?
- In Start, the focus is on validating your idea and developing your product. We don’t require an established company nor you being full-time on your startup yet. No idea is too early if you’re committed to put in the hours to take it forward!
- In Accelerator, the focus is on further topics such as product-market-fit, selling, growth, and funding. We also help the startups to gain visibility in terms of using our channels and the Demo Day. Your company must be registered by the time program starts.
Having trouble to decide which is the right program for you? Shoot us a message and we can together discuss which one suits you better.
How many startups are selected?
We typically choose 15-20 teams for each batch of Start and Accelerator.
I’m a single founder, can I apply?
Yes! In that case, make sure you're capable to take the first steps yourself while not missing any crucial parts of your team (e.g. a technical person).
Can we attend both of the programs?
Yes! Our alumni from Kiuas Start often proceed to the Accelerator program. However, a normal application procedure is always required.
Where is Kiuas located?
Our programs take place in the Startup Sauna co-working space in Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland. Startup Sauna is open for everyone and you are always welcome to drop by! We share the space with Aaltoes, Junction & Startuplifers and a handful of startups.
You can find more info about the space here.
What would a typical week look like?
In Start, the program is mainly organized during evenings and weekends. In Accelerator, the program is organized in varied schedules, but mostly on weekdays and inside normal working hours. In both programs, there are around 2-3 active program days each week consisting of weeklies, 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, keynotes etc.
In general, the programs are intensive but there is plenty of time to grind on your company as well.
Is physical attendance required?
Yes. Once the program starts you should be located in Finland (preferably in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area)
Can we use the space after the program?
Yes! The Startup Sauna co-working space is open to everyone and you can stay here as long as you want.
Read more about what happens after the program below!
What happens after the program?
We support our alumni in various ways. We are always eager to help and will stay regularly in touch - whether it’s an intro to an investor, help with recruiting or just wanting to test ideas with someone, we got you!
In which areas can Kiuas help?
We support startups in pretty much anything related to early-stage. Whether it is iterating your idea, developing and launching your product, scaling your business, or anything related, we got you covered.
How does Kiuas differ from other accelerators?
- We take zero equity and our programs are free of charge. We have no industry limitations either.
- We are well-connected. Our broad network consists of entrepreneurs, investors, clients, students, and all the relevant players in the Finnish startup ecosystem.
- We have a unique position in the scene. Unlike many accelerators and VCs, Kiuas supports founders also in their most earliest stages.
- The level of the programs is always aiming for the stars. We carefully pick all our coaches and partners and the programs are constantly developed.
- Kiuas is founded and ran by students.
Do startups receive funding from Kiuas?
Not directly from us - however, Kiuas has a broad network of angel investors and VCs who are regularly represented in our programs in terms of mentoring and hosting workshops.
How come is this all free?
We believe that it is best for the startups to keep the programs non-equity and free of charge. Furthermore, our operating bases heavily on the giving back mentality - e.g. our coaches are all involved completely pro bono.
We are supported by our partners and public organizations.
What and who is behind Kiuas?
Kiuas was founded in 2017 on the legacy of Summer of Startups, which has been organized by Aaltoes since 2010. In late 2018, Kiuas started operating as a separate entity.
Our core team consists of 3 people. The startups are supported by our coaches, some of which are highlighted here.
We are always open to having a chat, so shoot us a message!
What does Kiuas mean?
Kiuas (in English: A stove) is a central and key part of a Sauna. Kiuas is the furnace that generates the heat. It makes the Sauna hot.
For whom is Kiuas for?
Our programs are meant for early-stage startups and teams from all industries. Most of our companies are based in Finland but we may accept foreign startups into our programs as well.
If you have trouble figuring out if you should apply to Kiuas, shoot us a message and let’s have a chat! Even if applying is not relevant for you at the moment, we are always eager to meet new founders and see if we can help in some way.
How does applying for Kiuas work?
Prior to each program, we run a 1-2 month long application period. During this time, startups can apply online and get selected for interviews determining which teams will be chosen. On average, 50% of the interviewed teams make the cut.
Should we apply for Start or Accelerator?
- In Start, the focus is on validating your idea and developing your product. We don’t require an established company nor you being full-time on your startup yet. No idea is too early if you’re committed to put in the hours to take it forward!
- In Accelerator, the focus is on further topics such as product-market-fit, selling, growth, and funding. We also help the startups to gain visibility in terms of using our channels and the Demo Day. Your company must be registered by the time program starts.
Having trouble to decide which is the right program for you? Shoot us a message and we can together discuss which one suits you better.
How many startups are selected?
We typically choose 15-20 teams for each batch of Start and Accelerator.
I’m a single founder, can I apply?
Yes! In that case, make sure you're capable to take the first steps yourself while not missing any crucial parts of your team (e.g. a technical person).
Can we attend both of the programs?
Yes! Our alumni from Kiuas Start often proceed to the Accelerator program. However, a normal application procedure is always required.
Where is Kiuas located?
Our programs take place in the Startup Sauna co-working space in Otaniemi, Espoo, Finland. Startup Sauna is open for everyone and you are always welcome to drop by! We share the space with Aaltoes, Junction & Startuplifers and a handful of startups.
You can find more info about the space here.
What would a typical week look like?
In Start, the program is mainly organized during evenings and weekends. In Accelerator, the program is organized in varied schedules, but mostly on weekdays and inside normal working hours. In both programs, there are around 2-3 active program days each week consisting of weeklies, 1-on-1 mentoring, workshops, keynotes etc.
In general, the programs are intensive but there is plenty of time to grind on your company as well.
Is physical attendance required?
Yes. Once the program starts you should be located in Finland (preferably in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area)
Can we use the space after the program?
Yes! The Startup Sauna co-working space is open to everyone and you can stay here as long as you want.
Read more about what happens after the program below!
What happens after the program?
We support our alumni in various ways. We are always eager to help and will stay regularly in touch - whether it’s an intro to an investor, help with recruiting or just wanting to test ideas with someone, we got you!
