Frequently asked questions.

Applying

Is my business right for the BMW Collaboration Lab?

We want to help startups take their business to the next level through collaboration with BMW. We’re interested in all startups that can help us, in one or more of the categories described. Your startup may not be at the very beginning of its journey. Maybe you have a product already, maybe you even have paying customers. If you feel that your startup could benefit from working with BMW then we’d love to receive your application.

When’s the deadline for applying?

17th June 2018

What info do I need to provide in my application?

We ask you for information about you, your product or service, your team and your company. Don’t hold back, let us know how great you are!

Is there a minimum age?

You must be at least 18 years old to enter the BMW Collaboration Lab.

I don’t live in the USA, can I apply?

Of course! The best innovators can come from anywhere. Bear in mind that you may need a visa to participate in the accelerator and that you will be required to travel to the USA during the program.

Participating

Is the BMW Collaboration Lab like other accelerators?

We believe we are different. We’ll provide your business with opportunities to:

Trial your product with BMW
Receive mentoring from Senior BMW Executives
Gain insights from subject matter experts through a top-notch education program

Has BMW Group Financial Services NA run accelerator programs before?

This is the first time the Collaboration Lab has been run by BMW Group Financial Services in the USA.

What is the process?

The program has 4 stages:

1. Apply
2. Pitch
3. Program
4. Demo

See our timeline for more info.

When is the BMW Collaboration Lab program running?

BMW Collaboration Lab will run from the 3rd September – 16th November 2018.

Where is BMW Collaboration Lab?

The BMW Collaboration Lab will be based primarily at BMW Group Financial Services offices in Columbus Ohio.

Where will the mentors come from?

Mentors will include senior executives from BMW Group Financial Services (see the bios), experts within the wider BMW business, entrepreneurs and external subject matter experts. A full list of mentors will be announced in due course.

What does the day-to-day look like at BMW Collaboration Lab?

BMW Collaboration Lab’s itinerary is designed to help you create game-changing products. You’ll accelerate your working to rapidly develop your product, receiving essential guidance on key decisions in real-time from your mentors. Each startup’s experience on the program will be unique – we tailor the mentoring and education programs to meet your business’s specific needs.

When will I receive investment from BMW and L Marks?

Investment decisions will be finalized at the end of the program.

Will BMW and L Marks invest in every company that joins the program?

We will decide which startups we invest in at the end of the program.