FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This Programme is powered by CDP, Digital Magics, and MassChallenge Switzerland.

Our programme is designed for early-stage innovative startups and we broadly define as those who have received less than €2M equity investments and have less than €2M of revenues. If your startup has financials which are over this general scope, please let us know on your application form and we will consider this in a case by case basis.

MassChallenge is managing the application process for HabiSmart.

  • You should click on this link and create an account;
  • Go to My Companies on the left tab;
  • Create a new startup;
  • Click Apply Now to the HabiSmart programme;
  • Proceed with the application form.

All early-stage startups who have developed at least an MVP and have some initial market traction in one of the key sectors of interest of PropTech and Sustainable Buildings. (sectors and early stage definitions can be found in this landing page ) You can apply even if you have not yet established your company, provided that you commit to establish a company in Italy within 2 months of joining the programme.

All startups must meet at least one of the following criteria: 1. At least one Italian founder  2. The company is registered in Italy 3. You are willing to incorporate an Italian subsidiary.

Yes, we will invest in the 10 startups that enter the programme’s final phase. A first investment will be made immediately after the selection that opens the Validation phase, including the provision of acceleration services during the programme and a cash investment of €115K. As a consideration for the investment, the programme will acquire up to 10% of the share capital of the start-ups.

Furthermore, HabiSmart is a unique programme where investment accelerates as you accelerate: the programme can make an additional cash investment of no more than €300K in the programme's startups following Investor Day, selected by the programme's team, bringing the total potential investment to up to €415K. Acceleration, based on the KPIs / tractions achieved by the individual startups during the programme.

At least 5 experts will read your application after June 07 closing date. In July, MassChallenge will contact you with the judges’ feedback and round 1 outcome. Successful startups will then be invited to a 1-day boot camp in Milan between  September 05 and 26. The final startups are invited to participate in a Demo Day selection event on November 15 in Milan. Selected startups will then be invited to the accelerator starting  November 20.

Contact MassChallenge Switzerland per email: switzerland@masschallenge.org

The programme’s activities are organised to engage the founders a little more than one day a week, with a more intense phase in the first half and extended after that. The teams will also have access to co-working stations in Milan at the partners’ offices for the duration of the programme.

Absolutely. Our involvement can be even more critical at this stage, accelerating the business development of your startup. During the programme, you will have the opportunity to get in touch and explore commercial or industrial opportunities with the programme's corporate partners.

Yes, the startups invited to attend the Selection Day will receive the contractual terms (term sheet and, subsequently, investment agreement) which govern the terms and conditions of their participation in the Programme, the subscription of which is a prerequisite for accessing the acceleration programme and be qualified as a participating startup. Before the Selection Day, signing the contracts or the essential elements of the same is a requirement to participate in the event.

We will be assessing the following: the innovation and originality of the idea or approach proposed, the skills (heterogeneous and complementary) of the team, the potential and size of the target market, the presentation and the presentation skills of the product/service as well as the business model.

The programme includes meetings (both one-to-one and one-to-many) between the selected startups and the programme's partners to create an opportunity to discuss the innovation needs and the solutions proposed by the startups.

No. However, we believe it is essential to actively participate in the development of the startup for approximately six months after Demo Day. Therefore, we ask for the presence of an observer on the board of directors. If and when HabiSmart completes a further investment, the possibility of appointing a board member is reserved as a right.

Yes. In addition to investing €115K in the programme’s top performers, HabiSmart reserved the right to invest additional resources in all participating startups.

The Sustainable Buildings & PropTech Accelerator oLa Rete Nazionale Acceleratori CDP