The legacy of Adi Dassler offers esports start-ups an opportunity

08 March 2017

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Horst and Klaus Bente, leAD Accelerator

The grandchildren of Adidas creator Adi Dassler have launched the ‘legacy of Adi Dassler’ (leAD) accelerator which will take place in Berlin later this year. 

Applications are now being accepted for the 12 week program which aims to “boost talented founders and turn promising startups from seed to fully-functioning, profitable ventures.”

Whether you’ve an idea for esports, basketball or table tennis, the program is aimed at you so long as you’ve either an early stage start-up or a start-up looking for a helping hand to ‘reach the next step’ this is an opportunity. 

Horst Bente, Director and Co-founder of leAD Sports Accelerator commented: “Our grandfather, Adi Dassler, created a whole industry with his passion, his innovative strength, and his firm sense of conviction. Still today he would be willing to share his beliefs and values – not only with his family, but also with young, enthusiastic founders.”

This can be anything connected somewhat with the realm of sports, ranging from tech and esports to companies or ideas around active lifestyle, performance, new sports, entertainment and more.

Those hoping to be involved must be able to be in Berlin between September 12th and December 3rd, the dates of the course. This will no doubt attract a number of companies in Berlin which is well regarded as a strong base for the esports industry in Europe.

The accelerator will host the 15 selected startups and help them by formulating and perfecting their business plans, giving them accounting and legal framework, providing one-on-one meetings with selected VCs and more. These will be chosen by July 7th.

As of October 10th, only ten will remain and gain the chance to pitch in front of VCs on demo day for follow-on investments as well as 25,000 (£21,721) direct cash investment for these finalists. In return leAD will receive 8% in equity in the companies.

Esports Insider says: With its Berlin setting, this is a particularly well designed for start-ups from the world of esports. The backing of a strong team of mentors, guidance over three months and a €25,000 investment will ensure the inaugural leAD accelerator generates a significant volume of applications.