OGS Accelerator

There are two venture tracks within the Accelerator Program: MIT designX Track, and MIT Game Lab Track. Your venture will be assigned to one of the tracks during the fellowship, depending on its nature and the field. Fellows will be hosted at Brandeis University for the majority of the fellowship, working with world-class faculty and learning from industry leaders. There will also be opportunities to work at the MIT campus throughout the fellowship and as needed. 

OGS-MIT designX/Game Lab Tracks are partnered with MISTI. These programs work with OGS to offer resources for the development of OGS Ventures, including:

• A tailor-made seminar program at designX and Game Lab;
• An ongoing partnership with MIT graduate students, who intern with the OGS ventures through MISTI, and support the OGS venture development process;
• Coaching and mentoring from MIT’s designX and Game Lab experts; and
• Access to facilities and resources at MIT, including maker labs, workshops, and other startups.

OGS invests in promising teams that create for-profit ventures that have significant potential to compete in international markets.

If the startup delivers a product or service that has a beneficial social or environmental impact, its a plus!.

OGS will provide pre-seed investments to for-profits through Convertible Note / SAFE agreements. The average investment/grant is $50,000.

SAFE and Convertible Loans are instruments used by OGS to invest funds in the for-profit ventures created during the summer program. It is also the way for the for-profit ventures* of giving back to OGS.

SAFE stands for a “simple agreement for future equity.” SAFE is an agreement that can be used between a venture (created by fellows) and OGS (the investor). The method: OGS infuses money in the venture, and in exchange, the investor will revive stock in a future equity round (when one occurs), subject to specific parameters set in advance in the agreement, such as a Valuation Cap and a Discount.

A Convertible Loan is short-term debt, loaned to the venture by OGS, which is convertible into equity. Unlike a SAFE, the loan needs to be paid back if it doesn’t convert into equity.  Depending on the nature of a venture the loan may have either or both of mandatory and optional conversion features. If it has mandatory conversion, like a SAFE, such conversion may be subject to parameters such as a Valuation Cap and a Discount.

Need to learn more? Google it 

It’s NOT mandatory for a team to be mixed. OGS invests in Palestinian, Israeli and mixed companies. OGS encourages joint Palestinian-Israeli ventures when it makes sense business-wise. This means that OGS will strongly support a mixed team where operating in Israel and Palestine is an advantageous business strategy. OGS usually encourages fellows to start mixed ventures in team sizes of four (two on each side). Mixed ventures can also be built as two separate companies/entities with exclusive partnerships agreements. Therefore, OGS might even provide extra funding to increase the venture’s opportunity for success.

OGS Affinity Groups are comprised of alumni who have common skill sets. For example, different groups focus on tech, marketing, design, legal, finance, etc. Each Affinity Group advises their fellow venture teams in their area of expertise during the fellowship and beyond, as alumni.

The Growth Committee is comprised of individuals with decades of combined experience in business development, finance, law, and management. During the fellowship, the Growth Committee guides and advises the venture teams regarding strategy, execution, and barriers to success. At the end of the fellowship, the Growth Committee takes part in the evaluation process and advises on the allocation of pre-seed funding. Post-fellowship, the Growth Committee meets with each OGS Venture on a quarterly basis to analyze its business plan and progress report.

1. Business viability (a must!) is determined through a rigorous evaluation process that answers such questions as: (1) Is there a real problem the venture is trying to solve? (2) Can the venture ‘win,’ e.g. does it have the ability to differentiate itself amongst competitors? (3) Can the venture make or raise investments independently (outside of the initial investment from OGS)?
2. Full-time Commitment Post Fellowship (a must!) – The commitment of at least two co-founders to the venture in a full-time capacity.
3. Social impact (a plus!) is demonstrated through the amount of positive change the venture aims to create, ranging from environmental conservation to job creation. While some ventures will be funded purely on the strength of business viability, the OGS seeks to ensure funding to a critical mass of companies that have the promise for meaningful social impact.
4. Team diversity within a venture (a plus!) is determined by the profiles of the founders. OGS will encourage joint Israeli-Palestinian ventures when it positively impacts the business model and also supports ventures that are better off when their team is only Palestinian or only Israeli.

To apply, you’ll need to submit an online application, including details about your team and startup idea. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews and further evaluation.

Our program provides mentorship, funding opportunities, access to resources, networking, and guidance to help you take your early-stage startup to the next level.

The duration of the program is 2-months (June 1st to August 2nd, 2024). Specific details will be provided upon acceptance.

Yes, we offer financial support and investment opportunities to selected teams.

Currently, our accelerator program is focused on Israeli and Palestinian teams. However, we may consider expanding in the future.

After completing the program, you’ll have the opportunity to continue growing your startup with the knowledge, skills, and network you’ve gained in the US and you will be part of the vibrant OGS Alumni Community. We also offer post-program support and connections to investors.

No, there are no fees for participating in our accelerator program. We are committed to supporting and nurturing entrepreneurial talent.

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OGS Next is our dynamic, cross-border alumni network. It integrates 100+ alumni together and helps them further develop their relationships back home. OGS Next provides peer support, leadership and professional training workshops, facilitated conversations, and social events. Our alumni, as agents of change, continue to build trust, create new opportunities, and support each others’ success.