ReimaginED Startup Accelerator Program

October - December 2025

The ReimaginED Startup Accelerator is a 6-week program designed for early-stage EdTech & Human Development founders. It combines structured learning modules, expert advisory, and curated ecosystem exposure, preparing founders to be investor-ready and globally competitive.

Every session is a 1-hour interactive, virtual workshop led by industry experts.

The program concludes with Demo Day at Takeoff Istanbul.

Program Highlights

Expert-Led: 1-hour interactive sessions with top advisors.
Founder-Focused: Leadership and resilience integrated.
Future-Ready: AI as a core enabler for growth.
Global Exposure: Culminates with Demo Day in Istanbul.

Program Calendar & Modules

Kick Off & Orientation

This session launches the program and sets the foundation for the cohort. Founders are introduced to the accelerator structure, the advisory model, and the expectations of participation. Beyond logistics, it builds community, helping founders connect with peers, set shared norms, and commit to a growth mindset throughout the journey.

Facilitator: ReimaginED Co-Founder(s)

Learning Objectives:
- Understand program structure and expectations.
- Build cohort connections and align goals.
Key Topics:
- Program overview and tools.
- Founder networking and peer introductions.
Founder Deliverables: Shared founder “commitment charter.”

Module 1: Product Strategy & Market Fit

Every successful EdTech venture starts with a product that truly solves a problem. This module guides founders through the process of validating their product vision, designing meaningful learning experiences, and adapting for cultural and linguistic contexts. By combining instructional design, localization, and UX expertise, founders learn how to create products that engage learners, satisfy educators, and scale across diverse markets.

Learning Objectives:
- Define and validate product vision and roadmap.
- Align pedagogy with technology.
- Adapt product for multilingual/cultural contexts.
Key Topics:
- MVP roadmap.
- Instructional design and learning flows.
- Localization (Arabic/English).
- UX for learners, educators, and admins.
Expert Roles: EdTech Product Strategist, Learning Designer, Localization Specialist, UX Researcher.
Founder Deliverables: MVP roadmap, pedagogy checklist, localization framework, user journey map.

Module 2: Business Model & Go-to-Market (GTM)

A strong product needs a clear path to market. This module equips founders with tools to design sustainable business models and launch strategies. From pricing across B2C, B2B, and B2G channels, to building growth loops and piloting with institutions, founders gain a hands-on understanding of how to move from concept to traction. The focus is on building systems for scalability, not just short-term wins.

Learning Objectives:
- Build a sustainable business model.
- Create a go-to-market strategy.
- Develop growth systems and KPIs.
Key Topics:
- Pricing models (B2C, B2B, B2G).
- GTM launch planning.
- Marketing funnels & growth loops.
- Piloting with schools, corporates, and government.
Expert Roles: Commercial Strategist, GTM Specialist, Marketing & Growth Expert, Distribution Advisor.
Founder Deliverables: Business model canvas, GTM strategy outline, pilot plan.

Module 3: Investor Readiness & Fundraising

Fundraising is both an art and a science. This module prepares founders to confidently engage with investors by building the financial, strategic, and narrative foundations of a successful raise. Founders learn how to forecast their business, size their market, and tell a compelling story through their pitch deck. Importantly, the module also demystifies valuation methods and fundraising vehicles (SAFE, convertible notes, equity rounds), ensuring founders understand both how much to raise and on what terms.

Learning Objectives:
- Prepare compelling materials for investor conversations.
- Understand startup valuation and fundraising mechanics.
- Build financial forecasts and pitch with confidence.
Key Topics:
- Pitch storytelling and narrative design.
- CAC, LTV, burn rate, revenue forecasting.
- TAM/SAM/SOM market sizing.
- Valuation methods (top-down, bottom-up, comparables).
- Fundraising vehicles: SAFE, convertible notes, priced equity rounds.
- Investor outreach and access strategy.
Expert Roles: Fundraising Advisor, Financial Modeling Expert, Pitch Coach, Market Analyst, Startup Lawyer/VC Specialist.
Founder Deliverables:
- Draft pitch deck.
- Financial model (forecasts + unit economics).
- Market sizing analysis.
- Valuation & fundraising structure outline.

Module 4: Leadership for Founders

Great startups require great leaders. This module focuses on the human side of entrepreneurship, founder resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead through uncertainty. Founders explore their personal leadership styles, learn frameworks for managing conflict and making decisions under pressure, and practice building high-performing teams. The goal is to help founders grow as leaders alongside their ventures.

Learning Objectives:
- Build resilience and self-awareness.
- Strengthen emotional intelligence.
- Lead and scale teams effectively.
Key Topics:
- Founder mindset & resilience.
- Conflict management & decision-making.
- Building high-performing teams.
Expert Roles: Leadership Coach, Organizational Psychologist, Scale-Up Advisor.
Founder Deliverables: Leadership self-assessment, team culture canvas, personal growth plan.

Module 5: Business Development & Partnerships

Scaling in EdTech often requires strategic partnerships. This module helps founders identify, approach, and secure partners across schools, government, and corporates. Sessions cover deal sourcing, structuring agreements, and navigating compliance in education markets. By the end, founders will have a partnership pipeline and the knowledge to structure win-win deals that drive both revenue and impact.

Learning Objectives:
- Secure strategic partnerships.
- Negotiate deals effectively.
- Ensure compliance in education markets.
Key Topics:
- Government and school partnerships.
- BD outreach and deal sourcing.
- MoUs, licensing, rev share agreements.
- Data privacy and regulatory compliance.
Expert Roles: Partnerships Specialist, BD Executive, Legal Advisor, Compliance Expert.
Founder Deliverables: Partnership pipeline draft, sample MoU, compliance checklist.

Module 6: AI for EdTech & Startup Growth

AI is reshaping education and business — and startups must be ready. This module explores practical applications of AI in EdTech, from personalized learning to operational efficiency. Founders also learn about responsible AI, ethics, and data governance to build trust with learners and institutions. The focus is not on abstract theory but on concrete use cases that can be applied directly to their products and business models.

Learning Objectives:
- Apply AI to product innovation.
- Use AI responsibly in education.
- Optimize business growth with AI.
Key Topics:
- AI-driven personalization in learning.
- Data insights & governance.
- AI for marketing, operations, and scaling.
Expert Roles: AI Strategist, Data Scientist, AI in Business Advisor.
Founder Deliverables: AI use-case map, draft AI feature concept, responsible AI practices checklist.

Module 7: Wrap Up & Demo Prep

The final module consolidates everything founders have learned and prepares them for Demo Day. Through reflection and rehearsal, founders refine their pitches, sharpen their narratives, and ensure they are ready to present to investors and partners. The emphasis is on confidence, clarity, and impact.

Learning Objectives:
- Consolidate program learnings.
- Finalize Demo Day readiness.
Key Topics:
- Founder reflections.
- Pitch rehearsal and polishing.
Founder Deliverables: Final investor pitch, refined narrative.

Demo Day – Take Off

The culmination of the accelerator — founders present their ventures to an audience of investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders. Demo Day is both a celebration of progress and a launchpad for future growth. Founders leave with exposure, connections, and the opportunity to take their venture to the next stage.

Date: Wednesday, December 10 | Istanbul

Founders present their ventures to investors, partners, and ecosystem leaders.
Networking with global stakeholders.

Additional Opportunities & Benefits

Beyond the structured learning modules, the ReimaginED Accelerator offers founders additional opportunities to build visibility, connect with the ecosystem, and execute critical fundraising and business development activities.

Ecosystem & Visibility

Ecosystem Builder / Connector
Curated introductions to investors, corporate partners, and peer networks. Access to thought leaders and curated circles within the EdTech and innovation ecosystem.
PR & Thought Leadership Advisor
Visibility for founders and startups, along with the opportunity to contribute with content, case studies, or start-up profiles that will be published through ReimaginED portal, partner organizations or the media.
Community & Events Strategist
Opportunities to showcase ventures through panels, community gatherings, and ecosystem convenings, boosting credibility and exposure.

Execution – Fundraising

Capital Advisor / Inventors Relations Lead
Hands-on support with investor outreach, execution of fundraising rounds, managing follow-ups, and preparing data rooms for due diligence.

Execution – Business Development & Sales

Sales Leader
Coaching and tactical support for closing pilot projects and building revenue partnerships.
Contracting & Deal Structuring Expert
Advisory on commercial terms, negotiation strategies, and structuring revenue-share or licensing agreements.