Applying to MassChallenge? Here are some simple tips for entrepreneurs looking to make sure they have an application that is sure to raise eyebrows when applying to the most startup friendly accelerator on the planet.

1. BOSTON | ISRAEL | MEXICO | SWITZERLAND | UK
HOW TO BE A STANDOUT
MASSCHALLENGE
APPLICANT
Applications due March 28, 2017!

2. Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2
WE BELIEVE
ENTREPRENEURS CAN
CHANGE THE WORLD

3. Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3
IMPACT OVER EQUITY
MASSCHALLENGE SUPPORT
AND FUNDING COMES WITH
NO EQUITY TAKEN
• No-equity, not-for-profit
• Impact across all
industries
• 100% focus on helping
entrepreneurs win
• $2M+ total cash awards

4. WHO CAN APPLY?
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 4
• Open to all
• Anywhere in the world
• Any industry
• Early stage
• At least one founder
engages in the program

5. TIMELINE: CYCLE 1
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 5
Boston | Israel | Switzerland
JUDGING
APRIL - MAY
APPLICATIONS
MARCH 1 EARLY BIRD
MARCH 28 REGULAR
Round 1: Short online application
Round 2: In-person pitch
Written feedback & scoring for all applicants in
both judging rounds.
ACCELERATOR
JUNE - OCTOBER

6. WHO ARE THE JUDGES
• ENTREPRENEURS
• EXECUTIVES
• INVESTORS
• LAWYERS
• SERVICE PROVIDERS
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 6
MassChallenge Judges overlap with the mentor pool and represent
many industries and perspectives.

7. JUDGING CRITERIA
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 7
HIGH IMPACT
WHY DOES YOUR STARTUP MATTER?
The judges make an overall recommendation, seeking startup with a
high potential to make an impact.
HIGH POTENTIAL
WHAT ARE YOUR CHANCES?

8. IMPACT ON A SPECTRUM
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 8
Impact is up to the entrepreneurs to define. Often, impact isn’t black
and white.
IMPACT
ECONOMIC IMPACT
• Revenue
• Funding
• Jobs
• Market Creation
• Industry Disruption
SOCIAL IMPACT
• Solutions
• Behavioral Change
• Education/Research
• Skill Transfer
• People Helped

9. TIP #1: CHARACTER LIMITS
• SHORTHAND & BULLETS
• STRATEGIC REPETITION
• STARTUP PROFILE
• SIMPLE CITATIONS
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 9
The 250 & 500 character limits are tricky – many entrepreneurs
struggle to fit their answers.

10. TIP #2: BAD & LESS BAD ANSWERS
• SHOW PROGRESS
TO DATE
• DEMONSTRATE
NEXT STEPS
• PROVE ABILITY TO
SOLVE PROBLEMS
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 10
No application is perfect. Great applications are honest and have a
realistic view of the future.

11. TIP #3: COMPLICATED TECHNOLOGY
• FEEDBACK FROM
LAYPERSON
• FEEDBACK FROM
PEERS
• SHOW KEY PROOF
• LEVERAGE
STARTUP PROFILE
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 11
Many of the startups have complicated products that will be difficult
to describe within the character limits

12. TIP #4: HIGHEST-IMPACT QUESTIONS
1. Customer Pain &
Solution
2. Overall Impact
3. Customer Needs
& Acquisition
4. Industry &
Competitors
5. Business Model
6. Regulation & IP
7. Founding Team,
Advisors &
Investors
8. MassChallenge
Copyright © 2017 MassChallenge, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 12
The application is essentially an executive summary. Start with the
three first questions.

13. THANK YOU