Rockstart2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Amsterdam impact investor founded in 2011 that runs accelerator programs and funds in Energy, AgriFood and emerging tech, with follow-on up to Series B.
- Varies
- Funding
- Not published
- Equity
- 6 to 12 months of support
- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About Rockstart
Rockstart is an early-stage impact investor based in Amsterdam. It was founded in 2011 and began as a general web and mobile accelerator. Today it focuses on three domains: Energy, AgriFood and Emerging Technologies.
Each domain combines an accelerator program with a dedicated fund, so Rockstart can invest at entry and keep investing in later rounds. Directory listings describe a six to twelve month support package with follow-on investment up to Series B. The AgriFood fund was first closed at €15 million, seeded by Danish state fund Vaekstfonden and Dutch investor De Hoge Dennen, and Amsterdam's business office later reported a second €50 million AgriFood fund.
The first AgriFood cohort received a €100,000 package, made up of €35,000 cash and €65,000 in program services, for 6% equity through a convertible loan. Current terms are not published, so treat those figures as historical. Rockstart has a strong Danish footprint.
In 2025 and 2026 it launched a Biochar Network and a Food Circularity Network in Denmark, both backed by the Danish Green Development and Demonstration Program. In 2026 it co-invested in the €800,000 seed round of EV charging startup Soolutions. The Energy domain backs renewable generation, storage, smart grids, efficiency and electrified mobility.
What Rockstart looks for
Rockstart backs purpose-driven founders in energy transition, sustainable food and agriculture, and selected emerging technologies. For Energy, it names renewable generation, energy storage, smart grids and decentralised energy, efficiency and electrified mobility. Its 2026 Energy edition targeted biochar carbon removal, low-carbon fuels, water treatment, shipping and grid flexibility. It looks for early-stage companies with a working technology, a measurable environmental impact and a team able to grow with follow-on funding up to Series B.
How the Rockstart program works
Rockstart runs domain-specific programs rather than one general cohort. Each program starts with a selection round, after which chosen startups receive an initial investment and a support package that lasts six to twelve months. Support covers business development, fundraising and access to Rockstart's network of corporate partners, experts and co-investors in that domain.
Some programs are tied to outside competitions or partners. The Energy track has been linked to the New Energy Challenge, co-organised with Shell Ventures and others. Rockstart has also announced plans with Ørsted for an accelerator on energy system integration.
The AgriFood accelerator has historically run in spring and autumn. Rockstart can follow on in later rounds up to Series B from its domain funds. Its Danish networks for biochar and food circularity work as industry clusters that connect startups with corporates and public funding.
How to apply to Rockstart
- 1Check rockstart.com for the domain program (Energy, AgriFood or Emerging Tech) that is currently taking applications.
- 2For Energy, check whether applications run through a partner competition such as the New Energy Challenge.
- 3Prepare a deck that shows your technology, impact case, team and early traction.
- 4Submit the online application before the program's stated deadline.
- 5If shortlisted, join interviews and a selection event, then review the investment terms offered.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Rockstart vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockstart | Varies | Not published | Amsterdam | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Startupbootcamp | Up to $29K | Varies | Amsterdam | Rolling admissions |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Up to $2.9M | None on grant | EU | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | Up to $2M | ~7% | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | Up to $1.5M | Not published | New York | Rolling admissions |
Rockstart FAQ
When is the Rockstart application deadline?+
Rockstart has not announced its next deadline yet (Energy 2026 edition applications closed on 23 October 2026 (third-party listing). Next calls not announced.). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
How much does Rockstart invest?+
Rockstart does not publish current terms on public pages we could access. Its first AgriFood cohort received €100,000, split into €35,000 cash and €65,000 in program services, for 6% equity through a convertible loan. Directory listings describe follow-on investment up to Series B. Ask the team for the current term sheet before applying.
Which sectors does Rockstart cover?+
Rockstart works in three domains: Energy, AgriFood and Emerging Technologies. The Energy domain covers renewable generation, storage, smart grids, efficiency and electrified mobility. AgriFood covers sustainable food and agriculture. In Denmark, Rockstart also runs a Biochar Network and a Food Circularity Network, launched in 2025 and 2026.
Is the Rockstart Energy 2026 program still open?+
No. A third-party listing gave 23 October 2026 as the application deadline for the 2026 Energy edition, so that round has closed. Rockstart has not published the next call on pages we could verify. Founders interested in a future round should check rockstart.com and the New Energy Challenge site.
Where is Rockstart based?+
Rockstart was founded in Amsterdam in 2011 and is still based there. It also has an active presence in Denmark, where its AgriFood fund was seeded by the state fund Vaekstfonden and where it runs its biochar and food circularity networks. Programs often mix in-person events with remote support.
Sources: rockstart.pr.co, rockstart.pr.co, agfundernews.com, iamsterdam.com, startupgrantsindia.com, globalaginvesting.com