Startup Wise Guys2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Tallinn B2B accelerator. Flagship offers a convertible investment up to €100,000 against a €35,000 program cost, with up to €250,000 follow-on.
- Up to $115K
- Funding
- Convertible investment
- Equity
- Listed as 3 to 5 months
- Program length
- November 2
- Deadline (6 days left)
About Startup Wise Guys
Startup Wise Guys is a B2B accelerator founded in Tallinn, Estonia in 2012. It calls itself Europe's most experienced B2B accelerator and has run 45+ programs for 800+ founders from 60+ countries. It reports 460+ portfolio companies, 25+ exits and 460M euros raised by its portfolio.
Known exits include StepShot, bought by UiPath in 2019, and VOCHI, bought by Pinterest in 2021. The main offer is the Flagship Accelerator. Selected startups receive a convertible investment of up to 100,000 euros.
That figure includes a program cost of 35,000 euros, so the cash in the bank is lower than the headline. Startups can also access up to 250,000 euros in follow-on investment. The format is hybrid.
About 80% runs online and 20% in person in Tallinn and another European hub to be announced. Only B2B startups qualify. Teams need a working MVP, at least 2 founders or team members, early traction or revenue, and a full-time commitment.
Startup Wise Guys also runs vertical programs, including Future Built Assets for proptech, sustainability and fintech tracks, a 2026 Western Balkans accelerator, and The Founders Club, a 3-month online program for founders at the idea stage. Its all-programs page lists an application deadline of 2 November 2026 next to the Flagship Accelerator. Applications are reviewed first come, first served.
What Startup Wise Guys looks for
Startup Wise Guys only accepts B2B companies. B2C startups are rejected. The minimum bar is a working MVP, at least 2 co-founders or team members, and initial customer traction, MRR or revenue. Founders must work full time on the startup. The team favours founders who can sell to businesses across borders. Vertical programs add focus areas such as cybersecurity, defence and security, fintech, SaaS, proptech, sustainability and Web3.
How the Startup Wise Guys program works
The Flagship Accelerator follows a 14-week module schedule. The FAQ calls it a 5-month program, while other pages say three months, so expect roughly one quarter of intensive work plus follow-up. Around 80% of the content is online: workshops, mentor sessions and sales sprints.
The remaining 20% happens in person in Tallinn and a second European hub. At least one founder should plan to attend in person. Selection runs in stages.
The scouting team checks eligibility within about 2 weeks, then invites strong teams to a pitch day. After that comes due diligence with a tech call, a managing director call, a partner or expert call and a deal call. A selection bootcamp follows, and the top 10 to 12 teams join the program.
The investment is convertible and includes the 35,000 euro program cost. Follow-on funding of up to 250,000 euros is possible after the program.
How to apply to Startup Wise Guys
- 1Confirm you are a B2B startup with a working MVP, at least 2 team members and early revenue or MRR.
- 2Submit the application through the Apply now button on the Flagship Accelerator page, which feeds into SWG's Dealum deal flow system.
- 3Apply early. Applications are checked first come, first served, and the listed deadline is 2 November 2026.
- 4If invited, pitch to Startup Wise Guys partners and staff at pitch day.
- 5Pass due diligence: a tech call, a managing director call, a partner or expert call and a deal call.
- 6Join the selection bootcamp, where the final 10 to 12 teams are chosen.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable Startup Wise Guys alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by Startup Wise Guys.
Startup Wise Guys vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Wise Guys | Up to $115K | Convertible investment | Tallinn | November 2, 2026 (6 days left) |
| 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 |
| Seedcamp | Up to $1.3M | Varies | London, UK | Rolling admissions |
Startup Wise Guys FAQ
When is the Startup Wise Guys application deadline?+
The current Startup Wise Guys deadline is November 2, 2026, for Flagship Accelerator applications open, reviewed first come first served; deadline 2 November 2026. Apply early: many programs review applications as they arrive.
How much does Startup Wise Guys invest?+
The Flagship Accelerator offers a convertible investment of up to 100,000 euros. That amount includes a 35,000 euro program cost, so the cash received is lower. Startups can also access up to 250,000 euros in follow-on investment. The equity percentage is not published, and third-party sites quote different figures.
Is Startup Wise Guys remote or in person?+
It is hybrid. About 80% of the Flagship Accelerator runs online and 20% happens in person in Tallinn, Estonia, plus a second European hub to be announced. Plan for at least one founder to travel for the in-person weeks. The Founders Club is a separate 3-month online program for earlier-stage founders.
Does Startup Wise Guys accept B2C startups?+
No. The Flagship Accelerator is for early-stage B2B startups only. You need at least a working MVP, a team of 2 or more, and early traction such as paying customers or MRR. Founders must commit full time. Vertical tracks in fintech, proptech, sustainability, cybersecurity and defence follow the same B2B focus.
Sources: startupwiseguys.com, startupwiseguys.com, startupwiseguys.com, bogota.gov.co, altss.com, techcrunch.com