Deadline Date: November 19, 2025
Bridge to Scale is a hybrid acceleration program by 1991 Accelerator with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, designed to back early-stage startup founders to unlock international traction, capital, and scale across global markets from December 2025 to March 2026 in Warsaw, aiming to provide mentorship, investment readiness, and CEE & EU expansion support through online and offline activities.
Bridge to Scale offers selected startups a 12-week program combining online sessions of up to three hours per week with three days of in-person events in Warsaw. Each startup works with a dedicated mentor to refine their business strategy, investment pitch, and data room, preparing them for potential investors.
The program provides guidance for startups aiming to expand into Central and Eastern Europe and the European Union, including regulatory advice, market entry strategies, and fundraising support. Participants gain curated introductions to investors, one-on-one meetings, and the opportunity to showcase their startup during the Bootcamp and Demo Day in Warsaw.
A unique feature of the program is its partnership with IT Arena, the largest tech conference in CEE, where teams may secure a spot in the semifinals of the Startup Competition 2026. The program does not take any equity from participating startups.
Bridge to Scale targets early-stage startups at the pre-seed or seed stage with at least one founder holding legal status in an EU member state, Ukrainian founders owning at least 51% of the company, and a registration or significant presence in Poland or other eligible CEE countries. Teams are expected to commit fully to all program activities, including mentorship, workshops, and in-person events.
The program leverages the expertise of mentors, investors, and founders from across Europe and the UK. Previous alumni have praised 1991 Accelerator for being founder-centric, supporting international market expansion, and fostering a strong community of founders and investors.
For more information, visit 1991 Accelerator.
