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INSEAD Centre for Entrepreneurship

LaunchPad FAQs - INSEAD Centre for Entrepreneurship

FAQs for INSEAD LaunchPad

My startup is interested in joining the INSEAD LaunchPad!

The essentials:

Startups must be founded by an INSEAD alum.  The alum must also commit to being onsite at STATION F during the residency at least 3 days a week on average.
Startups can have any business model and be in any industry and geography.  True to INSEAD's culture, the INSEAD LaunchPad welcomes and encourages diversity.
We do not ask for equity.  However, the residency fee is €350 per month per desk (+ VAT payable upfront per quarter.)
Residency lasts 6 months, with the possibility to extend another 3 to 6 months. 

What will I get if I am part of the LaunchPad programme?

Open workspace within STATION F's campus
Personalized advice: get a highly qualified mentor for a period of 6 months 
Collaborative intelligence: meet up with other residents once per month to unlock each other issues 
Network:  over 1,000 startups to meet and weekly events to attend
Structure: attend key workshops relevant to your stage (optional) 
Inspiration: challenge your views with disruptive entrepreneurs from all over the world 
Practical advice: get help from great institutions on site and don't waste time on administrative questions
Company perks: Discounts to many services offered through STATION F's partners

When can I apply?

Applications for the newest intake starting January 2024 can be submitted until 30 November 2023.

What happens after I submit my application?

Finalists will be contacted by 8 December 2023 with more details.

If I am not selected, can I reapply later?

Yes, we expect to have the next application period in late autumn 2023.

How many startups will be selected?

The number of startups selected will vary depending on the size of each startup. This year the LaunchPad hosted over 30 startups. 

Does my startup have to be based in France?

We accept startups from around the world, but if accepted into the LaunchPad, you must commit to working onsite at STATION F for the duration of your residency.

My startup is a social venture. Can I apply?

Yes, we are open to all industries and business models.

Can I have access to the INSEAD faculty or courses?

We are fortunate to have INSEAD faculty supporting the LaunchPad.  They will occasionally be onsite to advise startups.  INSEAD faculty will also conduct master classes or workshops at STATION F throughout the year.  Admission to the INSEAD LaunchPad does not grant access to INSEAD courses.

How big should the team be? How many desks can you expect?

You can request up to 6 desks, but the final allotted number may vary.

I'm an INSEAD alum and I founded a startup. I'm busy with other obligations but my team would love to be based at STATION F. Is this okay?

No, priority is given to startups where the INSEAD founder will be onsite.

Should all the founders of the startup be INSEAD alumni?

No, but at least 1 founder must be an INSEAD alum.

Is the LaunchPad open to INSEAD partners?

The startup must be founded by an INSEAD alum.

I have a great idea for a startup. Can I apply?

We are seeking applicants who are further along than just an idea.

Do you need a MVP before applying?

Applicants should either have an MVP or be MVP ready in 1 to 2 months.

I’m a current INSEAD participant. Can I apply to the INSEAD LaunchPad?

The INSEAD LaunchPad is only open to alumni.  Students can be involved in other ways.  See below.

Additional Questions

I’m a current INSEAD participant. Can I do an internship with a startup at STATION F?

We are exploring ways for MBA students to connect with startups at the INSEAD LaunchPad as well as startups from other STATION F programmes for internship or job opportunities.  Stay tuned for more information.

I would like to visit STATION F. When can I come?

Station F visits for student and alumni of INSEAD are opening soon via our website. Stay tuned. 

I would like to mentor or invest in the LaunchPad startups. How can I get involved?

We welcome experienced entrepreneurs and investors to participate in our ecosystem.  Please complete this brief questionnaire to indicate your interests and areas of expertise.  If you have already completed the form, there is no need to do so again.