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Why founders love us
What we do
Turn ideas into scalable businesses with us
We help remarkable talents to become successful founders. Our program equips founders with everything they need to turn the first spark into a scalable digital business.
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Who we are
Joined forces for start-up success
LAB 1720 is a joined incubator and accelerator by Aschendorff NEXT and 1648 Factory. 1648 Factory is a remote-first innovation factory with hubs in Münster, Berlin, New York and Lviv in the Ukraine. The 1648 Factory ecosystem includes Product, Design, Venture Architecture and Engineering resources as well as industry experts, serial founders and investors.
Aschendorff NEXT is the corporate venture capital unit of Aschendorff Group - a large media company based in Münster, Germany. Aschendorff NEXT has an exceptional track record of identifying and investing in start-ups with digital business models and promising growth prospects.
Founder-first approach
We prioritise founders over ideas. Founders have the opportunity to repeat our process with multiple ideas if the first one doesn't make it through the stage gates. Also, your start at LAB 1720 is not tied to specific dates but agreed with you individually. We appreciate founders with their own idea backlog. However, we constantly work with industry experts and creative minds to identify the most promising start-up ideas that we can match you with.
Remote set-up
Our processes and strategies are designed for remote work. While you are very welcome to join us in one of our hubs, you can participate from anywhere in Europe. You won't miss out on the community either - our regular virtual events keep us connected.
Support all the way
We stand by your side from day 1 to scaling your business, supporting you with a team with complementary skills (Venture Architect, Designer, Software Architect, Software Developer), coaching, network and access to Design, Engineering and Growth Studio services. Participation in the incubator/ accelerator program also comes with financial support so you can focus on your future business.
How we work
Two ways to get into LAB1720 program
Start with your Idea
You work on your own start-up idea(s)
Typically, your journey begins with a "Quick Check". You have already taken the first steps to validate the idea or need support in building the start-up? No problem, you can also join at a later stage of the process and receive customized support.
Lab1720 Idea
You work on a start-up idea provided by LAB 1720
You don't have your own start-up idea but would love to become a LAB 1720 founder? You can work on a start-up idea from LAB 1720 that has already been validated (Idea generation to Inception) and is ready to be launched.
Idea generation
Following a data-driven approach to developing ideas
Your journey begins here or at the later stage
Quick check
Completing an initial validation of prioritised ideas, focused on the biggest risks
Ideation
Testing to validate problem-solution fit
Inception
Turning ideas into validated start-up concepts
Your journey begins here
Incubation & launch
Building the start-up and taking it to market
Scale
Growing and commercialising the start-up
From Idea generation to Scale: Our proven innovation process helps you validate, implement and scale your startup idea.
Hall of fame
Portfolio
Skill Reveal helps companies to assess, recruit and hire a talent pool of top engineers, designers, product managers and marketing managers
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Mindset
You are energised by solving complex customer problems while keeping in mind the bigger picture and strategic thinking. You have a hands-on mentality and the grit it takes to persist in challenging times.
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Mission
You know what it takes to build a digital start-up from scratch and are willing to commit to your founder journey full-time. You are motivated by your passion for entrepreneurship and you are driven by purpose rather than boosting your resume.
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Experience
You have gained first professional experience in the industry, the start-up scene or as a consultant. As the future CXO of your company, you have strong communication skills and experience in leading a diverse team.
Wanted: Team members
Join a founder squad
Ready for your next adventure? We are constantly looking for outstanding Designers and Venture Architects to join LAB 1720 and work with founders on their journey from idea validation to launch.
As a tight-knit squad with complementary skills, we learn from each other throughout the journey. Our team is passionate, diverse and geeky at times. We love to build new products and have fun while doing so. #squadgoals
Contact
We are happy to help
Get in touch
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