Early Stage Program Structure
Accelerating Innovation in Key Industries
At MassChallenge, we are committed to advancing health innovation that addresses some of the most pressing global challenges. Our Health accelerator supports startups across a range of areas, empowering them to drive solutions in health equity, access to care, affordability, and technological advancements in healthcare.
With over 4,000 startups already benefiting from MassChallenge accelerators, we offer unparalleled support through hundreds of industry-specific mentors, including vetted healthcare experts, corporate and government partners, and access to virtual and in-person events. Our programs are designed to accelerate growth, build partnerships, and enable startups to scale their impact.
MassChallenge defines “early stage” startups as those in the pre-seed to Series A stages, with pre-revenue (but showing signs of traction) up to $5 million in revenue. Startups may have a combination of:
We assess demand using tangible indicators like pre-orders, form fills, web traffic, active users, letters of intent (LOIs), or proofs of concept (POCs). These indicators demonstrate early market interest and position startups for successful growth and scalability.
The US Early Stage Programs are available as four targeted accelerators, in Healthcare, Finance, Climate, and Security. Our approach provides customized resources for startups in each industry, ensuring that founders receive the support they need to thrive.
Our Early Stage Programs are built on the foundation of expert mentorship. Startups will be paired with mentors based on their selected areas of expertise, allowing for personalized guidance and feedback in critical areas of their business.
Mentor Engagement:
• Mentors and founders will each select up to three focus areas (e.g., User Research, Marketing, GTM Strategy, etc.) to guide the matching process.
• Founders will submit drafts of key documents (e.g., marketing plans, financial models) to be reviewed and refined with mentors over a series of 1-4 weeks. Mentors will provide feedback and sign off on the final versions of these documents.
• Founders are required to engage with a minimum of five mentors throughout the program and must demonstrate consistent progress.
Mock Board Meetings & Investor Pitches:
To further refine their strategies, startups will participate in mock board meetings and mock investor pitch sessions. These structured meetings allow founders to present their progress, receive critical feedback, and practice communicating with potential investors and board members.
Additional Program Features
• Resources & Perks: Startups gain access to special pricing and discounts from top partners such as HubSpot, AWS, Carta, and Google. These perks are designed to provide startups with the tools and services they need to succeed.
• Dedicated Staff Support: MassChallenge staff will be assigned to each startup, facilitating mentor sessions, ensuring progress towards goals, and helping connect founders with investors and clients.
• Digital & In-Person Access: Founders will have access to a comprehensive digital library, event recordings, live sessions, and a mentor/startup directory through our digital tools. In-person events will complement virtual support, providing ample opportunities for connection and collaboration.
• Optional Leadership Retreat: As an optional capstone, startups can participate in a week-long leadership and wellness retreat. This retreat focuses on personal growth, leadership development, and peer bonding, helping founders build resilience and balance in their entrepreneurial journey.
