Europe’s startup landscape is developing, and accelerators play a growing role not just in getting founders off the ground, but also in helping the broader ecosystem identify what’s worth backing. Few have leaned into that filtering role with more intention than AceON, the Prague-based accelerator founded by advisory firm Accace and venture capital fund ZAKA VC.
Launched in 2023, AceON is quietly emerging as a strategic infrastructure layer for early-stage innovation in the region. Its programs go beyond pitch coaching or demo days. The focus is placed on working hands-on with pre-seed and idea-stage startups to sharpen business fundamentals, accelerate product validation, and unlock funding opportunities. Applications for the Autumn 2025 cohort are now open.
And while the program remains free for startups, it’s increasingly drawing the attention of corporates, VCs, and ecosystem organizations looking to play a more engaged role in supporting Europe’s next generation of founders.
From MVP to Market: How AceON Measures Progress
The numbers tell a clear story. Since its launch, AceON has received applications from 40+ countries and has accelerated more than 70 startups, with each batch carefully selected from a wide application pool. Startups emerge with tested MVPs, traction metrics, and often, their first investor conversations.
ARtttify, a no-code gamified marketing platform, joined with 40 beta users. Since graduating, the team has launched over 500 campaigns, scaled to 270+ brand customers, and engaged more than 150,000 users. They’ve also signed 26 agency partnerships and secured early investment.
Another early success story is Upfan, a ticketing startup tackling fraud in live events, built its MVP during the program and landed its first 7 paying customers across 4 countries. It has since won international recognition and begun raising a seed round.
“Before AceON, Upfan was just an idea. We had no MVP, no customers, just a clear problem and a strong belief that ticketing needed to change. Since joining AceON, everything accelerated. We built and launched our MVP, signed our first paying customers – including music festivals and a professional football club – and proved that organisers are actively looking for a better solution. We went from zero to real users, real feedback, and recurring revenue in just a few months. AceON gave us the structure, accountability, and support network we needed to turn an early-stage concept into a growing startup,” says Andrej Nagy, Upfan CEO.
But more importantly, these are not isolated wins. AceON’s most recent batch hosted 34 mentors, and included 21 selected startups out of almost 200 applicants from 39 countries. The program also began offering direct investments, a sign of its deeper commitment to follow-on support.
Building a Pipeline. And a Platform
AceON’s founders are clear: the program is centered around the strategic benefits of connecting the right startups with the right resources, people, and capital when they most need directional input.
That philosophy is embedded in its structure. Accace brings a network of 800+ professionals across 50 jurisdictions, helping startups navigate operations, taxes, HR, and compliance. ZAKA VC, with over 70 investments and 3,500+ startups reviewed annually, lends deal experience and investor insight. Together, they’ve joined forces to design a program to de-risk early-stage companies and prepare them for real market engagement.
The model is catching on. AceON is already collaborating with several renowned stakeholders who are interested in partnering with programs that offer an intersection of visibility and meaningful selection.
“Tech readiness is becoming a decisive factor for young companies aiming to attract investors and sustain their own growth. Many of the challenges that slow startups down don’t start with failure, they start when growth outpaces infrastructure. At Labyrinth Labs, we believe that cloud is no longer just a tool for large corporations, it’s a key enabler for smaller, fast-growing teams with global ambitions. That’s why we’re excited to join the AceON´s Autumn Accelerator as partners and mentors: to help founders scale confidently, avoid common pitfalls, and build a tech foundation that keeps up with their vision.” says Adam Hamšík, Co-Founder & CEO of Labyrinth Labs, which has joined as a strategic partner of AceON’s upcoming Autumn Accelerator program.
Grounded in Europe, Built for Global Scale
Headquartered in Prague, AceON is thinking big. Its program is open to founders from across Europe and beyond, with alumni already expanding into markets like the UK, Georgia, Portugal, and the UAE.
This geographic spread isn’t accidental. AceON’s doubling down on its mission to help founders build globally competitive companies and to make sure that Europe remains a serious contender in global tech. This ambition also resonates with organizations that want to play a more strategic role in the startup ecosystem, whether as early supporters, pilot partners, or future investors.
What’s Ahead: Autumn 2025 Cohort
AceON is now preparing for its Autumn 2025 cohort, and with it, a new round of ecosystem engagement. The upcoming batch will again focus on idea- and pre-seed-stage startups, with a strong emphasis on sectors tackling real-world challenges with scalable tech.
Behind the scenes, the program is constantly expanding its partner network as a way to integrate corporates and funds directly into the startup journey. Partners are invited to contribute to lectures, offer mentorship, collaborate on pilot opportunities, and gain visibility in one of Europe’s most founder-centric acceleration environments.
Those looking to play a more active role in shaping the future of innovation, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, are finding this program a credible, mission-driven way in.
