8 Weeks to an Investment-Ready MVP
Join the sprint!
We combine short, practical sessions with business and technical mentoring in an execution-first pre-acceleration program for early-stage teams – so you can move from a promising idea to a credible MVP scope, trust package, concrete pilot plan and investor-ready pitch deck.
What it is
HUB201 Cyber Security and AI Pre-Acceleration Program is an 8-week sprint for early-stage teams, built for founders who want to move from a promising idea to a credible path to pilots.
You’ll work on what matters most in cyber: identifying the real Buyer and the real pain, positioning in the security landscape, scoping an MVP that can survive first security questions, and designing pilots with clear success metrics.
Who it’s for
This program is a fit if you’re:
A working software prototype is not required. What matters is domain insight, coachability, and consistent weekly execution.
Who can apply
Why this program
Cyber security startups often hit the same wall: you can build something impressive, but deals stall because trust, integration, and risk-related issues come before features.
We help teams address that reality early – while the product is still flexible – so pilots don’t fail on preventable friction (security reviews, unclear data needs, fuzzy evaluation plans, or weak differentiation).
How it works
Every week blends learning and execution:
- Business masterclass on hand-picked and specific topics (such as Buyer/ICP, GTM, pricing, pilots)
- Technical masterclass on hand-picked and specific topics (such as architecture, threat modeling, and trust/regulation topics)
- Homework assignments
- 1:1 mentoring sessions with business and tech mentors
- Structured feedback and clear next steps, at a pace that keeps you shipping and learning every week
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the program, you should be able to:
- Explain the Buyer, pain, urgency, and differentiation in a crisp narrative
- Show evidence from discovery (not assumptions)
- Define a realistic MVP scope and secure-by-design direction
- Propose a pilot with measurable success criteria and reduced friction
- Handle common enterprise security questions honestly and confidently
- Pitch clearly to partners, pilots, accelerators, and early investors
What You Get
- Investor-ready pitch deck
- Warm introductions with Hub201 partners and investors
- Opportunity to present your pitch in front of four VC funds
- Ready to apply to funding programs
- Clear go-to-market route
- Defensible market positioning
- Perks and credits for selected tools and services
- Technical Validation and Security Credibility
Selection criteria
We select teams based on:
- Problem clarity and urgency
- Evidence of domain understanding
- Differentiation vs alternatives
- Realistic path to MVP and pilots
- Team capability and coachability
Important dates
Applications open:
23.02.2026.
Application deadline:
15.03.2026.
Pre-acceleration start:
23.03.2026.
End and Demo Day:
15.05.2026.
FAQ
No. What matters is that you can execute weekly and show progress.
This program is designed for readiness (pilots, acceleration, fundraising). Investment terms (if any) will be communicated separately.
Top teams may continue into the Hub201 Acceleration Program – technical and build-focused program designed to help teams develop a pilot-ready product.
The team retains full IP ownership.
No. We accept both teams who do not have a legal entity registered jet, and already incorporated startups.
MVP is not required to join the program. If you already have one, that’s absolutely welcome – we’ll help you validate it with real customer evidence, sharpen positioning, and prepare for pilots.
The program is hybrid. Some activities take place in person, but those same activities will also be available online for teams that can’t attend on-site.
Plan for around 8 hours per week, including lectures, workshops, homework, and mentoring sessions. Activities are scheduled after working hours.
No, we do not take equity in the pre-acceleration phase. Equity is a topic in later stages of our programs.