Accelerators are key players in the growth journey of startups, providing mentorship, resources, and financial opportunities. However, gaining acceptance into these programs can be highly competitive. Understanding how accelerators evaluate applications gives you fuel for success throughout the process.

The Nasdaq Center is delighted to be joined by Jules Walker, Managing Director of Private Enterprise at KPMG, to share insight on how applications for accelerators are reviewed and what entrepreneurs can do to positions themselves for success when applying. Jules will provide guidance on what accelerators look for in applicants, how they assess market potential, and what sets successful applications apart.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain insight into criteria used by accelerators to evaluate applications from startups.
• Learn best practices for crafting a compelling application that aligns with accelerator goals and strategy.
• Understand how to navigate the selection process for accelerators to position yourself and your business for acceptance.

This event is part of a special series meant to help your application to the KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator Competition. Learn more about the US program here!

Jules Walker

Managing Director, KPMG’s Emerging Technology Practice

Jules leads the business development efforts for KPMG’s Emerging Giants Practice in the United States. His team of professionals focuses on creating and expanding relationships with PE & VC-backed technology companies in a variety of industries doing business domestically and abroad. He works closely with early-stage startups as well as mature private companies approaching IPO providing consulting services to help clients get to their next level of growth.

Jules is also an avid angel investor looking at investment opportunities in a variety of emerging technology industries and represents KPMG’s Ventures division as a scout.

Moderated by

Dhana Pawar

Dhana is an angel investor and a product executive with deep expertise in AI, fintech and retail. Dhana has over 15 years of experience leading product teams for startups & Fortune 500 companies, and has worked extensively with leading brands like TripAdvisor, Coupons.com, Toyota, Samsung and Disney.

Dhana is the co-founder of Veratempo, a product management and marketing analytics company. Prior to Veratempo, she was General Manager of New Initiatives at TripAdvisor where she led the company’s growth in the untapped consumer ticketing business. Before that, as Vice President of Partnerships at Coupons.com Incorporated (now Quotient), Dhana oversaw the company’s retail strategy and partnerships.

Ms. Pawar is a regular speaker at tech events and is a strong advocate for women in technology. She has been quoted in a wide variety of leading media outlets, including CNN, ABC News, and All Things Digital. She has been the founding member of Silicon Valley Girls in Tech and sits on the advisory boards of Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center & OhmniLabs.

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The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center is a 501c(3) public charity whose mission it is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all. We deliver world-class resources and mentoring to enable every entrepreneur across the globe to realize their maximum potential. Please join us and make your gift to ensure these transformative programs may continue to reach the underserved.

All Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least 48 hours in advance of this event; please send an email to [email protected] with the subject header ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. For assistance with registration or other technical difficulties, please contact [email protected]