Welcome to Acelera, the accelerator brought to you by Odisea, in partnership with Mantle.
Kicking off in January 2025, Acelera is a 10-week program designed to scale 15-20 of Latin America’s most ambitious teams. We provide builders with a structured program to propel your startup to the next level, access to over 50 top-tier advisors, a $20K participation grant for the best teams in the program, and a Demo Day where you’ll pitch to the industry’s leading investors.
Our mission is to empower Latin America’s brightest builders to transform society by leveraging onchain technology to create decentralized futures. Acelera is designed to provide a world-class experience, setting new standards of quality and innovation that will drive crypto in Latin America to the next level.
We are deeply rooted in the region and are true crypto natives, giving us unique insights into Latin America’s challenges and opportunities. Together with Mantle, we’re scaling the boldest founders tackling complex problems in DeFi, payments, stablecoins, decentralized social, gaming, infrastructure, wallets, and other verticals of the onchain economy.
Ready to accelerate? Apply here.
Our Thesis
We believe crypto has the potential to disrupt centralized institutions of power across Latin America. Permissionless, decentralized, and credibly neutral protocols can transform the region’s financial systems, economies, and social structures. Yet, despite this potential, the number of emerging crypto projects in Latin America has been underwhelming—what we call the innovation gap.
To overcome the innovation gap, Odisea:
Conducts foundational research on the state of crypto in Latin America.
Partners with leading global crypto protocols and foundations.
Backs the best founders in the region.
Provides technical education for emerging developers.
To bring this vision to life, Odisea is proud to have partnered with leading ecosystems including Mantle, Base, Safe, Lens, Celo, Liquity, the IDB, and Schmidt Futures.
We set up the Odisea Accelerator after realizing that some of the region's most successful founders often need key ingredients to unlock their full potential. Through this program, we aim to scale the region's boldest and most visionary founders, both operating in the region and beyond.
Program Overview
Applications: November 28th - December 11th
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. After submitting, you’ll undergo a technical review and two interviews. Expect to receive a final decision two weeks after submitting your application,
Odisea Accelerator: January 14th, 2025 - March 21st, 2025
The program is fully remote and structured to provide ample time for what matters most: building your project.
Through Acelera, we aim to set a new benchmark for excellence in crypto innovation, ensuring that Latin America not only participates but leads in this global transformation. To that end, the program offers the following:
Educational Sessions
Building a startup is hard, and building a crypto startup is even more challenging. Building a crypto startup in Latin America is often perceived to be nearly impossible. We provide weekly workshops covering market research, viability, product-market fit, business modeling, marketing, tokenomics, fundraising, and beyond
Ecosystem & Network
One introduction can change the entire trajectory of a project’s future. We leverage our connections within a vast network of crypto professionals, mentors, projects, and enthusiasts to scale a project’s impact and reach. We've established strong relationships throughout the ecosystem that we're excited to put to work for you!
Product Development
We support developing your MVP into market-ready applications that meet market needs and user expectations. Whether it is setting up user testing, feedback sessions, or finding new technical talent to build your product, we're here to help you build the best product possible.
Advisory Sessions
You will have access to crypto’s brightest minds through our advisory network. These advisors are committed to supporting you as you continue to scale up your projects and take you to the next level, both through 1:1 advisory as well as through cohort-wide sessions.
Technical Code Review
Our program includes comprehensive technical code reviews led by experienced blockchain engineers, ensuring your code meets the highest standards for security, scalability, and efficiency. These reviews offer detailed feedback and actionable insights, helping you refine your product, address vulnerabilities, and build robust, market-ready solutions.
Funding and Investment Opportunities
Access to grants, venture capital, and demo days to secure necessary funding. In addition to providing the best founders with a grant, we also work with our leading partners to create a milestone-based stream of grants upon successful integrations of certain protocols and dApps. Our demo day will feature leading investors across the ecosystem who are keen to back Latin America's best builders.
Regulatory and Compliance Support
We work with some of the region’s top lawyers and advisors to guide you through the complex regulatory landscape of Latin America's crypto space. This ranges from where you should incorporate your startup, what your fundraising vehicles should look like, and more.
Program Structure
The program will take place over 10 weeks. Each week, we will have several educational sessions, 1:1 mentorship sessions with industry leaders, technical code reviews, and guide founders through any pressing challenges you're facing. The program structure is as follows:
Week 1: Kick-off
Welcome to the beginning of your journey with the Odisea Accelerator! In this initial week, we'll set the stage for what's to come. You'll meet fellow founders, mentors, and the Odisea team, creating a supportive network from the get-go. We'll dive into the accelerator's structure, goals, and expectations, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to maximize the experience. This week is about laying a solid foundation, so prepare to embark on an exciting adventure with fellow accelerator members.
Week 2: PMF Readiness
In Week 2, we focus on exploring the first principles of Product-Market Fit (PMF). Understanding your market and ensuring your product meets its needs is crucial. We'll conduct intensive market research sessions, helping you identify your target audience, understand their pain points, and refine your product offering. By the end of this week, you'll have a clearer vision of your market position and a roadmap to achieving PMF.
Week 3: Product Development
Week 3 is all about bringing your product to life. We’ll work on developing your Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and transitioning it to a market-ready application. This involves setting up user testing, gathering feedback, and iterating on your product design. Our team of technical experts will provide code reviews and hands-on support to ensure your product meets market needs and user expectations.
Week 4: Security
Security is paramount in the crypto space. Week 4 will cover essential security protocols and best practices to safeguard your product and users. You’ll learn about smart contract security, data protection, and risk management strategies. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools to build secure and trustworthy applications, ensuring long-term success and user confidence.
Week 5: Regulatory and Legal
Navigating the complex regulatory landscape is crucial for any crypto startup. In Week 5, we bring in top lawyers and advisors to guide you through legal and compliance challenges. We'll cover topics such as incorporation, fundraising vehicles, and regulatory requirements specific to Latin America. By the end of this week, you’ll have a solid understanding of the legal framework and how to position your startup for compliance and success.
Week 6: Protocol Design
Week 6 dives into the intricacies of protocol design. We’ll explore the principles of decentralized systems, consensus mechanisms, tokenomics, and smart contract development. This week’s sessions are designed to deepen your technical expertise and help you create robust, scalable, and efficient blockchain protocols. With guidance from industry leaders, you’ll refine your design and implementation strategies.
Week 7: GTM & Growth
Growth and market penetration are the focus of Week 7. We’ll work on developing effective go-to-market (GTM) strategies, marketing plans, and growth-hacking techniques. You’ll learn how to build a strong brand, engage your audience, and scale your user base. Our mentors will share insights and tactics to help you drive growth and achieve your business objectives.
Week 8: Culture & Community
Building a strong company culture and community is vital for long-term success. In Week 8, we’ll discuss the importance of culture, values, and leadership within your startup. You’ll learn how to cultivate a positive work environment, attract top talent, and build a loyal community around your product. This week emphasizes the human aspect of your startup journey, ensuring you’re equipped to lead effectively and foster a thriving ecosystem.
Week 9: Fundraising
Securing funding is a critical milestone for any startup. During Week 9, we’ll focus on fundraising strategies, preparing you for investor pitches and negotiations. You’ll gain insights into creating compelling pitch decks, identifying potential investors, and navigating fundraising. We’ll also provide access to grants and venture capital opportunities and organize a demo day rehearsal to hone your presentation skills.
Week 10: Demo Day
The culmination of the Odisea Accelerator program is Demo Day. In Week 10, you’ll showcase your progress, pitch your startup to a panel of investors, and demonstrate your product’s potential. This is your opportunity to secure funding, make valuable connections, and celebrate the achievements of the past 10 weeks. We’ll help you refine your pitch and presentation, ensuring you’re ready to impress and take your startup to the next level.
The Deal
A 1% participation fee via a SAFE/SAFT is in exchange for receiving top-tier support through Acelera’s program, network, the $20K participation grant, and follow-on grants from our partners. We aim to align long-term incentives with each of the founders to ensure that we drive maximum utility for both the founders and the Odisea ecosystem.
We will work closely with you from the very early stages of your startup’s journey to the successful maturation of your project. We are excited to scale your project with you and can’t wait to get started.
Apply
If you’re a top-tier founder looking to continue to grow your startup to the next level, we would encourage you to submit an application for the program. You can submit your application here.
Should you have any questions regarding the program, you can contact us at: acelera@odisea.xyz.
FAQs
What kind of use-cases are you looking for?
A: We're looking to work with builders across the onchain economy, including DeFi, decentralized social, stablecoins, payments, infrastructure, wallets, gaming, and other verticals. If you use crypto in a meaningful way in your product, this program is for you!
What stage should I be at as a builder?
A: We're ideally looking for pre-seed stage builders. However, if you believe you would benefit from this program and are either at an earlier or later stage, we would encourage you to apply.
Do you take equity in exchange for participation?
A: Yes, participating startups agree to an equity/token-based participation fee upon acceptance into the program. We will take 50% of our stake at the beginning of the program, and 50% of the remainder if you raise from investors within the Odisea network. Our goal is to make this program founder-friendly, and our equity stake is to align our incentives over the long-run.
Will all participants receive a grant?
A: The 8 strongest teams in the program will receive a grant. You will be notified of your grant status upon receiving your offer from Acelera.
How is the grant disbursed?
A: The grant is disbursed in two installments:
First Installment: $10K at the start of the program upon signing the grant agreement.
Second Installment: $10K at the end of the program, contingent upon successful integration of the Mantle network into your project.
Is the program conducted in English or Spanish?
A: The program will be conducted primarily in English.
Do we need to relocate to participate in the accelerator?
A: No, the Odisea Accelerator is designed to be fully remote. You can participate from anywhere, although we may host optional in-person events or meetups in the future.
Do we need to be from Latin America and/or operate in the region to participate?
A: Yes, we are looking for founders who are either from Latin America or are operating in the region.
What is expected regarding the integration of the Mantle network?
A: To receive the grant, you are expected to integrate the Mantle network into your project by the end of the program. This should be demonstrated through your product, codebase, or deployment on the Mantle network. You are of course free to deploy on any other network of your choice!
Do we need to have incorporated our company before applying?
A: While incorporation is preferred, we understand that some startups may still be in the process. However, it would be best if you were incorporated to receive the grant funds and finalize equity agreements. We are flexible regarding where you are incorporated, so long as we may establish legally-binding contracts within your jurisdiction.
How intensive is the program schedule?
A: The program is designed to be intensive and requires full-time commitment from the founders. Expect regular workshops, mentorship sessions, assignments, and progress reviews.
How can we make our application stand out?
A: To make your application stand out:
Demonstrate a Clear Value Proposition: Clearly articulate the problem you're solving and your unique solution.
Show Traction: Highlight any user engagement, partnerships, or milestones achieved.
Strong Team: Emphasize the experience, expertise, and commitment of your team members.
Will we have access to investors during the program?
A: Yes, you will have opportunities to connect with investors, especially during our Demo Day event where you can pitch your startup to a curated audience of top-tier investors.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this article by Odisea Labs LLC (RMI Series LLC) is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about its completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. This article does not constitute professional advice, and readers should seek their own professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided. Odisea Labs LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage, including indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from or in connection with the use of this article. For any questions, please contact us at terms@odisea.xyz.
