Raise Capital with Confidence.
Compass prepares women of colour founders to fundraise strategically.
Your Fundraising Journey Starts Here.
Compass is Founderland’s flagship investor-readiness accelerator for women of colour founders in Europe. Over six weeks, founders learn to craft a compelling pitch, negotiate confidently, build a data room, and connect with aligned investors. No equity taken.
Is Compass right for you?
🔶 You’re a Woman of Colour Founder
Based in Europe or the UK, you’ve launched a startup and want to grow with intention.
📈 You’re Early-Stage
You’ve built an MVP, have traction, and are now preparing for a raise (pre-seed to seed+).
💰 You’re Planning to Raise
You’re targeting investors within the next 6–12 months and need the strategy and support to do it right.
🕒 You’re Ready to Commit
You can join live weekly sessions, complete prep work, and attend Demo Day in Berlin.
“Compass has the greatest curriculum for investment readiness. It was
very good timing for us: I could ace my pitch before presenting beams in
front of 5000 people at Bits & Pretzels startup pitch finals. We met our
first investor through an introduction from Founderland.”
Show Up, Build, Raise.
Compass is designed for action.
Over six weeks, you’ll attend expert-led sessions, complete critical fundraising deliverables, and pitch live at Demo Day.
🗓 6 Weeks of Programming
With live sessions held once or twice a week.
⏱ ~10 Hours per Week
4 hours live (required), plus 5–6 hours of prep and deliverable work.
🧾 Deliverables
Finalised pitch deck, data room, investor list, deal memo, and cap table.
📍 Two Days in Berlin
Attend Leadership Kickoff (Week 1) and Demo Day (Week 6). Travel support may be available.
💬 Active Participation
Show up, contribute to your cohort, and stay accountable through peer and mentor check-ins.
2023 Demo Day
2024 Demo Day
Your six-week path to investor readiness.
From strategy to storytelling, Compass guides you through the full fundraising journey—ending in a live Demo Day with real investors.
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Session 1: Welcome & Fundraising Keynote
Learn what today’s investors really wantSession 2: Leadership Day (in-person, Berlin) + Cohort Dinner
Build trust, connect deeply, and set intentions
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Session 3: Crafting a Compelling Pitch
Structure, story arc, and delivery techniquesSession 4: Pitch Practice with Expert Feedback
Live feedback from seasoned investors and founders
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Session 5: Mastering Investor Conversations
Negotiation strategies + roleplaying tough momentsSession 6: Understanding Term Sheets & Deal Memos
The fine print that makes or breaks a deal
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Session 7: Financial Modelling Deep Dive
Build clarity and confidence around your numbersSession 8: Building a Winning Data Room
What investors expect to see and how to deliver it
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Session 9: Creating Momentum with Milestones
Timing, storytelling, and urgency for investorsSession 10: Building Conviction
Shift from pitching to meaningful dialogue
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Session 11: Final Pitch Feedback
Live coaching to fine-tune your storySession 12: Demo Day (in-person, Berlin)
Present your startup to a room full of aligned investors
Applications for the next cohort open September 2025.
Program Dates: October–November 2025.
Compass runs once a year. Be the first to know when applications open. Waitlist members will receive early access, application prep tips, and a detailed guide on how to stand out during the selection process.
Fund With Us.
Back the next generation of women-led innovation in Europe. Your support makes investment access equitable and scalable.
Compass has helped mobilise over €10 million in venture capital for women of colour founders since 2022. But the programme only runs with the support of partners who fund its delivery. By sponsoring Compass, you enable underrepresented founders to access world-class training, direct investor exposure, and a path to scale—at no cost to them. Join us as a session sponsor, mentor, or Demo Day partner, and help shape a more inclusive startup ecosystem in Europe.