It’s December — the final stretch of the year. The world is slowing down, inboxes are quieting, and most people are already drifting into holiday mode.
But if you’re building, this calm is a gift. A pocket of clarity. A moment to look up and plan your next move.
This is our last newsletter of the year — and before we wrap, we’re leaving you with one more spark: a standout, equity-free accelerator from Europe that might shape your 2026.
Thank you for being here, for building, for staying curious.
We’re excited for what you’ll create next.
Until then — happy holidays, recharge well, and see you in the new year.
🛠️ Curated with care by Bartosz & Hannah – the team behind Bootstrap Insider.
We research, vet, and deliver only the most founder-friendly opportunities.
🔎In today's newsletter:
🎯 1 Top Equity-Free Accelerator
Perfect for bootstrap founders.🚀 Win Cash, Traction or Exposure
Without giving up a single share of equity.👀Quick Application Tips
Only the most important ones.
Personal NOTE:
Donations Instead of Gifts
Every year I ask myself the same question:
Should I send my clients a small Christmas gift?
This year I consciously decided not to.
Why?
Last year I realized: public-sector clients often have strict limits on gifts. Many parcels were returned or sat for weeks in mailrooms. On top of that there’s CO₂, packaging, and shipping costs—lots of effort for something that often doesn’t arrive or isn’t really needed.
So: what would be the better gesture?
My decision:
For all of my clients from 2025, I will donate €10 each.
On top of that, I will add 1% of my profit after taxes.
And there’s a very personal reason behind this:
As a self-employed person, I know how closely revenue is tied to your own health. Without health there’s no energy, no clarity, no daily routine, no progress. I’m incredibly grateful for that—for this healthy year 2025.
At the same time I know: this is not something to take for granted. There are people—children too—for whom fate has decided differently. They get sick without having done anything wrong. That’s exactly where I want to help. And I know this support truly reaches those who need it.
Where will the donation go?
To Deutsche Leukämie-Forschungs-Hilfe – Aktion für krebskranke Kinder – Ortsverband Mannheim e.V.
A non-profit charitable organization that supports families whose lives can come to a standstill from one day to the next.
I was there in person to see for myself. In the next few days, I’ll also share some photos.
If you’d like to join in, you’re warmly invited:
Bank: Sparkasse Rhein-Neckar Nord
Account no.: 3800 3801
Bank code (BLZ): 670 505 05
IBAN: DE93 6705 0505 0038 0038 01
BIC (SWIFT): MANSDE66XXX
Reference: Science
If you use the reference “Science,” I will share transparently here at the end of 2025 how much we’ve collected together. ❤️
Thank you!
More information: https://www.krebskranke-kinder.de/unterstuetzen-sie-uns/
🏆 Name of the Accelerator: TechFounders
🎯 Aim:
TechFounders supports high-tech startups in turning strong prototypes into scalable, industry-ready solutions. Over 20 weeks, founders work closely with leading corporates like BMW, Bosch, and Miele — without giving up any equity.
📍 Organizer:
UnternehmerTUM — Munich, Germany
(International teams fully welcome.)
🎯 Focus:
Designed for deep-tech and industrial innovation: robotics, mobility, Industry 4.0, IoT, hardware, advanced AI, and engineering-driven products. The goal is to accelerate market entry and enable pilots with global corporate partners.
💸 Funding:
€25,000 equity-free grant for every participating startup
Access to corporate partners for pilot projects
High-level mentoring, workshops, and technical guidance
(100% founder-friendly — no equity, no SAFE, no hidden terms.)
✅ Who can apply?
Startups from anywhere in the world
Strong technical teams with an MVP or prototype
B2B / industrial focus preferred
Willingness to attend the program in Munich
📅 Program Timeline:
Two cohorts per year (Spring & Fall)
Application deadlines vary by batch.
🎤 Format:
20-week accelerator with structured mentoring, industry sessions, founder coaching, and a final Demo Day.
📍 Location:
Munich, Germany — with a strong European industry network.
📝 How to apply:
Submit online → screening → interviews → final selection.
A clear, founder-first process.
💡 My Comment:
TechFounders is one of Europe’s strongest equity-free accelerators. You get funding, access to world-class corporates, and deep technical mentorship — while keeping 100% ownership. For bootstrapped or scrappy deep-tech teams, this is a rare and powerful opportunity.
🫣Follow us on Instagram now to stay up to date!
🔑 Quick Application Tips
Show your prototype — even early.
Connect your solution to a corporate partner (BMW, Bosch, Miele).
Highlight technical depth — what makes it hard to copy?
Show early traction — tests, pilots, first users.
Signal commitment — you’re ready to spend time in Munich.
🚨Are you now ready to make money, continue to grow with your start-up and look for grants and funding opportunities?
THE BOOTSTRAP INSIDER GROWTH is the solution ⬇️
I wish you much success with your applications!
See you next time! :)
Best,
Hannah & Bartosz
About The Bootstrap Insider
The Bootstrap Insider is a newsletter that helps startups discover and apply for pitch competitions, ensuring they never miss out on valuable opportunities. It addresses the problem of missed funding and exposure chances due to lack of information. Created by Bartosz Kajdas, an experienced entrepreneur, venture builder and Pitchtrainer, the platform leverages his expertise to provide timely and relevant updates.
Disclaimer:
This newsletter is for informational purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. We shall not be liable for any damages arising from the use or non-use of the information provided.