ABOUT VIP-X
VIP-X is an intensive 3.5-month accelerator built for student founders ready to scale big. This isn’t your average program—it’s where ambitious startups get the tools, connections, and support they need to break through. Think expert mentorship, hands-on advising, and a vibrant community of like-minded founders all pushing toward success. Alumni like Neuroflow, Avisi, AAVRANI, Clove, Strella, and MDAlly have used VIP-X as a springboard to make waves in their industries.
Running from January 31 to April 25, 2024, VIP-X is your launchpad for growth. Fridays are your day to dive deep: morning group sessions bring founders together to share wins, tackle challenges, and exchange insights, while the rest of the day is packed with expert-led talks, 1:1 advising, and time to collaborate with peers and get real work done. VIP-X is your opportunity to surround yourself with the energy, expertise, and ecosystem you need to go further—faster.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Kickoff with an Orientation & Welcome Mixer to meet founders, advisors, and leaders.
- Bi-weekly 1:1 advising sessions to set goals and track progress.
- Bi-weekly cohort meetings for sharing wins, tackling challenges, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Expert-led sessions on key topics like Product Development and Customer Discovery.
- Access up to $10,000 in non-dilutive grant funding.
- Build connections in a diverse and ambitious founder community.
- Pairing with a mentor through the Mentoring Initiative.
- Tools, perks, and a vibrant alumni Slack network.
- Capstone Celebration to reflect on and showcase your journey.
>> See more details about the VIP-X program HERE.<<
PROGRAM DATES
Program runs January 31st - April 25th, 2024 and the cohort typically meets Fridays 9 AM - 11 AM unless otherwise noted.**
Interviews | January 13 & January 15 |
Decisions & Onboarding | January 20 - January 24 |
Orientation & Welcome Mixer | Friday, January 31, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM** |
Session 1 | Friday, February 7, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 2 | Friday, February 21, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 3 | Friday, March 7, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 4 | Friday, March 21, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 5 | Friday, April 4, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 6 | Friday, April 18, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Final Session | Friday, April 25, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM** |
VIP-X APPLICATION CYCLE
Applications Open | Monday, December 9th |
Application Deadline | Sunday, January 5th at 11:59 PM |
Interviews - Day 1 | Monday, January 13th, 9 AM - 5 PM |
Interviews - Day 2 | Wednesday, January 15th, 9 AM - 5 PM |
ELIGIBILITY
The team lead (lead applicant) must be a currently enrolled Penn student in a degree-granting program who is developing their own venture. First-semester, first-year undergraduate students and alumni are not eligible to apply. The team must be based in Philadelphia during their time in the accelerator and be able to commit to in-person participation. The business must be legal.
A venture may participate in VIP-X for only one cycle. After the completion of the three-month membership term, founders exit the program but are encouraged to stay engaged with Venture Lab opportunities. If you are located in the San Francisco/Bay Area, you might be interested in the VIP accelerator there. Please note that participation is exclusive to one accelerator – you cannot engage in both. Evaluate your options accordingly.
Questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Still have questions? Email venturelab@upenn.edu with “VIP-X/Philadelphia” in the subject line.
2024-2025 VIP-X/PHL
ABOUT VIP-X
VIP-X is an intensive 3.5-month accelerator built for student founders ready to scale big. This isn’t your average program—it’s where ambitious startups get the tools, connections, and support they need to break through. Think expert mentorship, hands-on advising, and a vibrant community of like-minded founders all pushing toward success. Alumni like Neuroflow, Avisi, AAVRANI, Clove, Strella, and MDAlly have used VIP-X as a springboard to make waves in their industries.
Running from January 31 to April 25, 2024, VIP-X is your launchpad for growth. Fridays are your day to dive deep: morning group sessions bring founders together to share wins, tackle challenges, and exchange insights, while the rest of the day is packed with expert-led talks, 1:1 advising, and time to collaborate with peers and get real work done. VIP-X is your opportunity to surround yourself with the energy, expertise, and ecosystem you need to go further—faster.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Kickoff with an Orientation & Welcome Mixer to meet founders, advisors, and leaders.
- Bi-weekly 1:1 advising sessions to set goals and track progress.
- Bi-weekly cohort meetings for sharing wins, tackling challenges, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Expert-led sessions on key topics like Product Development and Customer Discovery.
- Access up to $10,000 in non-dilutive grant funding.
- Build connections in a diverse and ambitious founder community.
- Pairing with a mentor through the Mentoring Initiative.
- Tools, perks, and a vibrant alumni Slack network.
- Capstone Celebration to reflect on and showcase your journey.
>> See more details about the VIP-X program HERE.<<
PROGRAM DATES
Program runs January 31st - April 25th, 2024 and the cohort typically meets Fridays 9 AM - 11 AM unless otherwise noted.**
Interviews | January 13 & January 15 |
Decisions & Onboarding | January 20 - January 24 |
Orientation & Welcome Mixer | Friday, January 31, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM** |
Session 1 | Friday, February 7, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 2 | Friday, February 21, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 3 | Friday, March 7, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 4 | Friday, March 21, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 5 | Friday, April 4, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Session 6 | Friday, April 18, 9 AM - 11 AM |
Final Session | Friday, April 25, 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM** |
VIP-X APPLICATION CYCLE
Applications Open | Monday, December 9th |
Application Deadline | Sunday, January 5th at 11:59 PM |
Interviews - Day 1 | Monday, January 13th, 9 AM - 5 PM |
Interviews - Day 2 | Wednesday, January 15th, 9 AM - 5 PM |
ELIGIBILITY
The team lead (lead applicant) must be a currently enrolled Penn student in a degree-granting program who is developing their own venture. First-semester, first-year undergraduate students and alumni are not eligible to apply. The team must be based in Philadelphia during their time in the accelerator and be able to commit to in-person participation. The business must be legal.
A venture may participate in VIP-X for only one cycle. After the completion of the three-month membership term, founders exit the program but are encouraged to stay engaged with Venture Lab opportunities. If you are located in the San Francisco/Bay Area, you might be interested in the VIP accelerator there. Please note that participation is exclusive to one accelerator – you cannot engage in both. Evaluate your options accordingly.
Questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Still have questions? Email venturelab@upenn.edu with “VIP-X/Philadelphia” in the subject line.