Google News Initiative-Startups Lab Europe

• A program designed for those who bring great stories, breakthrough reporting, and valuable services to their communities
• In partnership with the  GNI, it makes sure all participants have access to a budget to fund revenue-generating experiments
• Great coaches help you get to where you should be – with advice tailored exactly to your needs
• Available to early-stage news organizations all over Europe
• A huge international network of mentors, experts, and talent

Please consider applying if you:

• Are based in one of the following  European countries: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• Are independently owned and operated
• Produce original content that is primarily available on a digital platform(s)
• Have been operating for at least six months
• Earn less than $ 500,000 per year in gross revenue
• Can demonstrate some successes on the path to sustainability. Examples include increased site visits, a growing membership program, or increased earned revenue.
• Focus on one or more of the following:
  • Public interest journalism
  • Closing an information gap
  • Serving a geographic-bound or single subject community
  • Serving an underserved community
  • Exploring new ways to deliver and/or monetize information

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Benefits

GNI, Media Lab, and the EJC have built a six-month program specifically tailored to the needs of content startups in Europe. You will benefit from Media Lab’s experience in supporting media startups and from EJC’s extensive European network and active community: there will be workshops, coaching, and high-profile networking opportunities. Additionally, as a participant, you will get access to up to € 25,000 in grants for running revenue-generating experiments.

Application Process

The Program will consist of three phases:

1. The Product Development Phase starts in November and continues until the end of December. You will learn how to develop your customer base further, how to refine your content strategy, and how to utilize some basic innovation methods.
2. The Growth & Marketing Phase in January and February 2022 will support you in matters such as Visibility, Ad Sales, and Leadership.
3. The Final Business & Sustainability Phase in March and April 2022 will help you grow your startup to the next level by working with you on topics such as Recruiting, Finance, and Investment.

All phases will be fully remote and mostly held as live video calls. They will be separated by Pitch Days, giving you and your team the opportunity to demonstrate your progress to a group of media industry experts. The program will end with a celebratory Demo Day.

All applicants are required to fill the application form available here.