turash/funding/international/chile/startup-chile.md

> ✅ **SUITABLE FOR BERLIN-BASED COMPANIES**  
> This program accepts **startups worldwide** (international startups welcome).  
> **Requirement**: Open to tech-based startups from any country (no Chile registration required).  
> **Equity-free funding**: $15K-$75K USD depending on program stage.  
> See `BERLIN_COMPANY_RECOMMENDATIONS.md` for more programs suitable for Berlin-based companies.

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# Startup Chile - Government-Backed Accelerator

## Overview
Startup Chile is a government-backed seed accelerator established in 2010 to attract high-potential entrepreneurs globally and position Chile as a global innovation hub. The program provides equity-free funding and comprehensive support for tech-based startups from around the world.

## Managing Body
CORFO (Chilean Economic Development Agency) / Startup Chile

## Funding Type
Equity-free funding and acceleration program for tech-based startups

## Funding Amount
Program offerings vary by stage:
- **Build**: Pre-acceleration program for early-stage startups
  - **15 million CLP** (~USD $15,000) equity-free funding
  - 4-month program
- **Ignite**: Acceleration program for startups with functional product
  - **25 million CLP** (~USD $25,000) equity-free funding
  - 4-month program
- **Growth**: For established startups in scaling stage
  - **75 million CLP** (~USD $75,000) equity-free funding
  - Program duration varies

## Deadlines
- **STATUS: OPEN** (as of November 2025)
- Programs open applications periodically
- Check [Startup Chile website](https://startupchile.org/en/apply/) for current intake dates
- Applications typically open multiple times per year
- Example: Recent call opened November 7th at 13:00 hrs GMT-3

## Eligibility
- **Open to startups worldwide** (✅ Berlin-based companies eligible)
- Tech-based startups from any country
- Various stages accepted (early-stage to scaling)
- Must demonstrate innovation potential
- **No Chile registration required** (international startups welcome)

## Thematic Focus
- Technology-based startups
- Innovation across all sectors
- Digital solutions
- Scalable business models
- Global market potential

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- International accelerator opportunity
- Equity-free funding for platform development
- Access to Latin American market
- Global entrepreneur network (over 1,800 startups from 85+ countries)
- Pilot opportunities in Chile
- Platform for scaling internationally

## Links
- [Startup Chile Official](https://startupchile.org/)
- [Apply to Startup Chile](https://startupchile.org/en/apply/)
- [Build Program](https://startupchile.org/en/apply/build/)
- [Ignite Program](https://startupchile.org/en/apply/ignite/)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify startup is tech-based and innovative
- [ ] Determine program stage:
  - [ ] **Build**: Early-stage (prototype/MVP) OR
  - [ ] **Ignite**: Functional product ready OR
  - [ ] **Growth**: Established startup scaling
- [ ] Confirm international eligibility (✅ Berlin-based companies welcome)
- [ ] Prepare for potential relocation to Chile (program duration)
- [ ] Check current application deadlines on website

### Required Documents
- [ ] Startup registration documents (home country is fine - no Chile registration needed)
- [ ] Business plan/pitch deck
- [ ] Product/prototype description
- [ ] Team description and CVs
- [ ] Market analysis
- [ ] Funding request and budget
- [ ] Innovation and scalability demonstration

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Visit [Startup Chile website](https://startupchile.org/en/apply/)
2. [ ] Check current application deadlines and intake dates
3. [ ] Select appropriate program (Build/Ignite/Growth)
4. [ ] Register and complete online application
5. [ ] Submit required documents
6. [ ] Prepare for potential interview/pitch
7. [ ] If accepted, prepare for relocation to Chile (program duration)

### Program Selection Guidance
- [ ] **Build**: Early-stage with prototype/MVP (~$15K, 4 months)
- [ ] **Ignite**: Functional product, ready to scale (~$25K, 4 months)
- [ ] **Growth**: Established startup, scaling stage (~$75K)
- [ ] Consider program duration and relocation requirements

### International Advantages
- [ ] **Equity-free funding** - no dilution
- [ ] **No Chile registration required** - international startups welcome
- [ ] Access to network of 1,800+ startups from 85+ countries
- [ ] Latin American market access
- [ ] Government-backed program (stability and credibility)
- [ ] Visa support provided for program participants

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save confirmation and reference number
- [ ] Monitor application status
- [ ] Prepare for potential interview/pitch
- [ ] If accepted, plan for relocation to Chile
- [ ] Prepare for program participation (4 months for Build/Ignite)

## Application Tips
- **Highly international program** - has supported startups from 85+ countries
- **Equity-free funding** - no dilution for founders
- Demonstrate innovation and scalability
- Show global market potential
- Leverage program for Latin American market access
- **Perfect for Berlin-based companies** - open to international startups
- Consider Build or Ignite for platform development
- Network benefits: access to 3,000+ startups and 6,000+ founders globally