The URBAN-X platform provides tailor-made programming, connections and resources to early-stage founders. Founders in their portfolio tackle some of the toughest challenges that cities face today as they confront a new climate reality.

As mechanical engineer, Tristan Bel first designed packaging machines, medical equipment, and consumer goods, and then managed products and operations for a non-profit organization. He moved to New York City in 2010 to focus on innovation and early-stage entrepreneurship, co-founded Topager (urban farming) and Sitrep (urbanism studio) and grew hardware tech incubator NYDesigns into a bustling hub, selecting and coaching over 35 startups. At URBAN-X Tristan shapes and manages the accelerator and MINI Impact programs, and enjoys writing about it all on medium.

In this episode, Tristan describes URBAN-X’s Accelerator Program and what they look for when selecting companies for the cohort. He also gives great tips on how to make the perfect pitch, tools on how to fundraise, and how the Accelerator Program helps founders navigate government funding in an ever-changing political environment.

Show Notes:

[1:58] - Tristan shares his background as an engineer and how he found his way to his current role as Program Director at URBAN-X.
[3:30] - URBAN-X is connected to MINI. Tristan explains how and why URBAN-X was founded.
[5:45] - Tristan shares some of the success stories and innovations of companies working in the Accelerator Program. He describes what the program entails.
[7:40] - There are certain qualities that are heavily considered when looking through applicants and deciding what companies to accept.
[9:27] - They are very selective with the hundreds of applicants they receive and only select 12 to 14 based on trends and interests in bettering cities.
[12:02] - One area the Accelerator Program helps founders with is fundraising.
[16:17] - The pitch is a key component in fundraising. Tristan shares some tips on how to present the story without being too technical.
[18:32] - Tristan explains how they guide entrepreneurs in acquiring their first customers.
[20:04] - How important are unit economics?
[22:34] - Karan and Tristan discuss batteries and market trends.
[24:01] - Political changes are constant. There are some things to consider.
[25:40] - There are some organizations that are easier to get funding from than others.
[27:29] - Electric vehicles have been trending and growing significantly, but there are still problems to be solved.
[29:39] - Be ready for a marathon, not a sprint. There’s a great community ready to welcome you. Do something that is important to you.

Links and Resources:

• URBAN-X Website