Start it @KBC.

Details

• URL: https://startit-x.com/en/accelerate/start-it-kbc/
• What it is: startup accelerator (Belgium) – “no strings attached” (free, no equity)
• Duration: 12 months (1 year)
• Cost: FREE (no strings attached) — but 100% commitment is expected
• What you get: 1:1 coaching, workshops, networking, e-learning, mentoring + access to (co-)working hubs
• Who it’s for: innovative, scalable startups (all sectors; from ideation to scale-up)
• Location: 9 hubs in Belgium (Start it @KBC)
• Cohort (Spring 2026 – for info): start 01/04/2026; next application round: Fall 2026
• Selection (Spring 2026 – for info): capacity 65 participants; pitch days 18–19/03/2026 (Antwerp)

Why join? (according to Start it @KBC)

Start it @KBC describes itself as a founder-centric accelerator and emphasises that the programme is 100% no strings attached.

The programme page lists reasons to apply such as:

• No strings attached: no equity, no fees, and you don’t have to become a customer of partners — they mainly ask for motivation and commitment.
• Grow your network: access to the Belgian ecosystem of startups/scale-ups, mentors and experts.
• Grow your business: support around funding, connections with business partners and guidance from mentors/experts.
• Grow your skills: learn from experts and apply skills immediately in practice.
• Grow your market: internationalise via international partners, hubs in New York and Budapest, and the global community through GAN membership.
• Get personalised coaching: you’re assigned someone from the team to advise you, match you with mentors/partners and guide you to relevant workshops/events.
• Boost that bootstrapping: access to co-working spaces + (according to the page) $1M+ perks via GAN.

Application process (example: Spring 2026)

The programme page shows this example process:

1. Online info session: 10/02/2026
2. Application deadline: 16/02/2026
3. Go for pitch: 03/03/2026 (first selection after reviewing applications)
4. Pitch days: 18–19/03/2026 (3 min pitch + Q&A)
5. Selection: March 2026
6. Start 1-year programme: 01/04/2026 (starts with a mandatory 2-day bootcamp)

Full one-year programme (structure according to the page)

The page describes the 1-year trajectory in 6 steps:

1. Bootcamp: mandatory 2-day kick-off with workshops, mentor moments and introductions.
2. Accelerate (first 6 months): focus on what you need, with matching to experts/mentors and close follow-up.
3. Pulse session: check-in with peer entrepreneurs; evaluation on metrics (e.g. OKRs/progress) and commitment.
4. Grow (last 6 months): further growth with ongoing support from the team.
5. (Optional) OKR sessions: OKR meetings are mandatory in the first 6 months; in the Grow phase, monthly OKR sessions can be peer-to-peer and optional.
6. Graduate: after 12 months you remain a “community member for life” and can rely on the network + a reduced rate for co-working.

Language

According to the FAQ, the preferred language is English for programme communication. 1:1 conversations with your coach/mentor can be in the language of your choice.