Created in partnership between the Google News Initiative (GNI), German media innovation hub Media Lab Bayern, and the European Journalism Centre (EJC), the GNI Startups Lab Europe supports high-quality reporting for local communities, single-topic audiences, and/or previously underserved communities.
Are you an early-stage news organization creating original digital content?Â
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, should you need it.
Applications for the 2021 GNI Startups Lab Europe are now open. If you are an existing news founder or part of an early-stage digital news organization, then we want to hear from you! Â
GNI STARTUPS LAB
The GNI Startups Lab Europe aims to help journalistic startups better understand their audiences, create higher quality content (text, audio and/or video) and navigate the pitfalls of monetisation. At the end of the program, you will have improved your capabilities to sustainably provide your audience with high-quality journalism.
Journalism first: A programme designed for those who bring great stories, breakthrough reporting and valuable services to their communities
In partnership with the GNI, we make 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 organisations all over Europe
Huge international network of mentors, experts and talent
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 utilise some basic innovation methods.
The Growth & Marketing Phase in January and February 2022 will support you in matters such as Visibility, Ad Sales and Leadership.
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 programme will end with a celebratory Demo Day.
Who will love this programme
If you want to hone the necessary skills to grow a digital news business, are committed to public-service-reporting and want to explore a major strategic opportunity in digital media, you and your team are just who we are looking for! We are especially interested in entrepreneurs who want to serve communities that don’t often see themselves or their stories reflected in their local news.
GNI STARTUPS LAB EUROPE TIMELINE
Applications close on 20 September 2021 – 11:59PM CEST.
