Grindstone Accelerator

Grindstone is a structured entrepreneurship development programme designed to assist high-growth, innovation-driven companies in establishing the fundamental building blocks necessary for rapid scaling, sustainability, and fundability. The program spans six to nine months, featuring intense learning and engagement, and provides opportunities to access new networks, knowledge, markets, and funding. Grindstone has evolved its approach from traditional cohorts to tailored engagements, focusing on growth engineering to meet individual scaleup needs. Participants benefit from practical, hands-on knowledge delivered by top speakers, coaches, and mentors, alongside highly curated course materials. The accelerator leverages extensive global networks to facilitate scale-ups' growth, market access, and funding opportunities, including introductions to co-investors and comprehensive data room preparation. Grindstone also aids in market access by connecting scale-ups with partners and potential clients, helping them achieve Go-to-Market (GTM) readiness. The curriculum covers essential business topics, from value proposition and pricing to intellectual property, people management, and financial and governance processes, all aimed at achieving exceptional growth at scale. Regional programs include Grindstone Africa (an online business accelerator), Grindstone South Africa, and Grindstone UK & Channel Islands.

Grindstone runs 6-9 month scale-up accelerator cohorts for high-growth, innovation-driven companies across South Africa and the continent (Grindstone Africa). Apply online via the Grindstone website; cohorts open on an annual/rolling basis.