Malta-based research-driven advisory and consultancy firm Seed has announced a partnership with start-up accelerator Founders Atelier, powered by Berkeley SkyDeck.

One of Seed’s goals has always been to assist companies and businesses in their early days, the company said.

Seed believes that Malta cannot attract start-ups or become the main hub for such businesses within the EU without an accelerator programme in place that provides support both from a funding perspective and mentorship via the prestigious University of Berkeley.

The partnership with Founders Atelier will assist both the start-ups which require a lot of support in the early years, and the country to establish itself as a go-to hub for young entrepreneurs and businesses, Seed remarked.

Founders Atelier is a team of start-up industry ecosystem experts working across Europe, the US and the MENA region, aiding countries to unlock local start-up ecosystems’ potential through global innovation programs.

Berkeley SkyDeck is a high-tech entrepreneurship start-up accelerator and incubator program at the University of California, Berkeley, serving as a joint venture between the Haas School of Business and Berkeley College of Engineering. 

Founders Atelier’s director, Elias Boustani, said:

“Malta plays a strategic role on the innovation world map – being a member of the European Union while having close connections to Africa and the Middle East, the Maltese ecosystem can only attract future startups and corporations, willing to be part of this booming innovation hub.

“Founders Atelier, powered by Berkeley SkyDeck, in cooperation with Seed, aims to play a key role in supporting Maltese startups, but also to attract international startups to Malta.

“We are excited to be working with the team at Seed who offer a multi-disciplined perspective and who share our shame values. Our partnership with Seed is definitely a great asset to make Malta the place for innovation in the region.”

Commenting on this partnership with Founders Atelier, Seed co-Founding partners JP Fabri and Nicky Gouder, said:

“Seed was set up with the intention to add value and to deliver impact to employees, clients, and communities. In addition, we are excited to work with the experienced team at Founders Atelier.

“Their global experiences will definitely support Maltese enterprises and being associated with the globally renowned Berkeley SkyDeck is something that falls in line with our vision. Seed continues to deliver on its vision of being an internationally-focused and research-driven advisory firm.”