​A founder-first accelerator on how to turn policy & compliance into an advantage. For selected startups attending TNW – with coaching, expert mentoring and an invite-only showcase.

​A half-day experience for early-stage founders to sharpen how they pitch, position, and grow in the age of AI regulation and digital policy.

​🗓 Deadline to apply: June 4, 2025
✅ Selected participants will be notified by June 11

​ACT | The App Association’s Scale Lab @ Developed: Amsterdam

​Growth takes more than a great product and strong team– it takes strategy. ACT | The App Association’s Scale Lab @ Developed: Amsterdam is a hands-on micro accelerator built to help startups and scale-ups turn regulatory compliance into a competitive edge.

​Alongside their innovative SME members, the App Association is hosting a one-of-a-kind experience exploring the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of business development and international policy. We’re connecting founders, mentors, investors, and policymakers to decode regulation, unlock investor trust, and supercharge business momentum. This isn’t an event where presenters talk at you, it’s a workshop built for you to receive actionable intelligence.

​Why policy? Last year, in a McKinsey survey, 73 per cent of European startups indicated that they view regulation as a growth blocker. Yet early adopters of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) saw a 22 per cent increase in consumer trust. Scale Lab helps turn regulations and policy into power, equipping you with clarity, strategy, and connections that matter.

​13:00-16:00 Part One: Scale Lab (Invite Only)

​A hands-on half-day session focused entirely on helping startup founders turn policy knowledge into business growth. What you can expect:

​The Big Picture: Participate in a discussion about technology policy developments in Brussels and beyond. From the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) to the AI Act and standard-essential patent (SEP) reform, we’ll discuss the key policy issues for the app economy.

​Breakout Groups: Get matched with experts based on your sector and the policy issues most relevant to it. Whether you're building in software, hardware, online marketplaces, or AI, you’ll leave with tailored, actionable insights to move your business forward.

​Pitching with Purpose: Learn how to integrate compliance into a compelling investor narrative. With support from coaches with ample entrepreneurial experience, you’ll walk away with a pitch that speaks to your innovative approach and comprehensive knowledge of the landscape you’re building within.

​16:00-17:00 Scale Lab Pitch (Open to All)

​It’s time to demonstrate what you’ve learned to an impactful audience.

​Welcome and Context: The App Association will kick things off by introducing a broader audience to what we’ve been building throughout the day. Then, we’ll hear from a Member of European Parliament (MEP), who will share remarks highlighting the EU’s commitment to making Europe a thriving hub for startups.

​Live Pitching: Each Scale Lab participant will get the chance to pitch live to a panel of industry leaders. Founders will not only showcase their product but also demonstrate how they’re navigating the regulatory terrain to scale smarter and faster.

​Recognition & Networking:  We’ll crown one standout startup—our Scale Lab Star—who will win a ticket to the TNW Conference and the opportunity to exhibit their business at the App Association’s booth for a portion of the conference. After the announcement, join us for a reception to connect with the entire audience before spilling out into the TNW opening party!

​Drinks and snacks are included, Event in English

​🗓 Deadline to apply: June 4, 2025
✅ Selected participants will be notified by June 11

​Questions?
Reach out to Jonas Almeling, ACT Ambassador EU, jonas@almeling.se

​HOSTED BY: ACT | The App Association

​The App Association is a global trade association for small and medium-sized technology companies. Our members are entrepreneurs, innovators, and independent developers within the global app ecosystem that engage with verticals across every industry. We work with and for our members to promote a policy environment that rewards and inspires innovation while providing resources that help them raise capital, create jobs, and continue to build incredible technology.