![](https://klak.is/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Visindaferd29.jpg)
Values of KLAK
Growth
Joy
Support
KLAK helps entrepreneurs realize their ideas, increases the number of start-up companies based on ingenuity and thus increases sustainable value creation in Iceland. We help startups grow domestically and internationally by accelerating their development and connecting them with experts, investors and other key players. Klak has long since established itself as a key player in the supportive environment for innovation in Iceland and strives to be a leading force in the grassroots of the entrepreneurial community.
Role
KLAK is a non-profit organization owned by the University of Iceland, the University of Reykjavík, Origo, the Business Innovation Fund and The Icelandic Federation of Industries. KLAK's mission is to expand and support the community of entrepreneurs in Iceland with the aim of increasing the number of start-ups.
KLAK helps entrepreneurs from the earliest stages and has held Gulleggið, the largest entrepreneurial competition in Iceland since 2008. Gulleggið is a competition at the idea stage and an ideal platform for entrepreneurs who are starting their journey.
KLAK annually runs 3-4 business accelerators with different focuses. The accelerators are designed for teams that are well off to a good start in product development.
KLAK is in active cooperation with the Technology Development Fund and twice a year receives Sprota and Vaxtar grantees in a week-long workshop, in addition to which KLAK connects grantees with appropriate mentors who follow them for 6 months.
International operations
Emphasis is placed on helping start-ups prepare for international growth and financing. KLAK does this by strengthening cooperation with leading start-up communities abroad in a targeted way and drawing attention to excellent Icelandic start-ups to foreign investors and media.
KLAK is engaged in active international cooperation and its business accelerators are part of the Global Accelerator Network (GAN). KLAK is also involved in Nordic Scalers and Nordic Made, and our international representative sits on the board of Nordic Innovation.
The story
KLAK was founded in 2000 and merged with Innovit in 2013. The combined company was named KLAK Innovit, later Icelandic Startups and now again KLAK – Icelandic Startups. Over the company's long history, hundreds of entrepreneurs have gone through accelerators or participated in the start-up idea competition Gulleggið.
VMS Staff
Board
board klak - icelandic startups
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