What Is A Startup Accelerator?

Launching a startup is no easy feat, which makes it hardly any wonder that a high percentage of newly-launched startups fail within their first year of business.

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So what if there was some sort of mentorship program in which new startups could receive access to expert advice, resources, and more?

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Enter the startup accelerator.

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A startup accelerator is a kind of program that enables startups to speed up their entry into the market, thus the accelerator description. 

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In this quick guide, we’ll tell you everything you have ever wanted to know about startup accelerators, and whether they are the right move for your next venture.

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What Startup Accelerators Do

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A startup accelerator is a type of program designed to help early-stage startups receive funding, mentorship, and resources to help them achieve success. These accelerators are typically run by previously-successful founders in the same industry.

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Startups that participate in an accelerator program typically go through a structured process that includes pitching to investors, receiving feedback from mentors, and attending workshops and networking events among other advantages. This gives the new startup the opportunity to learn from their peers, iterate based on suggestions from potential investors, and gain leverage with early marketing.

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What Are The Advantages Startup Accelerators Provide?

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Accelerator programs can be very beneficial for startups, as they provide access to capital, expert advice, and valuable connections. Considering how difficult it can be to gain a foothold in the industry as a newly-launched startup, these are benefits that can set up a startup for success in the long run.

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When considering accelerator programs, remember that this approach is effectively a method of jumpstarting your startup’s time to market. This means that you need to be in the right place in terms of your startup progress before you apply or you might run out of steam.

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There are also some potential disadvantages to consider. For example, participating in an accelerator program can take up a lot of time and resources, and there is no guarantee of success. Additionally, accelerators may take equity in the startups they work with, which can give them a significant amount of control over the company.

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For founders, this can be a tough thing to deal with. Having an investor does relieve the stress of bootstrapping your finances, but at the same time, it does make you beholden to another person’s opinions regarding your product or digital venture.

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Things To Consider Before You Work With A Startup Accelerator

Overall, whether or not a startup accelerator is right for your business depends on your specific needs and goals.

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An accelerator program can be a great option if you are looking for funding, mentorship, and resources. However, it is important to do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the terms of the program before committing.

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Don’t be scared to pay a visit to your accelerator program of choice - speak to other incubates, find out how they are being supported and whether this program will give you a step up in your chosen industry.

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Final Thoughts

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Not all startup accelerator programs are equal, and some might be targeted at a single vertical. Or they might be expecting a set kind of return from offering your startup space in the accelerator program. This is why it’s essential to nail down all of the questions early in the discovery process, or you risk being stuck in a program that doesn’t align with your goals.

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You can expect to get a kickstart from being part of a startup accelerator program, but it will also take an investment of your energy and time to make the most of the experience. Being part of an accelerator program doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be handed the keys to the kingdom - instead, you’ll need to do your part to build on the opportunities they provide you with. 

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Working with a startup accelerator can be beneficial to startups that already have some of their venture planned and built, but that needs a bit of help getting started building connections and networks in their chosen industry. 

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Hoping to build your own digital venture? We are a startup studio that learned what worked from building fifty Client apps and fourteen startups up to one billion dollars. Contact us today to discuss your venture and how we can help you get started. 

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