Accelerator programmes - the basic information that you need
by Startacus Admin
Are you considering taking part in an accelerator programme? We take a look at some of the basic information that you need.
Accelerator Programmes may have been responsible for some of the companies we know and love today - Dropbox and Reddit to name but two - but does that mean they would work for you and your startup? Well...quite possibly. 
The key thing is to do a little research on the programme you are interested in, who its’ former clients are, what it could potentially offer you and how your startup could benefit.
If you are considering going down the Accelerator Programme route, here are a few of the basics you ought to know:
On the whole, most Accelerator Programmes follow a pretty tried and tested format:
- They run for a set pre-determined time period, which can be anything from 13 weeks to a year in length
- They offer attendees or ‘clients’ an intensive programme of support, mentoring and advice
- They provide startups with introductions and networking opportunities with leading investors, funders and business mentors
- They facilitate the development, progression and shaping of an idea, product or service
- They frequently provide seed investment in return for business equity
Benefits of participating include:
- a ‘hot-house’ environment to help your startup idea or product grow
- dedicated support, advice and guidance from ‘experts’
- direct links with investors and funders who could add that always welcome cash injection to your business
- raising of your business’ profile and strengthening of your brand
Despite these general benefits, it’s important to define what’s important to you before you apply for any accelerator programme. After all, each one has its’ own set of Terms and Conditions which are legally binding, so make sure that there are no hidden stipulations or restrictions which could have a detrimental impact on your startup.
There’s no doubt that for some startup founders, joining an accelerator program has been the best decision they ever made. Could the same apply to you? Only research, time and lots of hard work will tell...
You might also like to check out these recent articles;
TechStars London Announces its 2014 companies
Free Scottish Startup Accelerator returns
Microsoft Ventures Accelerator London
If you like what you see here on Startacus, why not become a member of our growing community? It's free! And you'll get all this - exclusive access to our Business Toolkit, discounts and offers galore for your business via our member only business deals, the chance to network and connect with loads of fellow self-starters, and maybe even become our celebrated 'Self-Starter of the Week' and tell the world your startup tale! Join right here for free...
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
"If you want to teach a nation to read: Just turn on the subtitles". This simple advice might just help make kids become proficient readers...
The innovative N. Ireland based startup that'll help you save both time and money when importing...
Urban Massage announces new on-demand wellness services and immediately raises over £2.5m in investment via equity crowdfunding platform, Seedrs.
The innovative app which is creating a better way for law firms to communicate with their clients...
Thinking of entering and expanding your business into the US market? We chat to Michael Burke, Partner in the Washington, DC office of Arnall Golden Gregory LLP.
The FinTech startup which is on a mission to fix car leasing and make the entire process easier than ever before.
Early-stage startup CityRadar is a SaaS platform that aims to tracks, analyses and increase consumer spend in the hospitality, tourism & travel business sectors. We found out more...
Dublin-based startup RewardsWide is a team performance and incentive platform for both families & workplaces. We found out more...
Continually wants you to never miss another lead from your website, replacing contact forms with simple messaging, making it easy for customers to get the information they need as quickly as possible.
Jess McGahan, Head of Brand at innovation specialists and early-stage investors, L Marks, chats to Startacus about working with some of the UK's best known brands on tailored corporate innovation programmes.
Published on: 19th December 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Trezeo looks to the crowd to target full UK launch 27th Jun 2018 Trezeo, a fintech startup focused on delivering financial stability to the self-employed, targets fully launching its income smoothing business account product in the UK.
- CliniShift awarded upSTART startup pitch title at Digital DNA 2018 21st Jun 2018 CliniShift wins the upSTART startup pitch title at Digital DNA for 2018, battling off against 24 other disruptive UK, NI and Irish startups.
- Launchpad, the award-winning incubator/accelerator building high tech startups in Cornwall 21st Jun 2018 Launchpad, an innovative, post-graduate incubation & acceleration programme developed by Falmouth University that aims to create new digital businesses to meet identified market demand in just 12 months.
- Lloyd's Lab begins global search for tech talent 21st Jun 2018 Over ten weeks, tech startups will be given the unique opportunity to work with Lloyd’s market experts to shape the next big innovation.
