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.
Applied - The recruitment platform that will help you hire fairer, faster, and retain hires for longer...
Branswer - The lowdown on the startup that will help you write content on brand, every time...
Using satellite imagery, combined with machine learning techniques, AgTech startup CropSafe are on a mission to accurately detect and predict impending diseases within farmers crops.
Hike is an SEO platform built for startups that allows you to optimise your site and content and aimed at saving 75% on annual SEO costs.
The Festival of Female Entrepreneurs, now in its seventh year, is aimed at supporting women to build and grow sustainable businesses.
UK Chancellor Philip Hammond chose his Conservative Party Conference speech to suggest that he wouldn’t wait for an international consensus on digital services taxation.
The INVENT Awards 2018 from Connect at Catalyst Inc, took place in Belfast’s Waterfront, during which Gray’s Clip was announced as the overall competition winner.
The innovative startup which “helps you build happy, productive teams by creating amazing onboarding experiences for new hires.”
Vegan food business The Brook funds 130% in their first three days of their equity crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs, with the funds raised to go towards launching a new home delivery service.
Leading real estate tech investment firm, Goldacre, has announced the six startups selected for its inaugural RElab accelerator programme.
Published on: 19th December 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Innovative Electrical Clip hangs on to win INVENT Awards 2018 12th Oct 2018 The INVENT Awards 2018 from Connect at Catalyst Inc, took place in Belfast’s Waterfront, during which Gray’s Clip was announced as the overall competition winner.
- Vegan food business The Brook tastes crowdfunding success 11th Oct 2018 Vegan food business The Brook funds 130% in their first three days of their equity crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs, with the funds raised to go towards launching a new home delivery service.
- Six startups join Goldacre’s inaugural RElab accelerator programme 9th Oct 2018 Leading real estate tech investment firm, Goldacre, has announced the six startups selected for its inaugural RElab accelerator programme.
- Emily Crisps bags healthy £1m investment 4th Oct 2018 Emily Crisps raises over £1 million investment from Seedrs campaign to support expansion for it's healthy alternative to traditional potato crisps and fruit snacks.
