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.
London startup Soldo, is aiming to streamline the entire business expense cycle –from payment to reconciliation.
Don’t worry if your business died. You just got a step closer to entrepreneurial heaven says Richard Myers, Commercial Director at Transmit Start-Ups.
SupplyCompass, a design-to-delivery sourcing platform that provides an efficient and sustainable solution for global supply chains, agrees a £1.5m seed fund deal.
Apprenticeship startup WhiteHat raises $16m Series A led by Index Ventures and prepares to expand its alternative to university.
How can women effectively challenge gender bias in the workplace? Hayley Mackenzie from Boiler Guide, shares here thoughts and experience.
The app that's aiming to help us to take the first step in reversing climate change...
The startup that's providing Nursing Home residents with additional meaningful social interactions provided by local people!
Some easy and inexpensive ways to make your start-up more secure.
The vidiCREW app is on a mission to show your wedding through the eyes of your loved ones. How does it work?
The Startup Leadership Program continues to grow, inviting applications for its 9th London cohort to join the six-month program.
Published on: 19th December 2012
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Leadership Program invites applications for its 9th London cohort 12th Jul 2019 The Startup Leadership Program continues to grow, inviting applications for its 9th London cohort to join the six-month program.
- Latest Zinc Company Builder Programme to transform the quality of later life 9th Jul 2019 Do you want to build a new purpose-driven startup with support from a world-class network of experts?
- HealthTech startups sought for Greater Manchester Future of Health Challenge 4th Jul 2019 The Greater Manchester Future of Health Challenge is on the hunt for innovative healthtech startups and scaleups...
- Seedrs FMCG Accelerator Programme to help 10 UK-based FMCG businesses 3rd Jul 2019 Seedrs have launched their first FMCG Accelerator Programme dedicated to helping up to 10 UK-based FMCG businesses raise capital.
