What is a startup accelerator?
A startup accelerator is a fixed-length programme, usually three to six months, that takes in a group of early-stage startups at the same time. Each startup gets mentoring, workshops, introductions and often a small investment. The programme ends with a demo day where the founders pitch to investors.
Accelerators are competitive. Well-known programmes accept a small share of applicants, and they select for teams they think can grow quickly.
What accelerators offer
- Seed investment, typically in exchange for a small equity stake
- Weekly mentoring from founders, operators and investors
- A cohort of other founders working through the same problems
- Introductions to investors, customers and partners
- A demo day in front of a room of investors
- Perks like cloud credits and software discounts
Not every accelerator invests or takes equity. Some are funded by governments, universities or corporates and charge nothing. Read the terms before you apply.
Is an accelerator right for your startup?
| Good fit if | Probably not if |
|---|---|
| You're pre-seed or seed and want to raise soon | You're profitable and don't plan to raise |
| You lack an investor network | You already have strong investor relationships |
| You can work full-time on the startup for the programme | You can only commit part-time |
| You want structure and accountability | The equity cost outweighs what the programme adds |
What accelerators look for in applications
- 1
A strong team
Committed founders with relevant skills, usually full-time.
- 2
A clear problem and market
Evidence that customers have the problem and the market is large enough.
- 3
Progress
Traction, a working product or strong validation. Show what you've done since the idea.
- 4
Coachability
Willingness to take advice and move quickly on it.
- 5
Fit with the programme
The right stage, sector and location for that accelerator.
How to find and apply to accelerators on Startupply
- 1
Build your startup profile once
Accelerator applications ask many of the same questions. Answer them once in your Startupply profile and reuse them.
- 2
Find open programmes
Browse the Startupply events page for accelerator intakes, training programmes and workshops run by incubators and accelerators.
- 3
Apply with a few clicks
Programmes that run applications on Startupply pre-fill forms from your profile, so you spend your time on the questions unique to that programme.
- 4
Track every application
See where each application stands from your dashboard.
- 5
Strengthen weak spots first
Run the Startup Readiness Index to see which parts of your application are thin before you submit.
Frequently asked questions
How much equity do accelerators take?
Equity-based accelerators commonly take around 5 to 10 percent in exchange for their investment and programme. Many government and university programmes take none.
What is the difference between an accelerator and an incubator?
Accelerators are short, cohort-based and aimed at fast growth, usually ending with a demo day. Incubators are more open-ended and help earlier-stage companies develop over a longer period, often with office space.
Can I apply to more than one accelerator?
Yes. Most founders apply to several. Keep your core answers consistent, and tailor each application to what that programme focuses on.
Do I need a product to get into an accelerator?
Not always. Some accept teams at the idea stage, but a working prototype or early customers makes an application much stronger.