You may have heard of start-up accelerators if you’ve been in the industry long enough. They are one of the alternative solutions to your start-up’s capital raising.

There’s more to learn about them, despite the growing number of start-up accelerator programs around the world. Startup accelerators are often lumped with other sources of funding by mistake. It has a completely different dynamic.

What is a Startup Accelerator?

A start-up accelerator, also known as a seed accelerator, is a program designed to promote early-stage businesses. It offers financial assistance and advice on leadership, as well as network connections.

Start-up accelerators can be thought of as a form of boot camp for start-up entrepreneurs. Their training aims to gain enough traction to boost their businesses and enhance them.

Reasons why join startup accelerators:

• Network
• Mentorship
• Validation

How does it work?                                            

A startup can run from three to six months and the participating startups will be evaluated within their duration. Investors will choose which start-up will be funded by the end of the program.

But a lot of serious competition comes with a promising offer, too. An easy one to earn is not the best of the best title. From each given cohort, only a few startups are selected to participate in an accelerator program. It is not a requirement to be an established startup, with at least a minimum viable product expected by these programs.

How can you apply for an accelerator program?

• Choose a startup accelerator
• Apply to the program
• Compete for funding