Skip to content
Research

Accelerators: The Basics

Accelerators are entrepreneurship support programs primarily aimed at helping participating startups scale-up and access early customers.

Written by Sameeksha Desai and Jessica Looze

Download the Brief

Popular since the mid-2000s, accelerators are cohort-based programs that provide access to supportive services like mentorship and trainings. Accelerator programs run for a fixed-term, usually several months, after which participating startups “graduate.” Graduation events are often “demo days” where startups pitch to selected groups of investors, media, and other stakeholders.

Do accelerators matter…

…for raising funds?

…for reaching key milestones?

…for all entrepreneurs?

…for the broader regional community?

Download the Brief [PDF]
Next