There are actually extra choices than ever in relation to making use of to in addition to selecting the very best startup accelerator or incubator.
For these of you who could also be new to the startup world (welcome!), I’ve compiled some useful data to find out the distinction between an accelerator and incubator, and which one may be greatest on your firm.
Sure, all applications tout worth to burgenoning companies comparable to marketing strategy help, introduction to different founders and mentors, and most significantly, steering on fundraising to VCs and angels. However what’s the distinction? Right here’s the lowdown:
Incubators:
Incubators are constructed particularly for founders which might be on the preliminary levels of beginning their firms and don’t have set program timelines.
Not like accelerators, incubators function on a much less structured time schedule with much less programming and assets, and it’s not unusual for a corporation in an incubator program to final for a number of months and even years.
Incubators usually supply their portfolio firms free workplace area, marketing strategy recommendation, and mentorship.
The incubator could supply help in introducing your organization to potential buyers, nevertheless it’s not at all times the principle function of this system (whereas the vast majority of accelerators have “demo days” the place founders particularly pitch to potential buyers).
Incubators are particularly widespread in native economies and will be run by organizations like non-profits, civic organizations, co-working areas, and universities. Since incubators have much less of a time requirement and supply much less assets, you’ll solely have to decide to a small quantity of fairness, typically round 1%.
Accelerators:
Accelerators are extra targeted, time-intensive structured applications for firms with a proof of idea/minimal viable product (MVP) and market validation.
Accelerators do exactly that: speed up firm development for startups with confirmed potential to exit (both ultimately promote or go public). Due to this, accelerator interview processes are usually intensive and aggressive.
Most applications can final wherever from 10 weeks to 3-4 months. With many high accelerators, you’ll be anticipated to maneuver to town the place it’s hosted and spend 40+ hours every week minimal of their devoted coworking area, and a number of other accelerators supply housing stipends to make the transfer simpler.
These applications usually conclude with a demo day to pitch your product to quite a lot of group leaders, angel, and institutional buyers.
Many accelerators are industry-agnostic, however some specialise in particular industries comparable to The Brandery or Comcast LIFT Labs.
Accelerators supply unique entry to buyers, webhosting credit, different perks, and particular entry to program mentors in addition to program alumni.
Due to this, the fairness required is commonly someplace within the vary from 3% to six%.
Y Combinator, some of the prestigious accelerators in Silicon Valley, invests $150,000 in every startup along with its program for a 7% fairness stake.
Total, incubators and accelerators can supply intensive worth for founders, however be sure to analysis fastidiously when selecting a program. Subsequent up, we’ll speak about selecting the very best accelerator on your firm and founding workforce, so keep tuned!