Accelerators: a cohort, a deadline and a demo day.
An accelerator invests a small amount for equity and puts you through a fixed program with other startups. Here is how they choose, what the terms cost and how to apply.
At a glance
Stages
Pre-seed, some seed
Pre-seed · Seed · A · B+ · Growth
Decision time
Weeks
Set by application deadlines
Who decides
A selection team
Partners interview; the program decides
Leads rounds?
No
They invest first, then help you raise
What an accelerator is
A program that admits startups in batches for a set number of weeks. It usually invests a fixed amount on standard terms, gives you mentors and structure, and ends with a demo day for investors.
The money is rarely the point. You are buying focus, a network of peers and mentors, and an introduction to investors at the end.
That is why terms matter. Read how much equity you give, the instrument used and any extra rights, then ask alumni whether it was worth it.
Equity accelerator
Invests on fixed terms for equity. Demo day and investor intros at the end.
Sector or corporate program
Focused on one industry, sometimes run with a corporate partner. Pilots over polish.
No-equity program
Often run by universities, nonprofits or governments. Support without a check.
How they decide
Application
A written form and often a short video. Clear, specific answers stand out.
Interview
A short, fast conversation. They test how well you know your users and numbers.
Offer
Standard terms, little negotiation. Decide quickly, but read every document.
The program
Weekly goals, mentor sessions, office hours and peer pressure from your batch.
Demo day
A short pitch to investors. Most real fundraising follows in the weeks after.
What they look for
Founders who ship fast
Progress between application and interview counts.
A team that is all in
Most want founders working full-time on the company.
Clear insight into users
You know exactly who has the problem and why.
A market big enough
Room to become a venture-scale company.
Coachability
You take advice, test it and report back.
How to apply
Most accelerators run open applications on a calendar. A referral helps, but a strong application matters more.
The selection team
Read the terms before you apply. Ask two alumni what they got for the equity.
- The program's application form
- A referral from an alum
- A mentor in their network
- Their info sessions or office hours
Is your deck ready for an accelerator?
Selection teams skim for the problem, early progress and the team. We check those slides first. You get a score and the three slides to fix before you apply.
Questions founders ask
Is an accelerator worth the equity?
It depends on the program. The best give you a network and investor access you could not get alone. Ask alumni what the program changed, and compare that to the equity you give up.
Can I apply with just an idea?
Some programs accept very early teams. Most still want proof you can build and talk to users, so show what you did since you started.
Can I find accelerators here?
Yes. Unicorn Factory has a free accelerator directory. Always check each program's own site for current terms and deadlines.
Sources
Sources: accelerators' published terms and application guides; standard SAFE documents; industry reports. Editorial content, reviewed quarterly. Not financial advice.
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