Startup Accelerators

Accelerator programs have become one of the most powerful and valuable resources for entrepreneurs seeking to learn rapidly, build powerful networks, raise capital, build their startups, and do this at speed and scale. The number of accelerator programs around the world has grown at an incredible rate, propelling startups such as AirBnB, Uber, DropBox, Reddit, and others--many to billion- dollar valuations. But entrepreneurs wanting to reap the benefits of accelerators face challenges. The sheer number of accelerators, variety in accelerator program offerings, and differences in the benefits and costs of accelerator locations make choosing the right accelerator a challenge. Selecting the wrong accelerator, failing to get accepted into the right one, or not fully taking advantage of the best an accelerator has to offer can be costly--sometimes fatal. With the stakes so high, entrepreneurs need to understand all their options, choose carefully, and do the right things to maximize their chances of success. Startup Accelerators: A Field Guide is the indispensable guide to navigating this challenge. It provides readers with a firsthand look into the acceptance criteria of different accelerator programs and how to navigate the different stages of the accelerator experience. It further looks at the inner workings and strengths of different accelerator programs, how to get customers and raise funding during and after an accelerator, how to make the most of an accelerator, and what common traps to watch out for.