Join an Accelerator- Yes, No, or Maybe So?

Happy Thanksgiving week for all those that celebrate!

A few things I am thankful for this week:

• Black Friday sales mean startup tools you may be interested in trying should be on sale

• Sweater weather brings both cozy and hilarious sweaters out for the holidays

• And that calories from pumpkin pie and copious amounts of desserts don’t count on Thursday…right?

On a serious a note, I am grateful for you—I know your inboxes are full, and every read means the most to me because I am writing the newsletter I wish I had when I started out.

But enough of the turkey talk. Let’s talk about something that seriously helped me in my journey, and something you may be considering as well: accelerators.

Incubators and accelerators are great launchpads for startups. As someone who has designed them and launched them internationally, I know it may seem like I have to say that.

But, I have also been in quite a few during my time as a founder. (I even moved to Finland for one!) And, some of these programmes were truly catalyzing forces in my first venture.

I know there are countless startup support avenues out there, so let’s talk about what should you be thinking about when considering joining one:

1. What is my motivation for this accelerator or incubator?

Though having been a member of some incredible accelerators, I have also been on the other side of the startup interviewing process as an alumni on the panel or judge.

Working with university and corporate sponsored programmes, the first thing I ask in an accelerator interview is why.

Why this programme and why now? Why you?

Much like a resume, interviewers can read through the lines when you have a canned answer to this simple question. Is it the funding? The network? The coaches?

Why do you want to be part of this now, and what does success look like afterwards?

And have you done your due diligence—Have you even looked at the programme offering, dates, opportunities and T&Cs (like if this is free, paid, or for equity?)

Honestly, if you are going to run from 0 to 60 in such a short period of time, it needs to make sense (and be genuine) for both you and your goals, as well as the programme’s objectives. There has to be a mutual fit.

2. What’s my KPIs and objectives for being part of this progamme?

Some people pick programmes based on the name, where others base their decisions on the mentors. Know what factors are important to you before you sign up.

Nothing is more awkward than interviewing a team and they look at each other like the Spiderman-pointing-at-each other-meme, disjointed on their objectives for the programme.

Get aligned and crystal clear on your motivation. Because, three months in startupland is like dog years in a normal career, so have discussions around the following before you hit submit on accelerator application:

Technical or Product KPIs

• Are all elements of your team aligned with the technical objectives, and are they realistic given the support and timing you have? (Programmes are short so you do not want to set yourself up to fail, but this time is also incredibly impactful.)

Marketing or PR Objectives

• What are the outreach, PR, partnership, and marketing goals, and how can the programme help you reach them? How can you leverage the network to support this KPI? Having a big name supporting you can help open doors.

Internal Culture and Operations

• Is your team committed to the programme—such as the mentoring, coaching, workshops, events, etc? Accelerators often take chunks of time out of your schedule. How is your team going to grow and scale as a result of the programme?

Personal Goals

• What are your objectives as a founder as well as your personal goals? (Trust me, it is also just nice to meet fellow founder friends in the trenches of building a business too!)

Knowing these key points in advance will help you make the most of the programme once it kicks off.

3. How am I going to make the most of the networks?

A demo day or pitch showcase is not the only time you should be networking. It starts from day one.

One of the biggest benefits of an accelerator is the ecosystem around it. From the moment you are accepted, you should be leveraging their network and credibility for you and your business. How are you going to make the most of the network, like:

• Portfolio or alumni companies

• Office space or hub partners

• Mentors, instructors, and facilitators

• Investors, angels, debt providers, or financial experts

• Corporate advocates or pilot partners

And, never forget to build bonds between your cohort members —they an incredible network that should never be underestimated.

These are the people you will be working side by side with, and these connections are ones you will want to fall back to when you need an introduction to a potential partner or a friendly face at a networking reception.

Live and Learn

Whether it is a yes, no or maybe so, whenever you are thinking of taking on more startup support, it is critical to understand the offering at hand and how you will end up making the most of it. (If you want to chat about accelerators more, happy to do so in the comments too!)

And have a question you’d like to submit? I would love to hear about your own QoD here, and it may be answered in a subsequent edition!

• There’s a special promo code for this newsletter S2SFREE if you want to join the MVP Launchpad: A Nontechnical Founder’s Guide online this Friday for free! This is a online series that the team at Venture Bento is collaborating with Skill Work on to support nontechnical founders in scoping, building, and understanding what an investable MVP looks like.

• Applications are open for The Pitch 2026, the UK’s and Ireland’s largest pitching competition is back (and bigger than before!) This is a great opportunity to get more eyes on your venture and a great support package.

• The DoHe Go-Together Accelerator is a virtual, global programme for Edtech founders and have applications open. Check out their page for the info webinars if you are considering joining in 2026.

If you have events, webinars, programmes, or interesting things in the ecosystem you think people should check out, just drop me a line.

If this has been useful to you or if you have feedback to improve, please drop me a quick line. Or share with a friend!