The global rise of startups and venture capital can be attributed to the crucial role of startup accelerators and business incubators. Accelerators are intensive, hands-on programs to support startups in navigating the risks by offering resources, mentoring, capital, education, etc.
However, there are plenty of startup accelerator programs, and they may not benefit your business domain equally.
Therefore, understanding what you can get from one such program will ensure that you choose a suitable startup accelerator that aligns with your dynamic business needs and specific goals.
In this blog, we will give you an overview of the benefits of the startup accelerator programs, and we will also take a close look at the unique programs at Scalix, a platform for startup founders.
Benefits of the Startup Accelerator Programs
According to a Gompers and Lerner report, 90% of startups that don’t attract investment within three years eventually fail. Additionally, investors and venture capitalists require proof of product/service, proof of market, and a proven business model before making investment decisions.
In this scenario, startup accelerator programs help startups build all these and support them with the required resources.
Following are some of their critical benefits:
1. Access to the mentorship
Accelerator programs offer businesses a space to work with mentors, professionals, industry experts, experienced entrepreneurs, etc. Access to valuable mentorship helps startups navigate the hardships they endure in the early stages.
2. Building network
Startup accelerator programs offer businesses access to an extensive network, which can help them raise capital, find the market, and find the right talent.
3. Availability of capital
The challenge of finding the capital to build a startup can be excruciating. Startup accelerator programs help startups become capital-ready and propel their business forward. They also help startups with seed funding in exchange for equity.
4. Infrastructure
Startup accelerator programs offer resources and methods to help nurture startups in the initial stages. They provide the workspace and technical resources needed to transform their idea into a product/service.
Beyond business-building means and resources, the accelerator programs offer methods and structure to channel their focus on achieving their end goals.
How To Choose a Suitable Startup Accelerator Program?
Starting a business is a risky affair. How you mitigate various risks like innovation risk, market risk, technology risk, etc., determines the success of a startup.
Startup Accelerator Programs are immersive and hands-on. There are several accelerator programs in the startup ecosystem, and it is vital to choose the right program based on your business needs.
Now, let us examine how you can choose a startup accelerator program:
1. Industry-specific vs Generalised programs
Some accelerator programs accept startups irrespective of the nature of the industry. They are more generalised, while some others offer industry-specific programs, like retail, healthcare, agriculture and fintech, etc.
2. Level of support, mentorship, and resources
Startup accelerator programs vary in the level of support they offer. Some programs present only seed funds in exchange for equity, while others offer long-term funds. Others offer access to all these components, like mentorship, workspace, and resources.
3. Selection parameters
Accelerator programs have different criteria for selecting startups - some accept startups with Minimum Usable Prototype (MUP), while others accept startups irrespective of their stage.
Because of the highly competitive business landscape, choosing a suitable accelerator is confusing.
However, Scalix, an integrated platform for founders, delivers value-added knowledge, community, and mentorship to the founders through its cutting-edge programs and products.
Scaling Your Business to New Heights With Scalix
Here’s how Scalix’s startup accelerator program can cover all necessary bases:
1. Service provider marketplace
Scalix brings together service providers and startups under a single umbrella. This way, startups can access CFOs, legal advisory, staffing and hiring, banking, etc.
2. Startup community
You can connect with a community of founders to forge partnerships. You can also find prospects for your product/ service.
3. Largest perks platform
Scalix remains the largest perks platform offering popular business tools like AWS, Zoom, Canva, CleverTap, GitHub, etc., at discounted rates.
4. Startup knowledge base
At Scalix, we offer consulting and advisory services along with industry trend reports to help founders stay on track with the expectations of the evolving ecosystem.
5. Custom business templates
Scalix offers 100s of business templates, including HR templates, sales templates, marketing templates, etc. Startups can customise these templates to their requirements.
6. Capital-ready funding dashboard
We also help you assess your capital readiness. You can also find access to investors on LetsVenture, trica capital, and Propell Fund.
7. Mentoring
Using Scalix, you can get mentoring support and advice on your struggles. Apart from technical support, you can get your ideas and concepts validated and seek professional advice for growth and evolution.
Closing Notes
Startup accelerator programs offer startups the most-needed resources, mentoring, market access, and monetary support in their early stages.
Before choosing an accelerator program, evaluate your requirements, ability, market readiness, etc., and choose a program that aligns with your needs.
Scalix offers personalised support and resources to startups to fast-track their growth and eventually succeed.
It is a one-stop store for all your startup requirements, for it offers professional services, vetted business templates, access to capital, knowledge, mentoring, tools, market validation, etc.
Contact our experts for more information!
