What is a startup accelerator?
Accelerators are intensive business growth programmes that typically last for three to six months. Joining an accelerator programme gives founders access to mentorship, guidance, resources, networking opportunities and a small amount of funding – usually in exchange for around 3-10% of their company’s equity.
For most accelerators, you’ll need more than just an idea to apply. You’ll need a prototype and often the first iteration of your product or service with initial market traction. If you’re accepted into an accelerator programme, startup advisors and seasoned entrepreneurs can help you refine your product, business model and pitch. They’ll also connect you to investors, giving you a better chance of raising seed funding.
Startup accelerator vs. incubator
Accelerators and incubators are both designed to help founders build a successful business. However, there are some key differences between these two programmes.
Accelerators focus on accelerating the growth of an existing startup – usually at the seed stage – that already has a minimal viable product (MVP) and a founding team in place. Accelerators are often cohort-based: only a certain number of startups get accepted at any one time, and they’re guided through the structured programme together. If you join an accelerator, you’ll receive actionable feedback to improve your product and business plan, as well as funding in return for a stake in your company.
Incubators are generally less structured than accelerators and aimed at very early-stage startups (e.g. pre-seed). These programmes provide the environment and resources needed to transform an initial idea into a viable business. Unlike accelerators, applying to an incubator doesn’t require an MVP, business plan or founding team.
When should you join a startup accelerator?
There’s no right or wrong time to join an accelerator, but you’ll probably find it more beneficial once you have product-market fit (PMF) and are preparing for your first funding round.
Since accelerators are ultimately designed to help founders improve their product and develop a business plan with the goal of securing investment, they’re less useful for companies that have already raised a priced round (such as a Series A). Most programmes end with a “demo day”, allowing startups to pitch to a variety of investors within the accelerator’s network.
How to apply to a startup accelerator
The first step is to identify the right accelerator and check whether your startup meets the eligibility criteria. While many accelerators look for companies with an MVP and some evidence of market traction, each programme has a particular area of focus and expertise. You’ll want to find one that aligns with your industry, growth stage and business goals.
Keep in mind that startup accelerators are often oversubscribed and highly selective; to get accepted onto a programme, you’ll need a well-crafted application that helps you stand out from the competition.
Here are some tips for nailing the application process:
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Highlight your unique value proposition – you should clearly articulate what sets your business apart, such as your team's expertise or the originality of your product.
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Prepare a compelling pitch deck or video – this is your chance to show why your startup could be the next big thing. Presenting your company’s story in an engaging way will make your application more memorable.
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Showcase your team's strength – your people play a significant role in the performance of your business. Emphasise how their combined experience, skills and know-how can help you succeed in your target market.
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Be clear and concise – your application and business model should be easy to understand for a non-expert, so avoid jargon and overly complex explanations where possible.
Applying for an accelerator isn’t just about showcasing your startup's potential; it's also an opportunity to reflect on your business strategy and goals. A well-prepared application can help you clarify your vision and roadmap, as well as increase your chances of getting accepted onto a reputable programme.
Best startup accelerators: UK and Europe
You’ve probably heard of global accelerators like Y Combinator and Techstars, but there are hundreds of other programmes that specialise in different growth stages, industries and vertical markets. We’ve pulled together a list of leading accelerator programmes in the UK and Europe to help you get started.
| Name | Details | Benefits |
| AI, deep tech or machine learning startups solving real-world problems. | - Optional cash support - Development and design support - Industry expert mentors | |
| Tech For Good Programme for startups at the prototype stage. | - £60k investment and possible follow-on funding - Community of investors, founders and mentors - Online workshops and in-person events | |
| UK seed to Series A startups tackling air pollution. | - Workshops and pitching sessions - Opportunity to work with air quality experts - Fundraising and pilot preparation | |
| Fintech, health, media and telecoms, climate and deep tech startups. | - Capital investment - Operational support - Network of funds and corporate partners | |
| EF Graduate: students, graduates or professionals with under two years' experience. EF Core: professionals, academics or PhD graduates with two years of experience or more. | - Co-founder matching - One-to-one guidance from a Talent Investor - Potential funding | |
| Deep tech, Fintech, eCommerce, edtech, proptech, agtech, cybersecurity or robotics startups with at least €50k annual turnover. | - Workshops and mentorship - Entrepreneur, partner and investor ecosystem - Co-working space and networking events | |
| Edtech startups developing AI-driven learning experiences. | - €90k investment (cash and acceleration services) - Access to H-FARM’s network and facilities - Real-world testing opportunities | |
| Hringiða: early-stage sustainability startups. Startup SuperNova: business solutions for the international market. Snjallræði: startups tackling social issues. | - International growth and financing support - Mentorship and targeted training - Investor pitch days | |
| Industry-specific opportunities and vertical programmes (e.g. LUISS EnLabs and cleantech accelerator, ZERO). | - Initial investment and potential follow-on funding - Industry testing opportunities - Ecosystem of founders and investors | |
| Open to all UK business owners (NatWest customers and otherwise). | - Coaching and support from industry experts - Access to co-working spaces - Networking events | |
| B2B tech scale-ups with an existing product (adtech, insurtech, IoT, retail, fintech or proptech). | - Access to new customers and channels - Exposure via PwC's network and media channels - Expert masterclasses and pitching events | |
| Early-stage German startups in the agriculture, food or digitalisation sectors. | - Network of potential customers, investors, partners and founders - Prototype development support - Office, lab and workshop access | |
| Various incubator and accelerator programmes for students, researchers and scaling SMEs. | - UK university partnerships - Investor-readiness training - Clinics with business advisors and academics | |
| Pre-seed or seed-stage tech startups with at least one female founder. | - Workshops run by investors and successful founders - Mentorship from Sie’s Venture Community - Fundraising guidance | |
| Industry-agnostic and open to companies of all growth stages. | - Business partner and investor connections - Fundraising guidance - Access to international partners and co-working spaces | |
| Pre-revenue or early-revenue tech startups in the deep tech, eHealth or blockchain sectors. | - €20k investment - Tax and legal consultations - Fundraising and pitching support | |
| Founders Program 2.0: early-stage startup with an MVP or prototype. Fighters Program: tech founders from disadvantaged backgrounds. | - Support from leading advisors - Funding for top performers - Access to STATION F’s campus, network and founder community | |
| Pre-seed or seed-stage startups in the edtech or future of work sectors. Based in (or planning to expand to) Europe or Asia. | - $50k funding, possible follow-on investment (up to $250k) - Industry expert mentors - Access to SCV’s investor network and edtech ecosystem | |
| Early-stage startups with a functioning prototype, first customers and no more than €2M in funding. | - €25k project budget - Collaboration with corporate partners - Access to UnternehmerTUM's network, office space and prototyping workshop | |
| ScalingUp Program for post-seed to Series A startups generating revenue and expanding internationally. | - Scale-up and expansion mentorship - VC and corporate partner matching - Access to international events | |
| Pre-seed and seed-stage startups with an MVP or prototype, focused on creating positive social or environmental impact. | - Finance, branding and impact sessions - Fundraising support and weekly pitching roundtables - Access to a network of 500+ investors | |
| Mission-driven founders or teams looking for a co-founder to help ‘hatch’ their business. | - Up to £300k in funding, plus a £13.2k stipend - Product and business model development support - Co-founder introductions |
How do accelerators affect company valuation?
The impact of joining a startup accelerator on your company valuation is multifaceted, starting with equity dilution. Typically, accelerators ask for about 3-10% equity in exchange for investment and support – including access to invaluable resources, mentorship and potential investor connections. Equity dilution is a natural part of startup growth that can affect your financial stake in the company and how much control you have, so it’s important to learn how to manage it properly.
On the other hand, getting accepted into a well-regarded accelerator programme can enhance your company's market valuation. An accelerator's endorsement often signals to potential investors that your startup is a worthwhile investment, which could lead to a higher valuation when you raise your first funding round. Additionally, the growth and development you gain from the programme can boost the intrinsic value of your business. These upsides could offset any initial equity loss and drive more investor demand.
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