Incubators and Accelerators: In order to address these differences, we are breaking down the typical incubator and accelerator based on twelve factors.
Entrepreneurs are often confused when considering participating in an incubators or accelerator. These programs vary widely, making it difficult for the potential client to understand the differences between. In order to address these differences, we are breaking the two down and providing a description of the typical incubator and accelerator based on twelve factors. By comparing the attributes within these factors, you should be able to understand which best fits your needs.
Incubators
Objective / Focus
Incubators are usually focused on supporting the ideation and innovation efforts of the startup. They support the development of the MVP, and the build out a business model and company. They provide growth programs at the correct pace for the startup company. Incubators tend to favor startups with long gestation periods.
Duration
Startups typically reside at incubators between 18 and 24 Months.
(However, this may vary.)
Structure
Incubators are usually “Not for Profit” organizations. Many are sponsored by local, state or federal government agencies through public funding or grants. Although relatively rare, there are a few “For Profit” specialty incubators.
Program
Incubator programs are generally unstructured and without formal schedules. Their services tend to be customized on the needs and agenda of entrepreneur and their team.
Funding
It’s uncommon to receive investment from incubators. In a few specific cases, typically related to “For Profit” Incubators or with focused government programs, significant services may be provided and equity may be requested.
Equity
Equity is not generally required. In certain cases, equity could be required. If it is, it’s at a much higher level than that required by accelerators, as specialized services are much more robust and have a longer duration.
Selection
Incubators are criteria and application based. Network contacts can also have a major impact on a startup’s selection to join an incubator. Due to the community needs, the duration and the capital intensity of incubators, they tend to be more selective and more difficult to get into than accelerators.
Community
Incubators are typically tied closely with the local community and its needs.
Relocation
The startup and entrepreneur are often required to relocate to the site of the incubator.
Facilities
Dedicated office space is provided on a month to month or lease term basis. In some cases at reduced fees and/or flexible lease terms. Some incubators also provide shared / co-working space as an alternative. Participation requires startups to domicile at the incubator.
Mentoring / Networking
Specific focused needs are provided upon request. This includes mentoring through the incubator’s network, based on the needs and schedule of the entrepreneur.
Program Conclusion
The incubator program typically ends at the expiration of the formal lease period or successful completion of the startup company’s incubation stage.
Accelerators
Objective / Focus
Ordinarily, accelerators focus on scaling and growing startups. Design, branding and strategic advice are typical components of accelerator programs. This is usually provided through a mentorship and educational program which culminates with a pitch event. Another major component of the program is the preparation of the startup for funding. Ultimately, accelerators attempt to do in a few months what would normally take the startup two years.
Duration
The average accelerator program lasts from 12 to 20 Weeks. However, networking and mentoring relationships last well into the future.
Structure
Accelerators are structured as “For Profit” organizations or Private / Public Partnerships.
Program
Accelerator programs are almost always highly structured, with the agendas being set by Accelerator. Accelerators are Cohort / Group driven experiences.
Funding
Most accelerators provide a small seed investment in return for a modest equity position in the startup company.
Equity: Accelerators typically require a provision totaling 3% – 8% of the startup’s equity, depending on the accelerator program.
Selection: Invitations to accelerator programs are based on the accelerator’s criteria and are usually application based. Such application process usually includes an interview process. While some accelerators such as Y Combinator are very popular and selective, accelerators are generally less selective than Incubators.
Community: Accelerators may or may not be tied to the local community and its’ needs. They tend to be more dependent on the objectives of the accelerator than the needs of the community, due to their “For Profit” nature.
Relocation: The startup may or may not be required to relocate, depending on the structure of the accelerator.
Facilities: Office facilities may or may not be provided, depending on the philosophy of the accelerator and structure of their program. Many allow cohorts to find their own space. For those which provide office space, habitation at that space is not always required during the program.
Mentoring / Networking: Broad-based mentoring through accelerator assigned mentors from a broad network of accelerator supporters is usually provided, consistent with the accelerator’s program structure and schedule.
Program Conclusion: Accelerators typically conclude with a Cohort Pitch at a Demo Day, which are attended by investors and the media.
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