Top 100 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in the World

Are you looking for capital and/or mentorship for your startup? Startup ecosystem is growing so fast it now has dozens of incubators and accelerators to choose from.

Beyond funding, startup accelerators also offer founders incredible valuable support for product development, sales and marketing.

Whether you are looking to find a co-founder, build your MVP and/or get the seed money you need to scale up, startup accelerators are the way to go. Who are they for? How much funding can you actually receive?

In this article we have listed our top 100 startup accelerators in the world. So, if you haven’t yet started to apply, here is a good place to start learning about them.

Incubator vs Accelerator: What’s the Difference?

Using the terms “incubator” and “accelerator” interchangeably is a common mistake. Whilst they are similar and sometimes can be found under the same roof (organization), they are very different.

Startup incubators

As the name suggests, startup incubators are tailored more to startups still in their incubation period for their ideas. As such, incubators help startup founders turn their ideas into early working prototype versions of a product or service.

Joining an incubator comes with many perks for early stage businesses. For example, incubators will typically let you use office spaces for twelve months, and in some cases every several years. 

Yet, not all incubators are equal. Some might be specialized on a specific industry, and others on a specific expertise: do you want to work on your Minimal Viable Product (MVP), or are you looking for help to kick-start your sales and marketing efforts?

Therefore, if you’re interested in joining an incubator program, you should first ask for feedback from founders who are currently in the program. You should find out how long they’ve been with the program and what growth they have achieved with its help. 

Startup accelerators

In contrast, startup accelerators are ideal for startups that have already gathered some momentum. That’s why startup accelerators are best for startups with a complete cofounding team, a MVP, and that are looking to accelerate their growth (commercialize their product / service). 

Accelerator programs usually take place between a few weeks to a couple of months. In that time, they’ll give you access to their network, connections, knowledge, and a relatively small amount of funding for your startup. 

When looking for an accelerator program, it is crucial to do your research. Identify the program’s list of alumni. Who among their startups experienced success? How many failed? Who are in their list of mentors, and what accomplishments do these people have that you think would help you succeed in your business?

Taking the time to find the best-fit startup accelerator for your business is essential. After all, you’ll be trusting these people to help your business succeed. 

Read Also: Top 21 Startup Accelerators in Africa

How Do Startup Accelerators Work

Startup accelerator is a program designed to help startup businesses grow and succeed. Accelerators can provide startups with funding, mentorship, resources, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs.

Startup accelerators typically have a specific focus and provide a structured program that includes mentorship, networking, and educational opportunities. The goal of an accelerator is to take a startup from concept to launch in a short period of time.

The process of joining an accelerator typically begins with an application process. After selecting the best startups, accelerators then provide them with guidance and resources to help them move forward.

This includes mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, access to capital, and connections with other successful startups. The amount of funding provided by an accelerator can range from a few thousand dollars up to millions of dollars.

In addition to providing funding, accelerators also provide education and mentorship opportunities for startups. Mentors are typically experienced entrepreneurs who can provide valuable advice about best practices for launching and growing a business.

They can also provide feedback on business plans and help startups identify potential areas of improvement.

Accelerator programs usually last between three and six months, but can vary depending on the program and the needs of the startup.

During this time, the startup should focus on developing its product or service, gaining customers, and building relationships with investors. At the end of the program, the startup will typically have a demo day where they will pitch their idea to potential investors.

Read Also: 5 Business Choices You Need to Make Right Now

Top 100 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in the World

Click here to download the full Top 100 Startup Accelerators & Incubators in the World with the names of their founders in an ebook.

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