The Best Startup Accelerators: What Program Design Factors Lead to Success?
Startup accelerators have become a crucial component of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing early-stage ventures with funding, mentorship, and access to valuable networks. However, not all accelerator programs deliver the same level of success. Recent research by Assenova and Amit (2024) analyzes 8,580 startups from 408 accelerator programs in 176 countries to determine how program design impacts startup performance. This study reveals that while accelerators generally improve startup outcomes, their effectiveness varies significantly based on their cohort composition, industry focus, and educational structure. In this article, we break down the findings and explore which factors contribute to startup success after acceleration. The study examines how accelerator design impacts startup performance, helping founders choose the…
