Startup Accelerator

Definition

Definition A startup accelerator is a program that supports early-stage companies over a fixed period—often weeks or months—by providing mentorship, curriculum, and network access. Many accelerators invest a small amount of capital in exchange for equity and culminate in a showcase event (commonly called a demo day) where companies present to investors. Context Accelerators are designed to compress learning and execution: founders refine product direction, customer discovery, go-to-market, and fundraising readiness in a structured environment. The accelerator’s brand, mentor network, and investor access are often as important as the capital. Some accelerators specialize by sector or geography; others focus broadly on early-stage software. Allocator and Family Office Relevance Family offices may engage with accelerators in several ways: sourcing early-stage opportunities, co-investing alongside accelerator cohorts, or backing accelerator-affiliated funds or vehicles. When evaluating accelerator-sourced deals, family offices often look for signal quality: how selective the accelerator is, how it supports founders post-program, and whether the cohort outcomes show consistent follow-on funding or exits. Decision Authority and Process Considerations Because accelerator deals tend to be early and high-variance, decision authority often rests with the principal, CIO, or an early-stage sleeve owner. Approval thresholds may be defined by ticket size, concentration limits, or whether the family has an explicit venture allocation. Key Takeaways Accelerators are time-bound programs aimed at rapid founder progress Value often comes from network and follow-on access, not just capital Accelerator brand can be a sourcing filter, not a guarantee of quality Family offices assess accelerators by selectivity and cohort outcomes