This document provides an overview of startup accelerators from the perspective of someone who went through one. It discusses why entrepreneurs may want to join an accelerator, some differences between popular accelerators like Y Combinator and TechStars, tips for getting into an accelerator program, advice for getting the most out of the program, and funding considerations. The overall message is that accelerators can provide mentoring, networking opportunities, and small funding that can help startups, but entrepreneurs need to be fully immersed and follow up extensively with contacts.

1. STARTUP ACCELERATORS
collection of stories from going through one
Jakub Nesetril
@jakubnesetril

2. ABOUT ME
• web developer for 15 years
• founder of Apiary.io — a REST API services company
• since May on Springboard accelerator in Cambridge

3. STARTUP WHAT?
large ideas collider
power of numbers
offer: small money, mentor network, specific help (taxes, law, fundraising, tech)

4. WHY ACCELERATOR?
when? if you’re a first-time entrepreneur, but have co-founders
if you need to meet mentors, investors etc.
not if you need to build your product

5. THE LITTLE DIFFERENCES
YC model prefers more unstructured time, occasional meetings
TechStars offers more hands-on approach
Seedcamp doesn’t have a “class”
1/1/1: mentors; building; pitching
different equities, money, loans, follow-through…
check NESTA Startup Factories, page 30: http://www.nesta.org.uk/home1/assets/features/the_startup_factories_report_feature

6. GETTING IN
application process: team just as important as the idea
be prepared to shoot a short video
demonstrate you’re serious

7. GETTING HIGH
get a good CRM, learn to live with it
follow-up, follow-up, follow-up

8. GETTING OUT
keep mentors engaged
work your contacts
have a roadmap

9. SURPRISES
30% teams struggle internal conflicts
sort your team/relationships out really well
relocate (ie. immerse yourself fully)
guerrilla marketing

10. FUNDING TIPS
rule of thumb - your potential exit size should be the size of your investor’s fund
use wisely - sometimes you DO NOT want funding
think about future rounds, too

11. GO DO IT!

12. QUESTIONS?
@jakubnesetril