Should Your Company Join an Accelerator or Incubator Program?

As soon as your company’s name becomes listed in a directory like Crunchbase or Pitchbook, don’t be surprised if your email inbox becomes filled with exhortations to apply to an accelerator or incubator. Even if you don’t receive these missives, you will no doubt stumble upon articles about how this or that large company got its start with two or three bright young people pivoting from one idea to the next in a famous accelerator program like Y-Combinator, TechStars or 500 Startups.

Should you consider joining one of these programs yourself? Here's what to consider. 

Some networks work
One of the most significant benefits you can receive from an accelerator program is access to its network. Many young companies are initially judged based on whether more established companies are using their technology or product. Incubators and accelerators that have been around for many years and have ended up producing a number of large and ongoing companies may be better suited to help your company get its first toehold with some brand-name clients.

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