There’s never been a better time to start a company, thanks largely to technological innovations that have made it easier to raise capital, find and manage new customers and streamline operations.
Some might say that entrepreneurship has entered a golden age in recent years. The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s 2015/16 Global Report estimates more than 100 million new businesses are launched each year. Furthermore, GEM puts the number of entrepreneurs worldwide at more than 400 million.
Those are encouraging figures, but there is a caveat — the success of a startup is far from guaranteed. Capital shortfall, having the wrong team in place, a lack of focus and unattractive unit economics are just some of the reasons startups fail. Overcoming those kinds of obstacles is no easy task. For some startups, however, participating in an incubator or accelerator can mean the difference between laying the foundation for a sustainable business and heading back to square one.
1. Research, research, research
Individual incubator programs can vary greatly in terms of which industries they cater to, the kinds of educational and mentoring services they offer, and the degree of expertise the program leaders bring to the table. Understanding how individual incubators align with your company’s needs is essential to choosing the right one.
2. Look at the mentorship
Having the right community in place can make a difference in outcomes for startups. A 2015 report from Unitus Seed Fund and Capria Accelerator found that the depth of an incubator or accelerator’s mentoring community is linked to the overall success rate of the program.
Beyond looking at the number of mentors who participate in a particular incubator, founders should also be paying close attention to who those mentors are. In an ideal setting, the experience and track record of a program’s mentors should be reflective of the industry your company is in and what you hope to achieve.
3. Make sure the timing is right
Choosing the wrong incubator is mistake number one. Entering an incubator at the wrong time is second on the list. Apply too early and you may be turned down if your company doesn’t have enough traction for the incubator to work with. Wait until you’ve already established your network or you are already generating substantial revenue and you may find that an incubator simply doesn’t hold as much value.
4. Refine your company’s story
Part of getting accepted into an incubator program is selling the acceptance committee on your company’s merits. That’s where a finely tuned narrative comes into play. To begin, think about what you want to accomplish and what problem your company addresses that other startups may be overlooking.
Then, reflect on your company’s history. Have you had to overcome any major hurdles to bring your startup to fruition? Are you taking an avant-garde approach to filling a specific need? Polish the details as much as possible so you’re creating a story that showcases where your company has been and where it’s headed.
6. Consider the equity dynamic
