Accelerating Startups: The Seed Accelerator Phenomenon

Abstract

We examine and discuss the seed accelerator phenomenon which has recently received much attention both in the US and across the globe. While accelerators appear to be proliferating quickly, little is known regarding the value of these programs; how to define accelerator programs; the differences between accelerators, incubators, angel investors and co-working environments; and the importance of the various aspects of these programs to the ultimate success of their graduates, the local entrepreneurship ecosystems and the broader U.S. economy.

This is a working paper. A published version can be found here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2019.04.003 or http://yael-hochberg.com/assets/portfolio/CFHM.pdf

Please cite: Cohen S, Fehder DC, Hochberg YV, Murray F. 2019. The design of startup accelerators. Research Policy 48(7): 1781–1797.

Keywords: Accelerators, startups, incubators, angels