The Role and Performance of Accelerators in the Australian Startup Ecosystem

Abstract

The scope of this project was to assess the value-add of Australian incubators and accelerators to the high-growth innovative startups they support, as well as to the local, regional and national innovation ecosystems. This scope includes exploring their impact on the development of entrepreneurial networks, improving the performance of the supported startups, and providing generally positive economic and social outcomes. While the focus was nominally on incubators and accelerators, other support organisations for startups were considered, including co-working spaces, angel groups, mentoring programs and training services.

Keywords: accelerators, incubators, angel investing, venture capital, start-ups, innovation, policy, entrepreneurial ecosystem

JEL Classification: M00, M13, O30, O32, O38