Sponsorship Diversity and Programme Design in European Green Accelerators

Abstract

An expanding body of research examines green accelerators, particularly their selection criteria and the performance outcomes of accelerated ventures. Yet most studies continue to treat accelerators as homogeneous entities, implicitly assuming uniform goals and activities. This study addresses this issue by mapping heterogeneity across European green accelerator programmes and analysing how sponsorship types—governments, corporations, investors, universities, and non‑profit organisations— are associated with specific programme characteristics. An exploratory content analysis of 123 programmes offered by 91 European green accelerators uncovers systematic, sponsorship-specific patterns in programme design, venture-selection criteria, and support services. These findings reveal the strategic imprint of sponsors on accelerator architecture and underscore the necessity of accounting for sponsorship-driven heterogeneity when evaluating accelerator effectiveness.

Keywords: Green Accelerator, Sponsorship, Green Ventures